The Project That Changed the Way I See Music Education by Payton

The Project That Changed the Way I See Music Education by Payton - October 2026 Scholarship Essay

One academic topic that has sparked my curiosity and deepened my understanding of a subject was researching how music affects mental health. As a Music Education major, I have always loved music, but before researching this topic, I mainly viewed it as entertainment and artistic expression. Through my research, I discovered that music can play a much larger role in people's lives by helping them cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.

My interest in this topic came from my own experiences. During my sophomore year of high school, I experienced severe psoriasis and eczema flare-ups that affected both my physical and mental health. As my symptoms became more noticeable, I struggled with anxiety and depression. At times, I felt isolated and became overly focused on how others perceived me. During that period, music became one of the few outlets that consistently helped me manage my emotions and clear my mind.

Because of that experience, I wanted to learn whether music could have similar effects on other people. For a research project, I explored studies that examined the relationship between music and mental health. I expected to find that people enjoyed listening to music because it was relaxing, but what I found was much more interesting. Researchers found that music can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and even be used as a therapeutic tool in certain healthcare settings. Learning that music could have measurable effects on emotional well-being was fascinating because it connected something I personally experienced with scientific research.

The project also made me think critically about the role of music education in schools. Before conducting my research, I viewed music classes primarily as opportunities for students to learn instruments, theory, and performance skills. While those are important aspects of music education, I now see music programs as spaces where students can develop confidence, express emotions, and build connections with others. For some students, music may be more than just another class. It may be a source of comfort during difficult periods in their lives.

This research strengthened my desire to pursue a career in Music Education. As a future teacher, I want to create a classroom environment where students feel supported and encouraged. I hope to help students develop musical skills while also providing a space where they can express themselves creatively. My research showed me that education is not only about teaching content but also about helping students grow as individuals.

What made this project meaningful was that it connected academic research to my own life. Instead of simply collecting information to complete an assignment, I gained a deeper understanding of how music impacts people emotionally and psychologically. The project helped me recognize the value of research and demonstrated how academic questions can lead to discoveries that have real-world applications.

Looking back, this research experience sparked my curiosity because it answered questions I had developed from my own challenges. More importantly, it deepened my understanding of both music and education. It showed me that music has the power to influence lives in ways that extend beyond performance and entertainment, and it reinforced my passion for becoming a music educator who helps students experience those benefits for themselves.