Exams coming up? We know the grind can be rough. Hours of staring at your screen, notes blurring together, and your focus disappearing faster than your motivation. But don’t stress – just jazz! Because we’ve cooked up something to help you power through in style.

The exam season is coming up again, which means we’ll turn Section C of the HU Library into the ultimate study spot with a live soundtrack to keep your brain switched on. Research shows instrumental music can seriously boost your concentration and help you stay in the zone longer. And we’re giving you not one, not two, but five incredible artists to set the vibe.

Add in free coffee, tea, and snacks (because no one studies well on an empty stomach), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for turning exam prep from a struggle into a vibe.

No need to sign up, just drop by! So grab your books, claim your spot, and let’s jazz it up while we study.

12:00–14:00 | Vasilis Papadopoulos & Theodore Lotis (lo-fi jazz)
Two Greek guitarists, endless vibes. Vasilis and Theodore weave lo-fi jazz with Mediterranean colors, abstract textures, and soulful improvisation. Think jazz standards drifting into free experiments. Guitars, pedals, and imagination creating soundscapes that bounce between sweet harmonies and edgy atonality.

Their inspirations range from drawing and minimalism to photography and the traditions of jazz and the Eastern Mediterranean. The result? A sonic journey that feels both peaceful and unpredictable; perfect for calming the chaos and locking in your focus.

15:00–17:00 | Yannick Forster Trio (modern jazz)
Pianist Yannic Forster, drummer Damian de Muijnck, and double bassist Zack Lober bring a fresh take on modern jazz infused with Middle Eastern flavors and contemporary twists. Together, they craft a subtle, layered sound world that both supports your concentration and leaves room to drift off into daydreams.

Their music flows between stillness and rhythmic drive; an ideal soundtrack for studying when you need both focus and a spark of energy. In other words: modern jazz that keeps your brain buzzing in all the right ways.

Study Sounds is a coproduction by Podium and the HU Library to create the ultimate study environment. Young and talented local artist will perform live instrumental music inside section C of the library to help you keep your focus and break out of your study slump. Get to know different genres of music and enjoy some drinks and snacks while you work through your study material in preparation of your exams.

The library is accessible by elevator via the ground floor of Padualaan 99. Every floor and Padualaan 101 have a wheelchair accessible toilet. Zone C is accessible by wheelchair upon request. Please contact the service desk via tel:088-4817125 or mail: bibliotheek@hu.nl to arrange this access in advance or talk to the person behind the desk on the day itself. This event is a Language No Problem event so you’re welcome to come, no matter what language you speak. If you have any worries or needs that might prevent you from participating in this activity, please let us know by sending a message to podium@hu.nl and we will try to accommodate as best as we can.