By: Alexander M.
Many people love music; they listen to it, play it, even make their own versions of songs that they like. As I write this I am listening to music as a relaxer and for inspiration. Some would say music is its own written language for people to understand by hearing it. It can help release stress, pain, even calm fears. On the flip side it can show the emotions that one is currently feeling. How can what we listen to effect how we learn?
When I was in second and fourth grade the teachers of those classes were the kind that always played music. This was when those small walkman radios could still be found in soft colors that had that CD player on top. There were many times when we were all quiet and you could actually hear the songs being played. Among them my most favorite was ‘Wonderful World’ by Louie Armstrong. I found it always helped me to work better. It also made me wonder what other kinds of music could help a person learn better.
When I thought of this again I decided that it was dependant on the person's preferences because I also noticed that people liked listening to different things as they worked. Two of the genres that work for me are Techno and classical rock, ex: Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller. It also greatly depends on the person’s mood; an example being when I was feeling heartbroken over losing something dear to me I listened to songs that illustrated my mood.
Music is like an inspiration – it can make us want to do more. The music of Bach and Mozart is said to make children smarter, but I feel that it inspires them to learn so that they can do better. I am one of many that find music an inspiration and play it as I work. For me it helps me not to be bored doing just one thing; studying, just watching TV, or walking around with friends. An interesting quote that I see a lot from Yahoo states that, “Those who can’t hear the music think the dancer mad.” All music is special, whether it is showing our own mood, or inspiring others with it.
In an article on Articlebase.com, a writer points out that music is used to help set a mood for a scene in the movies. However, it may also change the mood we, in reality, are currently in. (Mike Seddon, ‘Can listening to music help us work better?’ Oct. 2006) Star Wars and Harry Potter are good examples of this. Both of the scores for these movies were written by musical genius John Williams.
Also, at football games, the bands play music to help invigorate and enliven a stadium so that players and fans do better. In the end music achieves many things; it affects our study habits, our moods, and helps us succeed.
For musical personality tests check this sight out, (I found it pretty accurate but it’s completely voluntary.):
http://www.outofservice.com/music-personality-test/
For more information on how music can help you check this out:
http://www.outofservice.com/music-personality-test/
Happy Learning,
Alexander M.