By Syquoia Hall
Trinity Times Correspondent
Music is woven into daily life at Trinity Washington University, shaping how students cope, connect and learn. Whether it’s classical symphonies easing stress or playlists powering late-night study sessions, students and faculty say music is central to emotional well-being and academic success.
“This may sound crazy but, whenever I’m mad, I listen to classical symphonies,” said Mey’soine Thames, a senior majoring in human relations. “It’s really good for regulating my mood and emotions.”
“Music feels as natural as breathing,” said Veronica Kim, professor of voice and interdisciplinary general music courses at Trinity. “It’s so essential to my life that I don’t even stop to define it. It’s simply part of who I am.”
From her first solo at age 5 to her passion for opera and global musical traditions, Kim said music is “deeply tied to who we are and how we heal. It gives voice to emotions we can’t always put into words and helps ease stress, build confidence and create community.”
Music therapy, established as a profession after World War II, has become a core tool in therapeutic and health care settings, according to the National Institutes of Health. The National Library of Medicine notes that it is especially effective for people who struggle to express themselves verbally, including individuals with articulation challenges or mental health concerns.
“A single piece of music can change my mood completely,” Kim said. “It can calm me, inspire me or give me the energy to push forward.”
“Music to me is my escape,” said Thames, who is on course to graduate in the spring. “Everyone has that moment in college where it’s beginning to be too much. But you always put on your favorite song and it changes your mood. Without music I would not be finishing college.”
The National Association for Music Education reports that listening to music supports five aspects of well-being in academic environments: positive emotions, engagement, empathetic relationships, creative meaning and self-affirming achievements.
“Music is cultural,” said Kimberly LaBoone, director of Trinity’s Academic Services Center. “Music can bring people together. It can change the mood depending on what the genre is, what the tempo is. It can be a topic of conversation. It’s said that music is the universal language, and I believe that’s really true.”
LaBoone often shares study strategies with students who use music for focus.
“You can use different types of music for different classes,” she said. “It can help you when you are taking an exam. You might think about the music you were listening to when you were studying – and thinking about it should help your recall a little better.”
Research from the Merit School of Music suggests that studying music boosts creativity, strengthens empathy and improves emotional expression. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas found that 66% of undergraduate music majors who applied to medical school were accepted.
Trinity’s music program is small, but students and faculty say it provides space for community, confidence building and creative growth.
“The pianos in the music wing are quite old. They’re donated,” Kim said. “Since music is so dependent on both instruments and technology, it would be great to see updated resources.”
According to ASCD, music strengthens social, emotional and academic success in schools: “When music is present throughout the day and across subject areas, students have more opportunities for social, emotional and academic success. Experiences of listening to and engaging with music in school can enhance students’ overall mental health.”
Trinity offers academic credit for private voice and piano lessons.
“Music is important to who I am because when I listen to music I don’t have to think about anything,” said Trinity Bennet, a junior majoring in psychology. “I don’t think I would be able to relax most days [without music].”
The National Library of Medicine reports that listening to music can reduce anxiety – in some cases more effectively than anti-anxiety medications – due to neurochemical effects such as increased levels of endogenous opioids and dopamine.
Kim hopes Trinity will further support the music program through upgraded instruments, improved classroom technology and greater visibility.
“I’d also love to see the Department of Fine Arts have its own webpage,” she said. “This would showcase faculty achievements, student work and promote events like our end-of-semester recitals.”
Music, Kim added, is powerful: “It reminds us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves.”