Music in the classroom can enhance student learning

by Dana Romero Regalado

Music is often viewed as a controversial topic; some question whether it should be included in the classroom or prohibited. Many see music as a distraction or unethical to have at a school, when it’s supposed to be a learning experience and environment for many students. 

“I think it helps them, again, to improve their pronunciation. It widens their knowledge of vocabulary,”  stated educator Megan Cortez.

Additionally, incorporating music into the classroom can further strengthen these skills. Music provides students with exposure to authentic language use, offering rhythm, tone, and repetition that aid in mastering correct pronunciation. It also introduces new vocabulary in meaningful and memorable contexts, allowing students to expand their language skills in an engaging way.

By integrating music into lessons, teachers can create a more dynamic learning environment that motivates students and supports long-term retention, according to Cortez.

“Yes, I do believe that music helps me strive to learn because it reduces stress as I listen to mostly calm songs, and it helps my brain process information more easily instead of shutting down under pressure,” stated sophomore Zihan Lin.

Music also serves as a powerful aid in reducing stress and enhancing students’ ability to process information. By creating a soothing and supportive atmosphere, music helps alleviate the pressure often associated with academic settings, allowing students to approach learning with a clearer and calmer mind. This lowered stress not only improves focus but also strengthens memory retention. Moreover, the rhythm and structure of music stimulate cognitive functions, enabling students to organize and internalize new information more effectively.

“Music has the potential to help students succeed in school, build self-confidence, and create leaders and well-rounded young people,” according to the Save the Music Foundation, a charity program that supports students by providing schools with instruments, training, and resources.

Music not only enriches academic performance but also strengthens essential life skills. When students engage with music, whether through playing an instrument, singing, or analyzing lyrics, they learn discipline, patience, and teamwork. These skills translate beyond the classroom, preparing them for real-world challenges and opportunities.

By fostering creativity and emotional expression, music also provides a healthy outlet for stress, allowing students to balance their mental and emotional well-being with their academic responsibilities.

“Yes, I believe music helps me strive to learn more because some songs just hit, and they make you study more, rather than just not listening to anything because I usually don’t like studying, but with music, it makes me want to study more,” said freshman Diego Hernandez.

Music can also serve as a powerful tool to enhance concentration and productivity while studying. The rhythm and melodies of certain songs can create a stimulating environment that keeps the mind engaged and reduces boredom. Instead of viewing studying as a tedious task, music transforms it into a more enjoyable experience, allowing students to remain focused for longer periods of time. This positive effect on motivation can ultimately improve both learning efficiency and academic performance.

“Music helps me express myself because it shows what kind of person I am without directly telling the other person. And it could also express my feelings. For example, if I’m listening to happy music or upbeat music, then you could assume I’m happy, and if I’m listening to sad music, then I could be sad. Music helps me in a lot of ways. I personally enjoy music. I can’t go a day without listening to music. Music soothes me, it helps me relax, and puts me in a good mood. Listening to your favorite music helps you calm down/relax, and the good thing now is that you can listen to music anywhere with a portable device,” said senior Luis Reb.

In addition to reflecting emotions, music also serves as a universal language that connects people across different backgrounds. It can communicate feelings and ideas that words sometimes cannot, creating a deeper understanding between individuals.

Whether through shared playlists, concerts, or simply enjoying the same song, music builds bonds and brings people together. This ability to both express individuality and foster connection makes music an important part of daily life and personal growth.

Musical interests connect teens, keep them in tune with emotions

by Noah Lopez Salazar

“It just makes me feel like I’m not alone or lets me know that people out there are also going through things in their lives.” 

This is what sophomore Jayliana Burris thinks about music and what many other students consider about when listening to music. They agree that music gets them in tune with feelings and emotions.

“Music means a lot to me and without music I don’t think I could get through some days,” said sophomore Chimamanda Chidi-Okorie. “Music definitely changes my emotions, mostly in a positive way and it helps with my anger and distress, which has made me more of a calm person.”

Some students relate to specific artists, which makes them feel understood.

“Central Cee is British, so I like how he’s different from other artists, and both Sza and Frank make very relatable music that I can feel to,” said Burris. 

Music means a lot to listeners, especially because of the artists that write lyrics in meaningful ways which help teens relate to the music they’re listening to. 

“I listen to Ariana Grande, Sabrina and Laufey as well; the reason why is because it gives me a warm, comforting feeling when I listen to them,” Chidi-Okorie stated.  

“Music takes me away from real life some times,” added senior Jezel Garcia.  

Garcia agreed with Chidi-Okorie that music brings people together with artists they share in common, or as an icebreaker to help get closer with other people. 

“I let people pick what songs they want to listen to while driving so I get to know them more,” said Garcia.  

Even freshmen rely on music to cheer them up. 

“It gives me somewhere to connect my feelings to so that I know I’m not the only one who has felt what I am feeling currently,” said freshmen Sanina Robinson. “Lyrics hit close to home and bring me memories.”

Robinson said lyrics and style of songs help connect people with similar musical interests.

“I listen to lots of popular and common artists; I feel like lots of people listen to my music,”  added Robinson. “Music cancels out what I feel normally and it is kind of like a background thing to keep me grounded.”

No matter the age or grade, music will always affect and impact teenagers. 

As Burris said, “Music is a kind of way of expressing yourself and it’s something that means a lot  to some people, but it’s something that everyone can do or make.”