The effect of music on the human mind is deep and multilayered. Music can be a vehicle for creativity and academic success, particularly for students. Let us delve into seven ways music impacts student creativity and academic success and explore them together!
1. Enhancing Concentration
Music, particularly classical or instrumental music, may create an environment suitable for focus. Background music can help students study better because it reduces distractions and makes the environment suitable for learning. Furthermore, some argue that rhythms and repetitiveness in music can make the learning process less monotonous and more interesting. For example, when learners stress about their writing project, they often wonder, “Can someone write my lab report for me?”. Alternatively, they can put on some music that enhances focus and boosts concentration while helping them keep stress at bay. This may create a conducive environment that will allow them to work more efficiently.
2. Stimulating Brain Function
It has been discovered that listening to music can help improve the brain’s function. Numerous brain areas are stimulated by listening to music. Playing classical music with its complex structure may also facilitate processing and memorizing information, which could improve student performance in subjects requiring complex cognitive functions.
3. Reducing Stress
Music is known to have a positive effect on stress levels. Here’s how it helps keep stress at bay:
Soothing Effect: Slow, gentle music can have a calming effect on the mind and body, slowing down the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing stress hormones.
Emotional Release: Music can provide an outlet for emotions. Listening to music that resonates with your feelings can lead to emotional release and healing.
Distraction: Music acts as a distraction, taking your mind away from stressors and allowing you to focus.
Increased Serotonin: Music can increase levels of the hormone serotonin, which contributes to a feeling of well-being and happiness.
Mindfulness: Music can encourage a meditative state, helping you stay present in the moment rather than worrying about future or past stressors.
4. Encouraging Creativity
Music can help students be creative by improving their divergent thinking and their ability to generate new ideas. Ambient noise (music at a moderate volume) is said to be good for creative cognition, as it helps students come up with new and innovative ideas and solutions.
5. Improving Memory
Music can be a force for good, too, especially when it comes to memory itself. Songs and rhythm are both excellent mnemonic devices, and the abstract patterns they exhibit help anchor an item in the mind. Any student who is an auditory learner should thus consider using music to help them study (or, if they’re feeling devious, to listen to it during the exam to cue themselves for recall).
6. Motivating Learners
Music can be a powerful motivator. Upbeat music can get students going, giving them more energy and urging them to stick with a task longer. The motivational qualities of music can be especially helpful in PE class or other activities where endurance and coordination are important.
7. Supporting Language Development
Music can be an incredibly useful tool for students learning a foreign language. While songs can help students learn vocabulary, idioms, and grammar through their lyrical content, listening to music in a foreign language can also help learners improve their language acquisition skills and develop a native-sounding accent.
Students who struggle with the English language often find it difficult to finish all their assignments on time because they take longer to do research and process the information in a foreign language. Such learners can look here to find academic support of the highest caliber. Services like Academized offer writing assistance and guidance to learners from different backgrounds, making studying easier.
Harmonizing Academics and Creativity
The impact of music in education is not merely positive – it’s transformative. Music can help create an inspiring learning environment, help students focus on tasks, stimulate the brain, and reduce stress. Music can also release creative potential, boost memory, motivate learners, and help develop language skills. As more teachers and students discover the benefits of music in the classroom, they realize that the connection between melodies and mental capacity can make for richer educational outcomes and a more stimulating learning experience. Putting more emphasis on music’s role in education can tune the frequencies for better student success in the classroom and beyond.
The 11th Annual “Taiwan: A World of Orchids” Exhibition was grandly held at the Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) in New York from August 9 to 11. This exhibition was co-hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY) and the Queens Botanical Garden. On the eve of the exhibition, a special press conference was held on August 8, where various community organizations were invited to experience the cultural event ahead of time. The event also attracted numerous political figures, including Ambassador James K.J. Lee, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, and his wife; U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng; New York State Assembly Members Ron Kim and Steven Raga; New York City Council Member Sandra Ung; and John Chen, Director of the Taiwan Center. Their presence added significant highlights to the event, showcasing the widespread support and attention this exhibition has garnered from various sectors.
The three-day orchid exhibition, themed around Taiwan’s tricolor palette (Taiwan Blue, Taiwan Gold, and Taiwan Red), offered a comprehensive showcase of Taiwan’s cultural history, natural ecology, and folk traditions. The event was not just a visual feast of orchids but also a multi-sensory cultural experience that captivated a broad audience from the New York Community. Alongside the display of hundreds of blooming orchids, the exhibition featured a rich array of Taiwanese art and cultural experiences. Four artists were specially invited to participate, including Stacey Ting-Yun Chen, Kay Yi-Chun Lin, and Hsiao-Chien Liu from Taiwan, as well as Emily Yuwei Chen from Hong Kong. Their works seamlessly combined the beauty of orchids with artistic expression, leaving visitors in awe.
The Exhibition Venue: Orchids and Artists’ Works Complementing Each Other Photo Credit: Yucheng YouKay Yi-Chun Lin’s Ceramic Artwork “Dance of Light and Bloom” and Hsiao-Chien Liu’s Traditional Gilding Work “Welcome Spring with Orchids” Photo Credit: Naomi Chan
At the entrance of the exhibition, Kay Yi-Chun Lin’s ceramic artwork “Dance of Light and Bloom” and Hsiao-Chien Liu’s traditional gilding piece “Welcome Spring with Orchids” are particularly striking. Lin’s work draws inspiration from Taiwan’s abundant orchids, including Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Cattleya, to create a variety of home decor items such as vases, lamps, teapots, and jewelry boxes. Through the use of fluid yet bold lines, she captures the diverse meanings of life that these orchids symbolize. When displayed alongside the actual orchids, her pieces resonate with a unique charm. Her work also embodies the elegance and resilience of women, balancing grace with strength and passion with restraint, and thus releases a distinct blend of beauty and power. Liu’s work skillfully incorporates the festive colors of gold, silver, and red, blending them with the format of traditional couplets to vividly showcase the beauty of Taiwanese orchids and their unique cultural significance. The strategic placement of these two works not only enhances the visual impact of the exhibition but also serves as an engaging introduction for visitors, offering them a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Stacey Ting-Yun Chen with Karen Chu, Director of Press Division of Taipei Economic & Culural Office in New York, in front of her artwork Formosa through the Palette Photo Credit: Wei Du
Stacey Ting-Yun Chen, a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Chicago, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Design from Pratt Institute and a Master’s degree in Design Innovation from Northwestern University. Chen is highly skilled in drawing, illustration, digital art, graphic design, and product design, seamlessly blending the essence of industrial design with contemporary art in her work. She has received numerous scholarships and accolades, including second place in the Art and Design Scholarship Competition, the Reggie Behl Painting Award, and a nomination for the Rowena Reed Kostellow Fund Award.
Chen shared, “A few months ago, the organizers reached out to me, inviting me to create a special series for this event. Although my August schedule was already packed, I felt this event was incredibly meaningful—a unique opportunity to showcase Taiwan to the world and allow more Americans to appreciate Taiwan’s cultural and artistic heritage.” On August 8, Chen flew from Chicago to New York, bringing her “Formosa through the Palette” series to participate in the exhibition’s press conference.
The “Formosa through the Palette” series is a profound body of work, creatively incorporating the official colors of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to symbolize peace and prosperity while paying tribute to Taiwan’s diplomatic achievements on the global stage. This series includes three digital prints, each focusing on iconic Taiwanese landscapes, vividly portraying the diverse facets of the island nation. The first piece captures the bustling atmosphere of Jiufen Old Street, with traditional red lanterns illuminating the lively alleys, effectively conveying Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant street life. The second piece highlights the Alishan Forest Railway, where the train winds through ancient, verdant forests, symbolizing both Taiwan’s magnificent natural beauty and the continuity of its history. The third piece features Taipei 101, the towering skyscraper that stands as a symbol of Taiwan’s economic prosperity and technological advancement, reflecting the nation’s outstanding achievements in modernization. Chen expressed, “Through these works, I hope to inspire viewers to recognize the unique charm of Taiwan—not only to showcase its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty but also to ignite curiosity about Taiwan’s distinct identity.” Her masterful use of color and composition brings to life the vibrancy and spirit of Taiwan, allowing viewers to deeply connect with the island’s multifaceted allure.
Emily Yuwei Chen with her painting An Average Comet Photo Credit: Tzu-Ying (Naomi) Chan
Another standout piece in the exhibition comes from Hong Kong artist Emily Yuwei Chen. Specializing in fine arts, particularly in painting and jewelry design, Chen has achieved remarkable success in her field. She graduated from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, where she earned a double major in Painting and Jewelry & Metalsmithing, uniquely blending two-dimensional and three-dimensional artistic concepts. Her work has been recognized with creative arts grants and has stood out in prestigious exhibitions such as New York Jewelry Week, NYC Design Week with Brooklyn Metal Works, and the Jamaica Arts Center. Notably, her work will soon be featured in a 3D exhibition at Helsinki Fashion Week.
For this exhibition, Chen was specially invited to create the piece “An Average Comet,” which captivates with its unique use of color and profound cultural significance. Chen skillfully incorporated the representative colors of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs into the painting, crafting a work that is both visually striking and rich in cultural meaning. The piece predominantly features three colors: emerald green, festive red, and gold. Emerald green symbolizes Taiwan’s lush landscapes and vitality; festive red represents celebration and passion; and gold conveys prosperity and warmth. The interplay of these colors not only creates a vivid and dynamic visual effect but also deeply reflects Taiwan’s unique cultural identity and historical legacy. Explaining her creative process, Chen remarked, “The choice of these colors was not just for visual appeal, but also as a tribute to Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage.” In addition to the masterful use of color, Chen also incorporated elements of Taiwanese folklore into her work. A ladybug, symbolizing dreams and aspirations, serves as a focal point in the painting, representing the fusion of tradition and modernity and illustrating Chen’s innovative interpretation of Taiwanese cultural traditions. The curatorial team invited Chen to create this piece with the intention of showcasing the diverse interpretations and unique definitions of Taiwan’s orchid beauty through the eyes of artists from different countries, offering viewers a distinct experience of cultural fusion.
Beyond showcasing the exquisite beauty of Taiwanese orchids, this year’s exhibition also carefully curated a series of vibrant cultural and artistic activities, providing a comprehensive sensory experience for visitors. Highlights of the event included a live calligraphy demonstration by renowned calligrapher David Zheng, who mesmerized the audience with the charm of traditional Chinese calligraphy, and a lecture on “Orchid Basics” by Chris Satch, President of the Manhattan Orchid Society. Additionally, a workshop led by creative culinary artist Belian Fan combined art with gastronomy, offering a perfect blend of cultural experiences.
This fusion of diverse cultural activities not only demonstrated the inclusivity and diversity of Taiwanese culture but also built a bridge for cultural exchange among audiences of different backgrounds. Through these events, the organizers successfully combined Taiwan’s traditional culture with modern innovation, presenting New York audiences with a cultural experience that was both profound and engaging. This not only enhanced the appeal of the exhibition but also effectively promoted the spread and exchange of Taiwanese culture on the international stage, further solidifying Taiwan’s image as an island of cultural creativity.
“Clive James said, ‘Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing,’” Kaya Wilkins shared in a statement. She added: “Wrote this slacker disco song about wanting to be, if not a not a brightsider, then at least a belly laugher. Sometimes tricky to access just that bliss, but if you’re happy and you know it, check your face! It was fun and warming to make this track on the island during a frigid winter. It was a quiet time without much social stimuli. If you’re gonna dance alone in your basement, might as well make a song-to-dance match.”
Oh My God – that’s so me will be self-released on September 6.
John Davis, formerly of Superdrag and the Lees of Memory, has shared a new track called ‘Take My Brains Out’. It’s set to appear on his upcoming album JINX, which is out September 27, alongside the previously unveiled ‘The Future’. Check it out below.
“Tom (Pappas, from Superdrag) laughed out loud the first time he heard this chorus,” Davis said in a statement about the new song. “It sounds funny, but it strikes at something deeper. Sometimes your own mind can be your worst enemy; it can even try to destroy you! So I guess I was longing for a removable one. Also, the lead guitar always makes me laugh. I’ve read in several places that if something about a song makes you laugh, by all means leave it in.”
The Jesus Lizard have offered up a new single, ‘Moto(R)’, alongside an accompanying video. It’s taken from the band’s forthcoming album Rack, following previous cuts ‘Hide & Seek’ and ‘Alexis Feels Sick’. “It’s not Motörhead, and it’s not Radiohead either,” guitarist Duane Denison remarked. Check it out via the Jon Tucker-directed video below.
Rack, the Jesus Lizard’s first LP in 26 years, is set for release on September 13 through Ipecac.
Drug Church have released ‘Chow’, the latest offering from their forthcoming album PRUDE. It follows earlier cuts ‘Myopic’ and ‘Demolition Man’. Check it out below.
“It’s a love song that has nothing to do with being with the other person or even whether it is reciprocated,” Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perrote said of the new track. “We’re talking about the most simple version of it. Love is like a magic shelter that you can take everywhere with you.”
They added: “We started this adventure of directing all the music videos of this album with a bag full of imagination and dreams. the friends, the bikes, the dancing, a business that never existed, the body guards of beck, and ice-creams, hollywood, and surrealism and tiny houses. very slowly we wanted to guide you and place your attention in what we really do: music. For ‘The bed, the room, the rain and you,’ we wanted to finish the story with where everything started: recording the album.”
Pittsburgh-based artist Merce Lemon has unveiled the title track from her upcoming album Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild. Following last month’s ‘Backyard Lover’, the song also serves as the album’s closer. Give it a listen below.
“This song is really the first time I collaborated with someone from the early stages of writing, my friend Spencer Smith, who was playing keys in my band at the time, sent me a voice memo of a chord progression he had written,” Lemon explained. “I had been toying with an idea for a song based on a story my friend had told me about Michael Hurley, but I hadn’t found a home for the lyrics. This song came to life singing over Spencer’s piano on loop until the melody settled in.”
“‘Mutations’ deals with change brought about by circumstance,” Yanya explained in a press statement. “This is not the phoenix rising from the ashes but the subtle change that happens constantly as millions of tiny decisions and actions shape your being. It’s kind of like survival, for me. Less of a transformation and more something that’s born out of your environment and surroundings, that you need to do to survive. Mutation is just something you have to go through- you have to evolve.”
My Method Actor, the follow-up to 2022’s PAINLESS, arrives on September 13 via Ninja Tune.
Fievel Is Glauque have announced their sophomore LP, Rong Weicknes. The follow-up to 2022’s Flaming Swords is due out October 25 via Fat Possum. Lead single ‘As Above So Below’ is out today, and you check out its accompanying video below.
Discussing ‘As Above So Below’, the duo’s Zach Phillips said in a statement:
This phrase comes from the Emerald Tablet, a 9th century hermetic text foundational for alchemy and later occultist movements; it refers to the reciprocality between heaven and earth, the knowable and unknowable, the here and the hereafter. Sounds heady, right? But as usual, the title came out of nowhere, gleaned from phonetic murmurings during the writing process, and Ma and I laughed a lot making this one… Normally we write linearly, improvising bit by bit using only piano and voice, but we ended up constructing As Above out of scattered song sections we’d recorded with my laptop mic in free software over a loop from a ‘70s drum sampling record, which drummer Gaspard Sicx and percussionist Daniel Rossi reinterpreted in the studio. After writing upwards of 35 songs over the course of a couple 2023 writing trips, we were surprised to knock out probably our most conventional tune yet. The lyrics could be said to both troll and co-sign typical pop lyricism. Thom Gill’s blazing guitar solo gets me every time… When [music video director] Joey Agresta asked what I was imagining visually, all I could muster was, “the Sound of Music, Ma spinning in a field, ‘90s ‘positivity,’ Dido…
To make the new LP, Phillips and Brussels-based singer and performer Ma Clément enlisted Thom Gill on guitar, Logan Kane on bass, Daniel Rossi on percussion, André Sacalxot on saxophone and flute, Gaspard Sicx on drums, and Chris Weisman on guitar and electric sitar. The musicians convened at the Outlier Inn, a farm and music studio in upstate New York, to record the album with mixing and mastering engineer Steve Vealey.
Rong Weicknes Cover Artwork:
Rong Weicknes Tracklist:
1. Hover
2. As Above So Below
3. Would You Rather?
4. Love Weapon
5. Rong Weicknes
6. Toute Suite
7. It’s So Easy
8. I’m Scanning Things I Can’t See
9. Kayfabe
10. My Oubliette
11. Dark Dancing
12. Great Blues
13. Transparent
14. Eternal Irises
15. Haut Contre Bas
