Music can be listened to through  phones, computers, or any other electronic devices.
Photo Contributed By: Taylor Drake

By Emma Daniels

One could claim that music helps him/her concentrate and focus better on his/her tasks in class. Teachers might not always have the same point of view. Students and teachers have debated over whether music is a privilege or an expectation.

Sophomore Christopher Milton says that “music allows me to work more efficiently.” Freshman Brenna Sullivan says that “it helps my mind to stay in one place.” With music helping students stay on task and work efficiently, teachers are limiting music in their classrooms. Milton said, “the majority of my teachers do not let me listen to music in class.” Sophomore Danielle LaFaive says that it “depends on what is happening in class” whether or not they can listen to music. Sophomore Chris Giles says that his teachers make the class “earn their music privilege.” Giles said that he can only listen to music “when we (as a class) are not talking.”

Freshman Jose Figueroa said that it “makes the whole class seem longer and makes me kind of stressed out.” Students becoming stressed out without music can hurt their performance in class. Milton says that “not being allowed to listen to music in class doesn’t really effect me because the ability to play music in class is a privilege.” While students think that listening to music during class is expected, others see music as a privilege, like Milton.

Students are starting to see the justifications a teacher has to not allowing music in their classroom. Junior Alyssa Shortt says that teachers think that music is “more of a distraction than a helping tool.” Sophomore Cole Holiday said that “students would be able to listen to music if they respect the privilege. The teachers should have to tell you to take [headphones] out once and there would be no problems.” Shortt and Holiday believe that the students should be responsible with the music and use it to their advantage, not as a distraction. Though, Figueroa says, ”It’s their [the teacher’s] classroom. Their rules. We should respect that.”

Students listening to music in class.
Photo By: Emma Daniels

While teachers have several justifications for not allowing music in their classrooms, students have found their own reasons for listening to music in class. Freshman Kiley Butler says, “music helps me focus better.” While LaFaive says, “During tests, I like to put on some piano music and that helps me focus a lot better on the questions and I tend to  get a better grade.” So, Butler and LaFaive both claim that music helps them focus better. LaFaive also states that music can help her get a better grade on a test.

Teachers and students alike are justified for either listening to music, or not, in class. Both teachers and students claim to respect each other. Butler says that she will always respect her teachers, but it “would make me pretty mad if I couldn’t listen to music because it helps me concentrate.” With teachers and students respecting each other and the requests of each other, the controversy between music being a privilege or an expectation seems to be unneeded.