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I listen to music for a multitude of reasons. I use it for my own musical education, to increase focus, and for emotional regulation. I am a prospective music major currently taking piano studio lessons. Listening to the pieces that I am working on is essential for me to be able to properly encapsulate what the composer had intended for the piece to be played. This provides an outlet for me to practice when I am not physically at the piano as well, allowing me to analyze it from a listeners perspective and focus on what I want my audience to hear.

When doing school work such as studying or writing tasks, I listen to instrumental jazz to help me focus. Music with lyrics are often too distracting for me, and I often find myself analyzing classical music rather than mindlessly listening. Jazz allows me to zone out any other distractions and just focus on my work. I don't know enough about jazz to catch myself analyzing the pieces, making it the perfect genre for me to listen to while trying to focus.

Lastly, is emotional regulation. Whether I am at the gym, stressed, or happy, I use music to match my mood. It can motivate me while working out, and comfort me during times of distress. I find this to be the most common reason that people listen to music, as well as the most common reason that people write music. It can be used for every situation universally, allowing individuals to connect with themselves and others.

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Musical theatre has always been my inspiration, not just artistically but in life. There is a lot that can be said through the art of music which is only empowered through the art of theatre; there are many powerful messages to be told as well as opportunities to find yourself within the art. If you were to take one look at my Spotify, you would probably laugh a little when you see that it is almost entirely musical theatre. I make some exceptions for modern pop icons that I love such as Billie Eilish, Conan Gray, and Chappell Roan, but the rest of my Spotify is comprised of Hamilton, Ride The Cyclone, Hadestown, Little Shop of Horrors, and so many more. There's definitely some commentary to be spoken on about how musical albums on streaming platforms create a space where this beloved and powerful artform can become more accessible to those who cannot afford to drop a couple hundred-- and sometimes even a thousand-- dollars to fly to New York City and see a show live on Broadway; I know in my personal experience, there are some shows that I might not ever get to see live, but have the fortune of still enjoying to a certain extent due to there being a cast recording album on Spotify and other streaming platforms. All of this is to say that I primarily listen to music in order to stay connected with this art form that is so heavily connected to my identity. Musicals inspire me every day and give me the motivation that I need to keep pushing through the many trials and tribulations of life. So, in conclusion, I listen to music to form a sense of identity then remain in tune with that identity,

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I listen to music because it heightens whatever emotion I am feeling in the moment, or brings forward a different emotion. I have made playlists for every emotion so that I have the perfect playlist for when I am feeling happy, sad, mad, in love etc. The lyrics of a song also change my mood depending on what the artist is saying, even songs with no lyrics that i listen to quite often tend to bring out the same emotions and have the same effect without the use of words. For example, the songs "Une barque sur l’océan from Miroirs" by Andre Laplante and "Junk" by Paul McCartney are both songs that awaken a feeling of love in me even though they are completely different songs in completely different genres, but i associate them with the same feeling based on my experiences. I like to listen to music because I like to feel and music evokes feelings in me which is why it is such a prominent aspect of my life.

I also play music, specifically jazz, which is why I am so intrigued by the theory of music. Jazz theory is probably my favourite thing to study and takes up a lot of my time. I listen to pieces I have played, play, or want to learn and listening to those helps me improve my skills as a musician.

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I listen to music for many reasons, mostly around emotional regulation and stimulation. Each kind of music helps me contextualize my own emotions in a way through the lenses of something physical and measurable like music. Being someone who can find certain kinds of noise to be very overstimulating and overwhelming the context that music usually carries with it helps create something I find very comforting. Through recognizing tropes around musical elements I'm able to use music as a tool for self regulating my emotions I would otherwise have a hard time living with

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I love listening to music because it's a beautiful form of art that I can truly feel and connect to. It's not just about the sound; it's about understanding the artists, their stories, and being inspired by their artistry. I listen to music all the time, it sets the mood and fills the space around me. Whether I'm cooking, studying, or walking to class, it's a constant in my life, and it really impacts my mood.

Music also shapes culture and influences my style, hobby and even the friendships I form. It's something that connects me to myself and to others. That's why I believe music is a universal language, it has the power to bring everyone together.

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Julianna Rutledge - Why do you listen to music? 

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Julianna Rutledge - Why do you listen to music? 

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I listen to music to add a background track to the activities or feelings I’m experiencing in a certain moment. I feel like the music adds to the overall experience and can heighten the emotions of any situation.

For example, I listen to fast paced and upbeat music at the gym to mirror the experience I am having. The fast-paced tempo helps with keeping me on track when I am running, and louder music adds to the intensity. For yoga, studying or before bed, I usually choose instrumental music, or something slower paced so I can focus on the more pertinent task. I usually switch to French music before any of my French classes to start up that part of my brain, without having to focus on the content of a French podcast or TV show.

Overall, I usually choose music to augment the experience I am already having or trying to engage in.

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Among all of the reasons as to why I listen to music, there are three main reasons that stand out: entertainment, ambience, and curiosity.

For entertainment, I listen to music to pass the time and to entertain myself. For example, while walking, there are times where I would listen to music to make the act of walking not cumbersome and instead make it fun.

This also ties to ambience as different kinds of music, especially while studying, set different moods to otherwise mundane activities. For example, fast paced music would energize and motivate me while working.

Finally, for curiosity, it more has to do with me scrutinizing the music I am listening to. There are times when I have a music playlist playing in the background, and when it plays a song that I've never heard before and find interesting, I find myself stopping what I'm doing to focus in on the song to better understand why I'm so captivated by it. All in all, music is fun.

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Listening to music creates this ethereal feeling or atmosphere in my mind. The effect can be strong enough to manifest physically as singing, dancing or acting.

If I'm focused on the act of listening itself without other distractions, I would play music to mimic my mood or create a mood I want to initiate. I find every song has its purpose & quality. For example, if I want to feel confident I could put up a song that's upbeat & has a loud bass. Of course, a song that's upbeat with a loud bass can create a different image or emotion. But I believe that's part of the beauty of music. Everyone has their own tastes & experience with music.

If I'm listening to music in the background (ex. when I'm walking), it comforts me in a way that pushes me to keep going. It's almost strange how just listening to a song that I like can motivate me. However, it can also create a blissful distraction from the task at hand.

Essentially, I feel like a different person, or in a different environment when I listen to music.

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There are a couple of reasons I listen to music. On my way to classes, I put on my headphones and listen to music as I walk. When I experience media, like a movie, youtube video, or video games, I listen to the way the music is incorporated and I try to appreciate the creative choices made to create an enjoyable blend of music and visuals. Then there are times when I simply sit down, listen to a piece of music, and try to understand every bit of it.

I use music as a way to pass time when walking to classes. It keeps me entertained and is much better than hearing the stampeding footsteps of passing students. Most of the songs I listen to on these walks range from 3 to 5 minutes in length and I have about a 10 minute window to travel between classes. So I also, in a sense, use music to track time because once the second song finishes I know I have to hurry to class.

When I watch shows or movies, I get to hear a lot of songs that I eventually add to my playlists. At the same time, I also think about how that scene or moment in the movie would have felt differently if there was a another piece of music or no music at all. I think about things like why they might have used a classical orchestral piece to match the setting rather than something more modern. So in this context, I listen to music to appreciate creative direction.

If I find a song that I really like, I might sit down and slowly analyze the song from start to finish. I pay attention to the chord progressions, changes in dynamics, drum patterns, key changes, instruments and vocal texture, and so much more. This sort of analysis allows me to appreciate the work of the producers, songwriters, and performers much more than simply listening to it on the side while I do something else.

There's so much more to music I don't know about. So I think I listen to music to discover new ways to appreciate having it.

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I listen to music for many different reasons. I listen to music as a way to gain inspiration for when I play my saxophone, as well as gain more experience. I listen to covers of music I am playing to hear different styles and twists to music, and incorporating those ideas into my own playing.

I listen to music to match my emotions or energy, or to fit certain settings or atmospheres. Many times I will create playlists for specific moments or emotions, so that I have the right music ready to go. Another reason I listen to music is because it acts a may to explore different cultures and upbringings. I like to find smaller artists with great music and learn more about the art that they are trying to create.

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I think I like when my brain has something to think about, and more often than not, music is something interesting for my brain. I usually like to listen to the same songs, not necessarily on repeat, but habitually. I like learning the pattern of the song, using the beat to keep time as I walk from class to class. If I'm late to class the song I choose is faster, or has a stronger beat to give me some form for my pace. I tend to use the lyrics to express myself depending on the song and my present mood. If I come home feeling mad or frustrated after class I'll put on music that directs that frustration into a song, singing the words forgetting or redirecting that into an angry feeling song. Once the song is done I feel like I can move on from the past feelings that don't serve a purpose in the present moment. Often in the present moment I feel overwhelmed and confused, having music I can come back to time and time again provides a feeling of certainty wherever I am. I choose music that is a reflection of what my body wants or needs whenever possible. I use it as a tool to regulate my thoughts, feelings, and movement. As I learn more about how my body or brain reacts to sounds I do hope to use music in a more therapeutic or medicinal way. I recognize most of the music I listen to falls under pop, with so many short and sweet songs I try to be cautious of the message in each of them. If I'm not going through an active heartbreak I do try and avoid songs that are melancholic or describing such fleeting feelings, because ultimately I don't want to feel heartbroken, sad, or empty (for no reason). Using music as a tool to practice reflection and focus is something I try to teach myself everyday, with new or recurring songs.

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Sophie Wilhelm - Why do I listen to music?

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Sophie Wilhelm - Why do I listen to music?

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I listen to music for many reasons that differ depending on the circumstance. Sometimes, when I'm doing a boring task (like folding my laundry), I listen to music purely to distract me and take me to a completely different world. In this way, music can be a form of escapism.

I also listen to music as a way to connect to the experiences of others through the emotions and stories being expressed. When I listen to a song, it's easy for me to get lost in the music and feel a strong connection to the artist (even if I've never gone through the things they're singing about).

Lastly, I love listening to music soundtracks from my favourite TV shows because it helps me feel more attached to the story and characters even after I've finished watching the series. Music can often increase my connection to fictional stories, making them feel more real in my mind.

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Rabaab Bhoday - Why do I listen to music?

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Rabaab Bhoday - Why do I listen to music?

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Music tells me stories. These stories can be spoken through lyrics or interpreted through harmonies. I find that I can connect with certain pieces of music because they tell stories that are similar to mine. If not, I often find inspiration to create new stories. Music helps my brain wander and explore new emotions and experiences that I may have never felt before. It helps me reflect on my experiences and distract me from the real world around me when I need a break. It can heighten the emotions I feel at a certain time to help me understand why I feel that way.

Sometimes certain pieces of music are attached to special moments or time periods of my life that are worth looking back on. I would say that these nostalgic memories attached to music are the most important to me and may be the biggest reason why I enjoy listening to music so much.

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Chris Megaffin – Why I Listen to Music

I listen to music because of how it makes me feel, and how it makes me think.  Music can make me feel happy, joyful, or sad.  If I want to relax, I will listen to a slow, soft piece of music, breathe into it, and sometimes meditate.  I will choose a piece with a fast tempo and move to the beat to get moving.   This is especially helpful during a workout.   The result is I feel happy, my mood improves, and my outlook is bright.

Music also makes me think, who wrote that, what is the writer’s intent, am I receiving the intended message, what is the writer’s background, and what else have they written?  These provoking questions (and others) direct me to look up the answers, which leads me to other artists to be discovered.   There is joy in learning more about the music that makes me feel good!

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Quinn Tufts- Why do you listen to music ?

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Quinn Tufts- Why do you listen to music ?

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I listen to music because it heightens all my emotions when I listen and makes me feel them much more. This is Especially true when I listen to music with headphones on, because it is just me listening which allows me to connect more and tune it to how it makes me feel. whereas when I'm listening to music with others I listen to it to have fun, dance and sing with others but the feelings and emotions arn't the same and it's not just me and my music anymore.

To put that feeling in perspective, I find myself listening to certain types of music to match my mood, like listening classical to music whenever I'm working because it has no words so I dont get distracted. Listening to chill rap/RnB on my way to class because it's chill and gives me confidence in the mornings and jazz at night before bed to relax me, all the music I listen to reflects the way I feel and want to feel in that moment.

So overall, the reason I listen to music is because I enjoy the way I am able to put on music which reflects me and be in my own world with it.