The school year is coming to an end and as we start studying for exams, writing final papers and finishing up the last of the school projects, I thought I’d approach a topic I always wonder about: study music.

I used to listen to my iTunes on shuffle, but I soon realized that if I knew the words to a song, I’d find myself singing along rather than studying.

So if you are like me and looking for some music that’s lively enough to keep you studying, but keeps your mind on the task and not the song, I’ve got some suggestions.

While writing it is hard to concentrate on the words you are typing if words from a song are distracting you. I have a solution. There is a band called Explosions in the Sky, whose instrumental music has all the elements of a band: guitar, bass, drums, but there are no lyrics and thus no distractions. Check them out on their Myspace Page.

I would suggest the Shins for studying purposes. I love the Shins and their lively music will definitely keep you awake if you’re studying into the night, but it isn’t difficult to zone out the words while studying. Check out their latest music here.

I am hoping to post a list of songs for decreasing stress next week. If anyone has suggestions, feel free to send them to me.