The Magic of Music

Teenagers, living through a confusing state of development, begin to experience a few of the greater responsibilities in high school. Some include independent homework assignments, at home test study, and autonomy in grade management. While there are many different outlets to help guide through the stress and confusion experienced in highschool by students; parents or guardians should encourage their high school teenagers to listen to music, because it enhances at-home learning, extirpates stress, and develops socialization.

One of the major issues teenagers are challenged with in high school is studying at home and doing homework, because it may be done in a distracting environment. While some parents may assume that their child requires more self-discipline in concentration, a study by Dr. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore showed that when teenagers were instructed to concentrate on a task while being scanned by an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) there was an increased level of activity in the prefrontal cortex, a large region at the front of the brain involving decision-making and multitasking (Hill). When compared to that of an adult this proved that the adolescent brain was less productive due to an excess of gray matter (Blakemore). Causing there to be a noticeable challenge in focusing on a single task.

After thorough research by many researchers and organizations, a highly recommended solution for students' concentration is music. One study in 2005 by Psychology of Music exhibited that in general, workers showed most productivity while listening to music. The researchers then came to the conclusion that listening to music significantly improves motivation. When the same study was applied to students, those struggling to stay motivated to complete their assignments at home saw the same amount of improvement (Miller). Another study amongst high school boys with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) proved that when two groups of the teenagers were given a piece of work, in a triggering environment, the group that was listening to music had greater results, when compared to those who did not have music playing (Pelham et al). In conclusion, looking at both studies with many others in concordance with them, it can be deduced that listening to music helps high school students enhance at-home learning in a distracting environment.

Another major issue high school students are faced with is a higher-than-normal stress level due to tests and other graded assignments from teachers. According to one study when compared to the average stress levels of an adult (5.1 out of 10) teens normal stress levels (3.9 out of 10) exceed the expected average during the school year at 5.8 out of 10 (Bethune).

If a student is confronted with high stress due to school, they should consider listening to music at home to extricate stress. Dr. Daniel J. Levitin and Mona Lisa Chanda of McGill University both say that a proficient way of decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone, is by listening to music (Fairmonts Schools). In one of the highest “burn-out” occupations, Dr. Lai and Li examined two groups of front line nurses. One group sat in a chair for 30 minutes relaxing and the other group sat listening to music for 30 minutes also. After the allotted time was finished the nurses who listened to music showed lower levels of cortisol in their bloodstream when compared to that of those who only rested (Lai, Li). When comparing the stress levels of a front-line nurse and a high school teenager, one can find that the stress relief tactic of listening to music would apply and suffice to both subjects.

One final and important reason teens should be encouraged to listen to music is because it develops socialization. Regardless of being successful or not in secondary education, on average when asked what is missed most from high school: post graduates state that they miss their social interactions with others most. According to a large Cigna study nearly fifty percent of America’s young adults are lonely; meaning they no longer possess or have created social connections with others that they would have experienced in high school (Sowder). This shows great need for friendships due to lack of socialization.

A customary way of creating friends is common interests. While it would be ordinary for a teenager to select their social groups based on classes, athletics, or religious affiliation, research has shown that people are more likely to select a friend based on their musical taste. This is due to an association of music genre and personal standards (Suttie). If teenagers struggle with socialization, when introducing themselves to somebody new they would be more likely to make an initial connection based off of the common interest in music. One final researcher found that when people sang for 30 minutes their oxycodone levels (“a neuropeptide known to play an important role in increasing bonding and trust between people”) were increased (Suttie). A teenager can create strong relationships with others simply by singing out loud either in the car, at a group outing, or even attending a concert. Either by listening to music with a stranger or singing out loud with a new companion, a teenager struggling to socialize can create new friendships that may have been previously unattainable. 

In conclusion, after multiple group focuses and case studies, including that of high stress occupation workers, teenagers challenged with ADHD, and the typical adult, scientists have proven that music can improve the lives of high school teenagers significantly. If a high school student is having difficulty studying at home they should listen to music, because it increases focus in a distracting environment. When a teenager is experiencing stress due to an upcoming exam, in class assignments, or at home school, he/she should listen to music because it decreases their anxiety and stress levels. If a teenager is struggling to socialize and create new friendships they should use music, because common values are shared in genre preference and a deluge of oxycodone is released into one's body when singing together with others creating strong relationships. Parents or guardians should encourage their teenagers to listen to music because it enhances at home learning, extirpates stress, and develops socialization.

Works Cited 

Bethune, Sophie. “Teen Stress Rivals That of Adults.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, apa.org/monitor/2014/04/teen-stress.

Hill, Amelia. “Why Teenagers Can't Concentrate: Too Much Grey Matter.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 31 May 2010, theguardian.com/science/2010/may/31/why-teenagers-cant-concentrate-brains.

HL;YM, Lai;Li. “The Effect of Music on Biochemical Markers and Self-Perceived Stress among First-Line Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.” Journal of Advanced Nursing, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21645041/.

Jon Lieff, MD, 3 Feb. 2014, jonlieffmd.com/tag/music-increases-social-interaction.

Miller, Rudy. “The Effects of Music on a Student's Schoolwork.” Education, 21 Nov. 2017, education.seattlepi.com/effects-music-students-schoolwork-2153.html.

Pelham WE;Waschbusch DA;Hoza B;Gnagy EM;Greiner AR;Sams SE;Vallano G;Majumdar A;Carter RL; “Music and Video as Distractors for Boys with ADHD in the Classroom: Comparison with Controls, Individual Differences, and Medication Effects.” Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21695447/.

Sowder, Amy. “Why Generation Z Is the Loneliest Generation; How to Help.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 13 July 2018, usatoday.com/story/news/health/2018/07/12/generation-z-loneliest-generation-reasons-help/733715002/.

“Students Benefit from Playing Musical Instruments.” Fairmont Schools, 28 Feb. 2021, fairmontschools.com/blog/students-benefit-from-playing-musical-instruments/.

Suttie, Jill Suttie “Four Ways Music Strengthens Social Bonds.” Greater Good, greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_music_strengthens_social_bonds.

Tams, Lisa. “The Role of Music in Stress Management.” Food & Health, 17 June 2021, canr.msu.edu/news/the_role_of_music_in_stress_management.

Team, Marketing. “The Benefits of Studying with Music.” Florida National University, 13 Aug. 2019, fnu.edu/benefits-studying-music/.

Werrell, Beth. “How Music Can Help Your Kids Study.” Connections Academy, 1 Jan. 4674, connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/music-can-help-kids-study.