MAJOR Key Alert: Music

Zoe Carr
Oct 30, 2017
3 min read

I am not a fan of quiet. Never have been, never will be. One thing I constantly have going is music, because for some reason, it helps soothe me. Since elementary school, I have always had to listen to music to help focus. I couldn't watch tv, or listen to people talk, because it was always distracting. But music never was. As I have gotten older, music is one of the best things I have in my life, and I take it with me everywhere. Studying in my room, driving in the car, walking to class - something is always playing.

There has been many studies down and loads of research found that show a link to music helping people to focus, especially when studying. A study done by NCU, Northcentral University, found that “music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory." I believe this to be true, because one of the only ways I can focus it when music is playing.

With so many music outlet out there, it's fair to say that I have tried most of them. Right now, I currently use three streaming sites, where I have specific playlists made, and a record player where I play my dad's old vinyls.

Some of favorite music sources include:

Spotify:
I am a huge fan of using Spotify because it is so incredibly easy to make playlists. You are able to access all different great songs without having to download any songs onto your phone. One of my favorite playlists to listen to is Acoustic Covers because it's some of my favorite songs in a more calm and relaxed manner.
Apple Music:
Apple Music is something I have because I am an iPhone user. A lot of the music I have on my phone are the songs I have purchased over the years, but I think it is great that the app lets you download and listen to songs without having to buy them. The songs I listen to mostly in the car are on here, making it even more convenient.
8tracks:
this is one of the best websites/apps that I have found over the past couple of years. The website is like a bunch of mixtapes all thrown together for people to enjoy. I am a huge fan of listen to instrumental and soft music when I am studying, and the amount of mixes and playlists that are offered is incredible. The best part is that you can make a collection out of these mixes, and each playlist will play after the other ends. I have a mix made on the website that is strictly instrumental and classical music, so it's definitely my go-to when studying!
Record player:
my dad has kept the majority of his records from the 80s and when we were younger we would sit in the living room and listen to them. After his record player broke we weren't able to do that, but I still remembered how much I loved listening to them. Last year I treated myself to a record player and stole a couple of his vinyl records while also purchasing some of my own. I love listening to them when I study, there is just something about the sound that is so relaxing, and my favorites would have to be America's Greatest Hits and Tango in the Night by Fleetwood Mac