Classical music isn’t just for the creepos who live at Barnes and Noble.

Studies say classical music help students focus when studying, and is shown to help improve math scores. Even if you’re not taking the GRE anytime soon, here are a few classical selections to get you started.

1) Schubert: Impromptus, Op. 90, D 889 - #2 in E Flat
Gentle and light, this is a good piece to start with. While all of Schubert’s Impromptus exhibit a similar calming quality, this selection has many facets with sweet trills and speedy runs. Need noise in order to study? This one is sweet and wont distract too much.

2) Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor
Even non-classical music aficionados will recognize this. Building with tempo and grandiose, this is a good selection for all you art majors needing a serious push in finishing painting, or for all the English majors needing some help getting into the classical mood.

3) Lakmé: “Sous Le Dôme Épais” (Flower Duet)
This selection has a happy, hopeful feel that will encourage anyone to write even the most depressing of papers. With multiple levels of instruments, I recommend listening to an orchestra recording of this.

4) Liebestraum No. 3 in A Flat, S. 541 No. 3
Gentle and soft, this is another perfect piece for background music. While it can most definitely be appreciated on a musically elevated level, it also boasts of beautiful runs and slow progressions. Non-offensive for those who don’t want the music demanding center stage, this is a piece that stands out just as well on a lower volume.

5) Für Elise
Arguably one of the most famous songs in classical music, Beethoven’s Für Elise is both calming, yet interesting from a solo piano player. While some parts may seem repetitive, consistency is key for any good concentration session.

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