Students are impacted by music not only in their regular lives, but unconsciously as well. According to studies, music impacts almost every part of the brain and has benefits in brain function. These benefits help students subconsciously gain more from listening to music.
Feel the Rhythm
Students rely on the positive impact of music in their everyday lives
Some students hear music and think nothing of it. For others, who were influenced by music in their early age of life, hear each beat and rhythm which serves as an outlet and carries them throughout their days.
Junior Francesca Dessert’s interest in music sparked at a young age as her grandparents were in musical theatre.
“I got started singing there, and I’ve always loved all types of music,” Dessert said. “I have a special community there [musical theatre].”
In addition to singing, Dessert has since taken on playing the piano, mandarin, xylophone, ukulele and guitar.
“It was something that came pretty natural to me — sight reading,” Dessert said.
Uniting with others who share a passion for music creates friendships and bonds, Dessert said.
“I’ve always liked collaborating with people who are interested in music and just finding shared interests and developing relationships surrounding what we both love,” Dessert said.
According to Dessert, music influences and creates a sense of serenity.
“One of the most relaxing things for me to do after coming home from a stressful day, is to play the piano, guitar or sing with my family,” Dessert said.
Choir director Robin Christie said she sees the positive impact that music makes in the everyday life of her students.
“Many come to choir as an outlet for their other school anxieties,” Christie said. “It can trigger fond memories or uplift the spirit.”
Junior Cara Parisi’s love for music was influenced by her parents who are both music teachers.
“Music has been part of my life since I was born,” Parisi said. “It’s really been a way I navigate through my life and how I adapt to things.”
The satisfaction after accomplishing a piece of music brings joy, according to Parisi.
“I really enjoy when you’ve practiced all this time, and then at the very end you get something you are really proud of and enjoy playing,” Parisi said. “It really turns into something that you’re proud of and something that you enjoy listening to.”
The love for music has portrayed specific life long goals for Parisi and senior Frances Shaughnessey.
“I want to teach special needs students how to play the piano, so they have something they love to do,” Parisi said.
Shaughnessey’s love for music persuaded her to pick a music-based occupation.
“I plan on majoring in music production,” Shaughnessey said. “I also want to make an album eventually.”
The effort of musicians is impelling, Shaugnessey said.
“It takes a long time to sit down, record, and produce,” senior Shaughnessey said. “The reason I keep going is because of the artists who inspire me and the people who motivate me.”
Junior Lola Wrigley and senior Stella Hokanson interact with music through buying.
“I’ve been really into CDs because they are cheap and easily go into your car,” Wrigley said. “It is also a good way to discover new music.”
Hokanson’s appreciation for music is shown through her vinyl collection.
“I have 50 to 60 vinyls,” Hokanson said. “I think it is a really cool streaming platform because it is more personal.”
According to Christie, the personal connection to music is a perfect way to express yourself today.
“Music offers people a way to express themselves when they don’t know how, an opportunity to get in touch with a mood or emotion they can’t seem to without that melody or lyrics,” Christie said.
