Calming Instrumental Music 

 

Whether you are making a series, film, podcast, or any production, there will likely be a moment when you want your audience to feel comfortable and relaxed. When wanting to provoke a sense of calm, music is one of the best tools available. 

 

There are different kinds of calming instrumental music and they all work for different productions. Here we break down five different kinds of calming music and when they are best used. 

Popularized by super producer Brian Eno, ambient music has been providing a sense of calm for decades. Often featuring minimal rhythm, long legato notes, and electronic sounds such as synth pads, ambient music provides soft textures and allows plenty of space for dialogue. While some versions can be haunting, much of this style of music consists of light and airy sounds that borrow from nature and resemble ASMR.  

 

Suggest Keywords: Ambient, Atmospheric, Ethereal, Soundscape

 

Best Uses: Docu-series, Podcasts, Timelapses, ASMR, Yoga/Meditation

Encapsulating hundreds of years of classical music, Contemporary Classical music draws inspiration from Beethoven to Satie to Glass. While this genre can also provide a range of emotions, a large collection of this music is light, minimalistic, and pastoral. The orchestral instrumentation can provide a luxurious feel making it a great choice for cerebral or high end productions. 

 

Suggested Keywords: Contemporary Classical, Calm/Calming, Documentary, Floating, Peaceful

 

Best Uses: Documentaries, Luxury Branding, Pharmaceutical Ads, Films

There are always styles of music that have their 15 minutes of fame, and we are currently on minute 30 for chill beats. Popularly known as Lo-Fi, this genre has become Gen Z and Alpha’s go to calm instrumental music. With simplified arrangements, warm textures, vintage filters, and slow tempos, this music is used for studying, sleeping, or simply hanging out.

 

Suggested Keywords: Beats, Relaxed, Expansive, Lifestyle, Lo-Fi

 

Best Uses: Influencer Content, Advertisements, Travelogues, Podcasts

Stirring scenes of campfires and open plains, the acoustic guitar has become synonymous with softer genres of music. From open chords to harmonics, the acoustic guitar adds a rural feel to any production looking to convey a sense of home. Our collection features many solo acoustic guitar works, but also paired with other instruments that add a calming feel.

 

Suggested Keywords: Acoustic Guitar, Gentle, Warm, Nature, Pastoral

 

Best Uses: Advertisements, Travelogue, TV Bulletins, Rural Programming

88 keys can express a lot of emotion, but calming and relaxing are two standouts. A dynamic instrument of great prominence and range, piano music can be used in everything from dinner music to meditations. Softer sounds can be found with an unaccompanied soloist or with additional electronic elements.

 

Suggested Keywords: Solo Piano, Sentimental, Reflective, Heart-warming 

 

Best Uses: Programming, Documentary, Advertisements, Emotional Programming