Music deserves a place in the classroom

by Lailah Miller

Music shapes my life in many ways because I can always find a song that matches my mood.

The different genres of music range across a wide variety of emotions. It can deeply affect our mental state. When I want to be happy and lighten up, just one hype song can lift my mood. The song “Live Your Life” by T.I and Rihanna is upbeat and energetic, which can make people feel happier and more positive. On the other hand, “Nothing” By Steve Lacy has emotional, heartfelt lyrics that can help people relate to sadness or memories. Overall, music shows how a song’s lyrics and beat can influence our emotions and change the way we feel.

Not only is music a way for people to express their personal feelings, but research also shows how it can affect our emotions and moods.

Studies show that music is a fundamental part of the human species. For example, the Harvard Medical School states, “Bright, cheerful music can make people of all ages feel happy, energetic, and alert, and music may even have a role in lifting the mood of people with depressive illness.”

Given these powerful effects, it’s worth considering how incorporating music into educational settings might benefit students on a daily basis.

If music can have such a strong and positive effect on students’ emotions, focus, and moods, then maybe bringing music into classrooms could help students feel more relaxed, stay focused, and create a better learning environment.

Think about bringing music into workout classes or in the art room to generate ideas for artists on what to draw. In fitness settings, upbeat playlists can boost motivation, help set the pace, and make exercising more enjoyable.

Similarly, in art rooms, background music can encourage imaginative thinking, spark new ideas, and help students relax so they can better express themselves. Incorporating music in these ways could make school experiences more enjoyable and help students reach their full potential.

While music has the potential to improve the classroom experience, Indiana’s statewide ban on phones creates a challenge for students and teachers hoping to easily access music during the school day.

Overall, I think music deserves a place in the classroom because it can help students focus, relax, and be more creative. Even with Indiana’s phone ban, schools should find ways to let students enjoy music while learning.