Music, aka Free Therapy

Written by Allison Liu
Edited by Kathy Lu
Cover Image by Nancy Cao

Too much to do and too little time to do it. We’re all too familiar with those days that feel like they will never end, and all of us certainly know what it’s like to be busy high schoolers. So, what makes the time go by faster? How can we increase productivity? A recent survey estimated that around 60% of students use music to help with studying (myself included). According to Spotify’s report, by 2021, users aged 18 to 24 consumed over 578 billion minutes of music. Most, if not all of us, are well aware that music is a big part of our lives as it has become a massive source of entertainment (e.g the rise of pop culture). But like our understanding of many things, we’ve only grazed the surface. Curiosity would lead us to wonder what is it about music that makes us so drawn to it. Today, we explore specifically why music appeals strongly to this generation of teenagers, how our brains react when we hear our favourite song, and finally the link between music and learning.

Based on a new report, Gen Z teens are listening to a more diverse range of music than ever before. “Music plays a pivotal role in Gen Z’s lives,” says Sweety High CEO Frank Simonetti. “Gen Z loves music and they’re happy to consume music wherever and whenever it’s available.” In a survey of American teens, 72% said they preferred pop music making it the most popular genre in the United States. The lyrics, melodies, and accessibility make the pop music genre all the more appealing. Most agree that music is about how artists connect with their listeners’ emotions and express original statements through their songs. This is most prominently obvious in genres including, but not limited to, pop, rap, and rock. Songwriting is often drawn from inspiration and artists’ experiences. In many cases, teens feel and connect with what the artist is saying or can at least understand the meaning and impact behind their stories. Exploring our musical taste by identifying with certain stories and enjoying the melodies makes music a creative outlet. Not to mention how much we all enjoy watching our favourite artists and celebrities.

It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem - it’s me. Catchy, gets stuck in your head, and is probably overplayed. Although it’s just words, there’s no doubt you didn’t hear the “Anti-Hero” melody while reading that. Something people often ponder is how they can’t remember a math formula or where they left their keys, but they most certainly will not miss a beat when singing their favourite songs. Turns out that certain repetition and rhythm of a catchy song quite literally forces our brain to remember it. Research continues to support the healing effects of music. Our favourite melodies release dopamine, which I’m sure a lot of us know from Grade 9 Health, is also known as the feel-good hormone. Dopamine activates our brain’s pleasure and reward system. Psychologically, certain music helps to stimulate us and increase our energy levels for the day, while others have a more calming effect. Neuroscientist Indre Viskontas says, “Listening to calm music when you are anxious can also lower your heart rate and deepen your breathing…all of a sudden your brain is trying to sync up with the music and if the music has a slower pulse, then that slows down the other autonomic parts of your nervous system.” Music truly does have a direct effect on our brain and overall emotions.

As we mentioned, music does have a direct effect on improving our motivation and overall mood. In terms of studying, rewarding yourself with your favourite music can provide the motivation you need to learn new information. According to a 2007 study, music — classical music, specifically — actually helps you to absorb and interpret new information more effectively. If you struggle to make sense of a certain topic, listening to music can make this process easier. Other research also supports music as a possible method of improving focus. In a 2011 study involving 41 boys diagnosed with ADHD, the results demonstrate that although background music might have distracted some of the boys, it led to overall better performance. Ever wonder why people love to work in coffee shops or why your local Starbucks is always crowded with teens trying to do their homework? The generally relaxed atmosphere and background noise really improves focus and productivity for many people. Obviously, the classic coffee shop background music is an added bonus. It’s still important to know what kind of learner you are because for some, music can distract you from completing a certain task.

There is so much to consider when it comes to music as an art form but what we can take away is that it has truly become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Teens, especially, can connect with the storytelling in music. For the developing mind, music is oftentimes a source of inspiration. Psychologically, music has proven to directly impact our brains and in turn our feelings and cognitive function. The area with the most relevance to us as learners is the link between music and our study habits. Knowing how you best learn and what makes you productive is essential, but music can provide positive benefits while studying. Whether you’re a Spotify user or an Apple Music enthusiast (but we all know which one is better), music is an art form unlike any other, and it has become more meaningful to us over time. If I’m feeling happy, sad, or if it was the best day of my life, there’s always a song to match my mood.

Works Cited

Ahmed, Kamran. “The Benefits of Music for Teens.” Stage Music Center In Acton and Winchester MA, Stage Music Center In Acton and Winchester MA, 30 Mar. 2022, www.stagemusiccenter.com/music-school-blog-winchester-acton-ma/role-of-music-in-healthy-development-of-adolescents.

Dutta, Nayantara. “Why We Remember Music and Forget Everything Else.” Time, Time, 14 Apr. 2022, www.time.com/6167197/psychology-behind-remembering-music/.

“Here's How Music Can Help You Concentrate.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/does-music-help-you-study#negative-effects.

Kirsch, Noah. “The inside Story of Papa John's Toxic Culture.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/forbesdigitalcovers/2018/07/19/the-inside-story-of-papa-johns-toxic-culture/?sh=5b1315ee3019.

MusicAdmin. “The Benefits of Music on Teens.” Children's Music Lessons and Camps Brooklyn, 20 Feb. 2021, www.musication.nyc/the-benefits-of-music-on-teens/.

Why Pop Music Is so Popular among Teenagers – Boysetsfire. www.boysetsfire.net/why-pop-music-is-so-popular-among-teenagers/.