In the midst of midterm mania, it seems as though relaxation and calmness cease to exist. The stress of studying and not having enough time in the day to complete homework often destroy our sense of motivation (or sanity) and can leave us in a state of discouragement and defeat. Do not fear, however, for these three particular jazz pieces have greatly helped my struggle to find the necessary time and personal strength, to get through the difficult time that is midterm season.

Perhaps the greatest piece of music to accompany the daunting task of studying, in my opinion, is John Coltrane‰’s “I‰’m Old Fashioned.‰” It combines the relaxing tempo of a jazz ballad with the raspy tendency of high notes on the alto saxophone to create a lively, yet cathartic sound. It’s ideal for setting the tone for a study-filled afternoon or evening. The continuity of melodies and tone of the piece helps to instill the sense of tranquility and focus within the environment of the listener that is so crucial during periods of heavy concentration. Coltrane introduces the mellow timbre on the first beat of the piece and eventually hands it off to the trombone, piano and trumpet players that mimic the particular style of playing on their own instruments.

For those who don‰’t mind hearing vocals while studying, Billie Holiday is a great choice. Her voice is smooth and relaxing, as it never fails in restoring that sense of peace from within. Though “I‰’ll Be Seeing You‰” is soft and mellow, it does not bore or tire the listener. Billie‰’s vocals and the calm, pulsating melody of the piano, snare and horns compliment one another perfectly. The sounds work together to evoke serenity.

Alternatively, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald‰’s “Cheek To Cheek‰” is a peppier, more upbeat selection of relaxing jazz. Besides the voices of both Armstrong and Fitzgerald, that of which are naturally grittier and more robust than Billie Holiday‰’s, the faster tempo and lack of prolonged whole notes in the horn section create a different type of studying music. You can‰’t help but tap your pen on your notebook while listening to this piece and, though it is not a belt-your-heart-out kind of song, it will make you want to hum along while flipping the hundreds of pages of reading you have to catch up on.