Students in Amsterdam are studying in an unusual setting: the Concertgebouw, one of the city’s most famous concert halls. They sit in the main hall with their laptops, books, and coffee while live classical music is performed around them. The students aren’t being rude by ignoring the musicians. At this event, they’re meant to be studying — and the music is intended to assist rather than distract them.

The study sessions were first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were organized by Entree, the concert hall’s youth program, with the aim of helping students improve their focus while also exposing them to classical music. Since then, the events have remained popular.

During a recent session, musicians performed well-known pieces such as Pachelbel’s Canon in D, as well as works by Handel and Schubert. The program also included music from Studio Ghibli films. Kyra Mulder, a 21-year-old student, said the music created a calm atmosphere that helped her concentrate, even though she does not usually listen to classical music.

Tickets are priced at just 2.50 euros, and students are provided with free Wi-Fi in the hall. The director of the Concertgebouw, Simon Reinink, said he hopes young people will enjoy the experience and return in the future. Professor Bas Bloem, a neurologist at the Radboud University Medical Center, noted that while background music may distract some people, it can help others stay highly focused.