We’ve all heard music- on the radio, CDs, playlists, even at concerts. Some of us also play music. Music has become a major part of many lives, but do you ever wonder why people are always saying that it’s good for you?

What Do CVMS Students Think?

We asked a couple of students about listening to music:

1. Do you like to listen to music?
2. Why do you enjoy it?
3. Is it important to listen to music?

Here are their responses:

Connell O’Harrow (7): 

1. Yes, I like to listen to music.
2. I enjoy it a lot.
3. It really helps to listen to music if you are stressed. You can learn about new songs as well.

Siri Sharma (6):

1. Yes, I enjoy music.
2. I like it because it’s fun and when I have a rough day, it helps me feel better.
3. It is important because when you are stressed, it can calm you down and make you happier. You can dance.

We asked a couple more students about playing instruments. We asked these questions:

1. Do you play an instrument?
2. Do you enjoy it? Why or why not?
3. Is it important to learn an instrument?

Here are the responses:

Mia Ippolito (6):

1. Yes, I play an instrument.
2. Yes, I do enjoy it. It’s a way to express feeling and you can choose your instrument.
3. No, not everyone should have to play an instrument. It’s just something that you want to do, it’s not too important.

Ava Domingue (6): 

1. Yes, I play an instrument.
2. It’s okay, I don’t love it.
3. It’s important to some people because it helps to relieve stress.

Listening To Music

Listening to music can be really good for you. One reason is that it makes you happier. A lot of people have several favorite songs. When your sad or upset, you can listen to those favorites and your spirits will instantly be lifted. According to Odyssey, listening to music helps to improve your sleep! It is proven to treat insomnia. Soft music sometimes works better than medications! Listening to music can also help decrease stress and anxiety levels. Listening to calm music or even instrumentals can help you calm down and relax. Do you ever listen to music while studying? You may just do it because you like music, but it’s actually proven to help motivate you. If you are bored, you are less likely to want to do your homework and learn. If you are enjoying it by listening to music, then you will feel motivated to do it. But music doesn’t just motivate you when it comes to school. It can help you when you exercise, do chores, and really anything where you might need motivation. Overall, most people who listen to music find that it elevates their moods in a lot of ways. Also, by listening to music, it’s like you are saying, “Great job!” to the artist. People work hard on it and appreciate when you listen to it. Not only do you feel good, but you will make someone else feel good about their work.

Playing An Instrument

Playing an instrument is beneficial to your physical, emotional, and mental health. If you play an instrument, your teacher is probably always telling you to sit up straight. because of this, your posture is improving every time you play. Since you have to listen closely to each note, playing instruments improve your hearing and focus. Research has shown that people who play music have done better in school. All the patterns and beats and measures require you to count and basically do math. Reading the notes requires you to process them quickly. This can improve your reading skills. When you play music, you have to focus on timing. You must listen very closely to have good timing. This can improve your listening skills. You will also have better time management if you learn music because you have lessons and practice. Lots and lots of practice. You have to manage your time well to fit everything into your schedule. Music can help your memory and mental performance. Although you may not know it, your brain is having a full on work out when you play an instrument. Music makes us feel good. It is a way of self-expression, it can show who you are. When playing with a group, you can make new friends. Music brings people closer together. We mentioned earlier how listening to music helps insomnia and stress, but playing an instrument also helps relieve your stress and might treat insomnia. Finally, everyone loves having an achievement. As you improve, you will get better and better, giving you more and more to be proud of.

Next time you turn on the radio or pick up an instrument, think about the benefits of it. Not only are you doing something you love, but you are staying healthy as well.