Studying. Something that all of us certainly do not enjoy. However, these days, music is seen as a coping mechanism for tackling a long and tedious day of study sessions. It can play a huge role in assisting students across the country, not just at LOHS, to stay focused, motivated and relaxed. Still, what students choose to listen to varies widely depending on their own preferences, personalities and the type of work they’re attempting to tackle that day. 

For freshman Norway Vo, pop music is her number one choice: “I love to listen to pop,” she explained. “I find it keeps me focused and upbeat when I’m doing something super tedious like math homework.”. Pop music’s upbeat tempo and fast rhythms can certainly make repetitive tasks like Algebra or Chemistry homework feel a lot less draining, turning homework into something more manageable and hopefully a little bit more enjoyable.

Junior Kane Sehy takes a much different approach though, leaning into hip-hop stars. “I like to listen to something like Jay-Z or Kanye when I’m trying to get locked in. It’s just what I enjoy,” Sehy said. For students across the country, rap and hip-hop can provide the energy and confidence needed for staying present in not only a normal, boring school day but also something routine like homework. It can turn that routine into something manageable. 

Meanwhile, senior Katie Austin prefers a calmer vibe. She shared, “Something classical or something smooth, without words. I find that a lot of the time when I’m listening to words, it can make the whole studying thing distracting.” Classical music, with its flowing melodies, has been historically praised for boosting concentration and bringing down stress, especially during a long study session or when reading dense material that LOHS classes are often notorious for.

Together, these perspectives work to sculpt how diverse study habits can be for kids at LOHS. Some students feed off upbeat rhythms, others on lyrical melodies, and still others on soothing instrumentals. The common thread is that music helps turn something that would originally be seen as a chore into a more engaging and fun experience.

Whether it’s pop, hip-hop or classical, the right playlist can make all the difference. For some kids, finding the perfect study soundtrack isn’t just about a certain music taste, it’s about creating the mental environment they need to feel like they can have the ability to succeed in high school. 

So, what about you, Lakers? What do you listen to when you’re studying?