Campus musicians share advantages of music

For years, students have searched for ways to boost their scores at school and also improve their lives outside of the academics.

One method that proves as one of the most successful, comes from playing music. Whether it’s through playing an instrument or listening to a favorite song, music provides one of the greatest life enhancements out there.

The reasoning for why music helps the brain so much comes from performing any simple task with an instrument. Whether it’s reading music or strumming a guitar, this movement requires the brain to focus deeper on the use of the body in making music. This action aids in keeping the mind sharp and focused on the task at hand.

Not only does this method come with scientific research, proven results also accompany it. According to a study performed by the official SAT organization in 2012, the standardized test scores of those who play an instrument surmount those of others by over 30 points.

This method provides many academic benefits for students in general, however, many life improvements also come from this. One of the most prominent of these include an overall enhancement of memory.

The science behind this comes from a study that showed the part of the brain that memorizes information, also processes music. This fact explains why some songs become connected to particular periods of life in some memories.

In the following podcast, Kyle Clem talks with campus band director Lesley Bannister about how music impacts her life.

Fresno Christian band director Lesley Bannister experienced this in the past. She recalls days of her childhood whenever she hears the song ‘Build Me Up Buttercup.’

“I think one of my favorite songs growing up was this old song called, ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’,” Bannister said. “My grandpa always used to play it and he had this big orchard full of oranges here in Fresno. He played that song on his tractor when he was driving around so every time I hear that, it takes back to December and picking oranges in my grandpa’s orchard.”

The benefits involving memory don’t stop here either. The power of music possesses the capability to help people suffering from both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to regain memories. An organization called the Music & Memory program provides iPods to those who suffer with dementia. The goal is to allow them to regain memories that have not been lost to the disease.

One of the most successful patients in this program is Henry. He stayed at a nursing home for nearly a decade and hardly said anything. After he received an iPod with his favorite music on it, he suddenly became himself again and remembered the days of his youth. A video of this went viral on YouTube and spread the word about the Music & Memory company.

In addition to memory, music features the capability of reducing stress levels. According to a study conducted by the University of Reno, when music gets played at 60 beats per minute level, the brain produces what is called ‘alpha brainwaves’. These brain waves mirror what relaxed brain waves look like and this causes the feeling of relaxation.

Sophomore Ellie Scully has participated in band since fifth grade. She realizes all the benefits of playing an instrument such as using her experiences in band to understand different scenarios.

“It’s said that if you play an instrument, it helps you with academics, like using different parts of your brain and really figuring out what you’re going to do,” Scully said. “I believe that this is true. It can really show through your academics with figuring out things and using yourself to figure out what you’re trying to do and not relying on others.”

While music provides great benefits for the body and mind, it’s also capable of helping the emotions of anyone struggling. For Bannister, she experienced this herself about fivde years ago. At this time, she began to have problems with her health while pregnant with her twins. This resulted in a high risk pregnancy.

“The doctors had told us we weren’t going to know if the boys are going to make it until they’re born,” Bannister said. “At the time there was a song that played on the radio called ‘Do What You Want To’ and it just struck me like, okay Lord, you’ve got this. You’re going to do what you want to with these babies. I just have to surrender this to you and I hadn’t thought of it in that way.”

How does music impact you? Respond with your musical experiences in the comment section below.

For more articles read Sadies 2018: California’s Great America or 2018 volleyball season comes to a close.

Kyle Clem can be reached via Twitter at: @KyleClem5 or via email.