Music is an essential part of many students life. It serves as an important medium for self-expression and creativity, allowing teenagers to communicate their emotions and build their identity. Because of this passion, adolescents find themselves going to concerts. Some student’s love for live music began when they were children.
“My parents would take me to concerts when I was very young, that kind of helped uproot my love for live music,” junior Vee Hewett said. “My first concert was the Hella Mega tour, with Greenday, Weezer, and Fallout Boy. I wanted to go initially because I really wanted to see Greenday, and that’s when I got into Weezer and Fallout Boy. It was a very eye-opening experience for me.” 
Live music isn’t only good for entertainment, it can also connect people. Music has the power to bridge gaps between diverse cultures and languages, forming connections among individuals who might not meet otherwise. Studies have shown that the rhythm in music synchronizes our brains with others, which constructs a sense of understanding and fellowship.
“I’ve met plenty of cool people, you can meet someone just by complimenting their shirt because everyone in the crowd shares the same interests,” junior Dylan Neff said. “You can go into a mosh pit and there will always be someone in the crowd to pick you back up and make sure you keep having fun.”
Concerts are also a great way to lift stress and improve moods. Live music triggers a stronger emotional response than listening to a device. People attending concerts usually show increased levels of endorphins, which intensify good feelings. The harmony of everyone dancing together can develop the release of dopamine, another ‘happy’ brain chemical.
The question on whether online music or live music is better is still greatly debated. Some students prefer the convenience of online music, rather than the hassle of getting tickets to a performance. Others prefer the up-close magic of being at a concert.
“I enjoy concerts a lot more, because it gives me and my friend a bonding experience. It was amazing getting to see my friend get excited about the concert and being so close to the artist,” senior Eden Collins said. “There’s more of an environment and it is a lot more visually stimulating for me.”
For every person who prefers concerts, there will always be others who prefer online music.
“Live music is more enjoyable, for sure, but online music is so much more convenient and accessible, so I would have to go with online music,” Hewett said. “Either way, music is such an important thing to me, but I will almost always be searching for opportunities to experience real-life music.”
Oftentimes, individuals go to concerts solely to meet the performers. Musicians have the ability to share their experiences with the crowd and convey their messages, which allows fans to connect with them emotionally. People across the world travel just to have the chance to experience the exhilaration of seeing their favorite artists perform their favorite songs.
“I met the bassist from a band called DamagePlan at Oscar’s Bar and Grill. I was able to spend about an hour talking with him about music and guitar. Overall it was a really fun experience and he was even cool enough to give me his phone number,” Neff said. “I’m hoping one day I can meet someone from a cooler, more famous band. That’s definitely my goal.”
Music can be an immensely powerful tool for adolescents, from connecting with unique individuals, to relieving stress.
“I really think that without music, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Collins said. “It’s helped me grow and change and find a place that I fit into. I think that’s a pretty cool concept to think about.”
