By Gabriella Booth, Guest Writer
Music appears to accelerate brain development in young children, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills, according to initial results of a five-year study by University of Southern California neuroscientists.
Despite these findings, students interviewed here at Indian Trail High School & Academy didn’t seem to recognize how much music may be improving their learning in any subject.
Clayton Bishop, a Concert Band freshman at IT, said he sees music in a different category than his other classes.
Although music is not really seen through academics, music is shown to improve character and emotions, and give advantages throughout hearing and reading.
“If I didn’t have music today, I probably wouldn’t be as happy,” said Jaylen Grant, Symphonic Winds, IT junior.
Music affects students in many ways, but the most common is how it improves their mood, students interviewed said.
“If music did not exist, people would have a hard time communicating and expressing emotions,” said Ben Wirch, a Concert Band freshman.
Sophia Manke, a Concert Band freshman, agrees that people would not be as happy without music and would have a tougher time communicating.
“Music speaks louder than words,”said Manke. “Some things you don’t know how to say speaks throughout the music.”
All of the students expressed that music has impacted their character positively. Most of the students interviewed mentioned that music has surrounded them with amazing different opportunities and friends.
“Band should be brought in earlier than fifth grade,” Wirch said.
Listening to music is very different from playing music on an instrument, several teens said. Eily Polenzani, Concert Band freshman said she can have a better feeling towards music when she’s the one making it.
Most of the students interviewed have expressed that music has given them a better appreciation towards musicians, knowing all the time and effort that goes into the performance.
“People who aren’t in music don’t hear certain things because they’re not looking for it,” said Grant, “Once you’re in music for so long you hear everything.”