Classroom Melodies: Listening to music during class stimulates increased focus and calms anxieties

As I pulled out my AP Statistics homework assignment about population means during class, my mind was racing. Thoughts of dance team practice, Harbinger interviews and dinner plans circled through my head.

I’m a person who can’t focus easily — it’s how my brain is structured. But I had to get my math done. No excuses.

I pulled out my trusty AirPods and turned on my go-to study jams: Pixar Instrumentals. This is the only way my brain can turn off the extra noise thoughts.

But with the new technology policy enforced across SMSD on Feb. 3, students aren’t allowed to listen to music. No exceptions. Not even during seminar or study periods given by teachers. Students should be allowed to listen to music during work time due to its psychological benefits with focus and anxiety.

According to Stanford Medicine, music engages areas of the brain that are related to focus and memory. Music is scientifically proven to help students focus. Why wouldn’t educators want to take advantage of a study tool?

Personally, I’d rather listen to music at school and get my research paper introduction done during an hour and a half block period rather than create extra homework for myself. My schedule is already taken up by four AP classes, dance team and newspaper writing. I don’t have time to waste trying to concentrate.

I’m certainly not saying that students should wear headphones during instructional time — that time is reserved for teachers, and students must be respectful of this time. But outlawing headphones the whole day except for passing periods and lunch completely ignores the students who need music to focus.

Not only does listening to music reduce distractions, but it also calms anxieties. USA Today reports that listening to music has the same effect on anxiety as getting a massage. I’m four years overdue for a real massage, so music is the best I can get.

I understand music doesn’t have the same effect on everyone. Some people love listening to music while they study and some don’t — that’s OK. However, students like myself who need music to study shouldn’t be denied the focus tool.

High school students are practically adults or already are — students can decide how they want to study. After all, we know ourselves best.