No matter who you are, what you believe in, where you come from, or where you’re going, music is a language everybody can speak. For many students here at Arlington High School, music is an outlet. It’s a way to distract yourself  from the stress of being a teen.  

A lot of the struggles teens have, often go unnoticed. Even just the knowledge that somebody else has gone through what you’re going through, can be surprisingly comforting. “A song that makes me feel seen  is ‘Male Fantasy’ by Billie Eilish.  The lyrics really speak to me on a deeper level,” said Audrina Showalter (‘29). 

Additionally, music can be used as a way to tune out the distractions of a  noisy classroom. “My favorite artist is probably Drake… I just like his music, I feel like it helps me focus more, and puts me in a better mood. Versus when I don’t have my music… I feel like I’m just down, and  not focused on my work,” said Cesar Correa (‘29).  

Despite this, not everybody agrees that music and headphones belong in schools. Some teachers and administrators see them as distractions that aren’t necessary for learning.  Nonetheless, students disagree.  “Absolutely,  [music should be allowed in classes] I cannot stop talking except for when I have headphones in because I’m actually listening to music,”  Diana Bestow (’29) said. 

For students like Bestow, music is the only way that they can dial in, and get stuff done. Even when so many people use headphones as a tool for their learning, not all teachers see them as tools. Out of concern for their student’s progress and understanding of material, the use of headphones is restricted.  With these restrictions in place, it causes students to fail. This doesn’t need to be a one way argument, though. Students can compromise with their teachers.  

“When a teacher is actively teaching a lesson, it’s not okay. But I think during independent work time, it’s good,” said Savannah Stanton (’26).

All around music has different impacts that vary person to person. Everybody has their own opinions on it. But one thing seems to stand true no matter who you ask: Music is the language everybody can speak.