The Best Music to Revise To

Procrastinating again? Yep, revision is probably the most boring thing you’ll do this summer. But that necessary evil can be made a little more palatable by the addition of some timely tunes.

Can it work for you? Will you study better listening to some of YOUR favourite music? If you’re a student who is revising right now – I would be willing to bet that your earphones are on and your music is blasting. But is it the best way to revise?
Maybe. Let’s take a look at some of the best music to revise to – and see whether music will help or hinder your studies.

A proven science

So, it comes down to what sort of person you are. You may be one of those types who prefers total silence as you revise – in which case this is not for you. But there is a well-researched science behind all of this…
It’s called the Optimum Arousal Level – no sniggering at the back.
What is that? Not what you think. It’s the level where you’re most focused – at your best. Our personality type dictates the type of music we like, and what we play can affect how we perform when we need to concentrate on something like revision.

Introvert or extrovert?

An introvert with a low level of Optimum Level of Arousal will like low, quiet music in the background – or no music at all.
An extrovert with a high level of Optimum Level of Arousal will like the volume turned right up – so if that’s you, then it’s scientifically proven that you need a distraction to perform better. So when your flat mates or parents bang on your door and tell you to turn the music down, you’ll have the perfect excuse.

What type of music?

What will be on your revision playlist? Are you a jazz freak? Into something classical? More interested in the best of EDM? Now that you have the excuse to procrastinate for a little longer in order to create it – what will you choose? Some of this year’s festival headliners? A mash up of your all-time favourite tunes? Are you a top downloaded, mainstream type of person? Some people prefer music with no lyrics others can work through anything.
Whatever gets your brain and recall abilities going – another proven fact is that familiar music works better than unfamiliar – so your playlist should be songs you already love.

Our top 10 revision music now

We’ve put together a Top Ten for revision, just for you – see whether you can drag some inspiration from it, or go and log onto Spotify and create your own right now.

Bobby Nourmand – B E C A U S E

Disclosure – Holding On ft Gregory Porter

The Magician – Together

Ryan Lofty – The Mountain

Jason Derulo – Want to Want Me

Jamie xx – Loud Places (ft Romy)

David Guetta ft Nicki Minaj & Afrojack – Hey Mama

Alex Clare – Never Let You Go

James Bay – Hold Back the River

Florence + The Machine – Ship to Wreck

Like our pick of the best music to revise to? Check out some of our recommended revision techniques.