The average teenager spends 2.5 hours per day listening to music, and music that has a tempo of 60 bpm increases the efficiency of the brain in processing information. Psychologists have shown that music has many beneficial effects on people’s moods and mental health. But is that really the case?
Studies have stated, “Listening to music that does not have lyrics attached to it lets the listener project their personal feelings and their struggle into the music”(Bethaney Cook). Here at Ipswich High School, the choir teacher Ms. Frost and high school senior Alivinana Gauthier shared their thoughts on the matter.
A teacher like Ms. Frost, who cares deeply about her student’s well-being, has noticed that music helps students cope with stress and provides them with a sense of belonging. She stated, “The chorus is a great place that’s there for everyone, and gets you making music with everyone,” she stated, “It is like a break from the academic side; it’s a different energy, different sense of team, and there’s an artistic element.”
A non-profit organization called The Jed Foundation has found that music helps people explain what they’re going through when they aren’t able to put it into words. In Ms Frost’s career she has had a handful of students that are songwriters. She states, “They definitely enjoy that expressive element. I did teach a songwriting class for the first time last spring and it was super cool to see the students explore that expressive side of themselves, as hard as it sometimes is in a room full of peers.”
In addition, it has been proven that singing, playing an instrument in school, in a band, or with friends can connect you with a community of people who share a common interest. If you don’t play an instrument or sing you can still find people who share your love for a particular band or type of music. A feeling of belonging to something larger than yourself is a proven way to improve your mental health. Ms. Frost is always happy to see the students that are involved in the music department, or music based classes that are offered at IHS because she emphasized, “I think the music department especially has something for everyone. If you want to study something very seriously, or dabble in your voice or instrument, I see that it improves students’ well-being.”
To get an inside look of a student’s perspective, Aliviana Gauthier shared her experiences on a day to day basis. She states, “When I get in my car, I don’t care what time it is; I will not have a silent car ride. I blast my music as high as it can go. You will never catch me not listening to music.”
On the academic side, for many of us students there are times when it is difficult to concentrate, or we need something to ease the tension of stress, implement relaxation, and music can help with that. Aliviana states, “I get so much of my work done with music, and it feels less stressful.”
Considering, at every sporting event there is always music playing while a team is warming up. Have you ever wondered why that is? Studies have effectively shown that playing upbeat music with the intention of getting in a better mood actually works.
Before all Aliviana’s sports games such as softball and cheerleading she listens to music to get in the zone. She explains, “I enjoy listening to music when getting ready for a game and I know on the bus going to a game people tend to listen to music on the speaker and get hyped up as a team.” As a student involved in sports like Aliviana, I personally can relate to her. Before softball games, I get in the zone too by listening to music. We both have different kinds of music that are mood boosters, and that’s what makes music so special.
