Music has been around for centuries and has been used in numerous ways. From putting children to sleep to expressing the most passionate emotions when nothing else could. But what role does it play today, in society itself or, more specifically, our schools?

Dr. Masha Godkin, a professor at Northcentral University, states that, “Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory.” This shows that music, when used correctly, can help students show more capability while working in class.

According to Be Brain Fit, “Office workers allowed to listen to their preferred choice of music complete tasks more quickly and come up with better ideas than those who have no control over their musical choices… When surgeons listened to music while operating, they were less stressed out and worked faster and more accurately, especially if they were allowed to pick the music.” These experiments are proof that, when faced with the opportunity to listen to music while working, it can have a very positive effect on productivity.

Bright Horizons says,“For children and adults, music helps strengthen memory skills.” Who knows how this could affect the results of students and even teachers in schools by just playing a little music.

Madison Spencer, 8th, says,“I feel like when I don’t have it on, people distract me more, and when it’s on I feel more focused.” About what music she listens to, Spencer says, “It depends on the mood I am in. If I’m happy, I listen to upbeat music, but if I’m trying to focus I listen to quiet music.”

Spencer has this to say about when she listens to music, “It depends on what I’m working on. If I don’t need help with it, I listen to music.” Spencer says that she sometimes fails things, but that listening to music helps her to do better.

Music has shown to help people focus and understand things better. Trinity Norton, 8th, agrees with this by saying, “I put on my favorite song and it helps me understand things better.” Norton  Also says, ”When I am stressed I listen to classical music and it helps me.”

It is not just these two girls, however, most of the students show their support for music by listening to it while working and studying. If music has had an effect on these two girls, it is very likely to have helped many more. Norton says, “When I don’t listen to music I feel stressed about what is happening around me, but when I put my headphones in, I don’t.”

Music can be used to help student focus in school, but what else can it do? Think about all the other things we can use it for. From therapy to learning music can change our world.