Although the Levush wrote that it is proper to say Tehillim before tefillah, nevertheless, one who knows how to learn Torah should prefer to learn Torah.
Sources and Explanations
The Pri Megadim (Mishbetzot Zahav 1:8) ruled that since Pesukei DeZimra (the verses of praise in the morning prayers) are Tehillim, namely from “Tehillah LeDavid” until “Baruch Hashem LeOlam,” therefore a ba’al Torah (Torah scholar) should learn beforehand.
From the sefer “Shaf Veyativ – Laws of Saying Tehillim” by Rabbi Shay Tahan, Chapter 2: The Proper Times for Saying Tehillim, Halacha 3 (p. 17 in the print edition). Translated from the Hebrew original.
