Music is one of the pleasures we have in life. We listen to music everywhere. When we are sad and depressed, we listen to music. When we are happy, we listen to music. When we go to a party we listen to music. When we are studying or learning something new, we are listening to music. Music is everywhere. In shops, during evenings with friends, in our earphones.
Music has long been recognized to influence our mood, emotions, and overall well-being. And retro music is one of the music genres that is more and more popular these days. How does music affect behavior? What are the positive effects of music? What role does music play in your life? What is the impact of retro music on student well-being in the education setting? Let’s find out together.
Emotional Connection
One of the positive effects of listening to retro music is bringing back memories. Bringing back nostalgia. Bringing back a connection to a distinct era. While this can come with negative emotions too, which are not as bad as people might see them, it comes with positive ones too. It can bring a sense of comfort and familiarity. It can provide a sense of belonging. Which is especially helpful to students who might go through challenging times in college. Having to write so many essays, to tackle so many essay topics, might come with stress and anxiety. The importance of preserving culture essay for American might be one of these challenging topics that just lie on your desk. An essay you have to write. At Samplius, you can find free essays you can access anytime that can inspire you. But listening to retro music can lift your mood. It can create a sense of shared community and experiences. Which, in turn, fosters a positive emotional state.
Stress Reduction
As mentioned above, college times can come with stress and anxiety, and depressive symptoms. You might have lots of assignments to complete. You might have group projects to work on. You have classes to attend and notes to take. And during the exam period, these emotions and feelings can become more and more intense. You might feel defeated by the high levels of stress you are feeling. But the impact of retro music can be positive.
Listening to retro music has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Everyone has a few favorite retro songs. The melodies and rhythms of familiar songs can help students unwind and alleviate tension. They can indeed create a more conducive learning environment. You need to be able to focus your attention on your academic tasks, and retro music can help you do exactly this. If your stress levels are low, you can do this easily. You regain power over your concentration, focus, and well-being.
Motivation and Engagement
Retros music is known to have upbeat melodies. Some songs are quite energetic. And you may need this during tough times. It simply enhances your mood and it creates a positive atmosphere that fosters well-being and positive emotions. Even though your academic tasks might be challenging, retro music helps you find the motivation to just go further and pursue your goals. Retro music can indeed contribute to creating a more positive learning environment. And when you feel motivated and engaged, you are more likely to participate and excel academically.
Memory and Learning Enhancement
Music is known to enhance memory and cognitive functions. However, retro music in particular might evoke some positive memories. It can trigger associations from the past. And when you are learning and associating information with positive emotions or feelings, it will be easier to remember it afterward. Retro music can do this. It can improve retention and recall of educational material. Which is of tremendous help to students.
Final Thoughts
Listening to music can change your mood. It can make you feel understood. It can help you express your thoughts and emotions. But it can also help you study better. Retro music in particular has a special effect on students and their well-being levels. It brings up memories from the past, a sense of nostalgia that comes with comfort and familiarity. It helps reduce stress levels and focus your attention on the tasks you have to complete. It can make you more motivated and engaged. And, of course, it helps you retain and recall educational information easily.
Bio lines: Kathy Mercado is a content writer and blogger. She loves listening to music anytime and she’s constantly updating her playlists. Kathy is a fan of retro and disco music.
When you say “retro” music, do you mean songs from our own childhoods? Or do you mean older music in general? 50’s? 40’s? Older? Classical??
As a musician and music educator, I actually find it more difficult to listen to music when I need to concentrate because I’ll get lost in the melodies and harmony. But, if I listen to something like video game music, I’ll be able to focus more easily – for one, because it’s designed to be background music, and it’s also my “retro” music, invoking feelings from a simpler time when I could play games without a care in the world.
Thanks for writing this article!