The pandemic was, to put it mildly, an absolute mess. Lockdowns, isolation, anxiety—it wasn’t exactly a time of joy. Social distancing turned into social isolation, and suddenly, the world felt like a very lonely place. But if there was one thing that remained constant, a comforting presence through all the uncertainty and chaos, it was music. While everything else was shutting down—shops, restaurants, travel—music was always there, finding a way into our homes and lives.
With live concerts cancelled, festivals postponed indefinitely, and social gatherings banned, people turned to music as a way to cope, to connect, and to fill the deafening silence that came with being stuck indoors for months on end. In fact, the sound of music echoed through empty streets and echoed across balconies, uniting people in a way that no Zoom call could ever hope to. Music wasn’t just entertainment—it was the emotional glue that held us together when everything else seemed to be falling apart. Whether it was tuning into a virtual concert or joining a viral TikTok dance trend, music kept us grounded when the world felt upside down.
Music: The Psychological Lifeline
According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2020), people reported that music provided “psychological support” during lockdowns, helping them manage their emotions and reduce feelings of loneliness. In a time when physical contact was impossible, music became a kind of emotional bridge, connecting us not just to ourselves, but to each other. People used music to express what words couldn’t—be it sadness, frustration, or a desire for escape. It’s no wonder that the study found people were listening to music more frequently during the lockdowns than they had before. When we couldn’t talk face-to-face, we let the music do the talking for us.
Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube saw a surge in users, with more people tuning in to playlists designed to uplift, soothe, or simply distract them from the ongoing global crisis. Spotify’s own 2020 Wrapped data revealed that streaming figures hit record highs during the pandemic. Genres like “chill” and “focus” music became wildly popular, and artists responded with a flood of new releases tailored to this new, house-bound reality. Whether you were looking for the perfect playlist to accompany a socially distanced workout or just needed a soundtrack for staring at the ceiling in existential dread, there was something for everyone.
A Global Playlist: Music’s Role in Social Media and Beyond
Then there were the viral TikTok challenges, which turned simple songs into worldwide sensations. Tracks that might have otherwise slipped under the radar became the background to dance crazes, comedy skits, and heartfelt moments shared by millions. Who would have thought sea shanties—yes, sea shanties—would take over social media in 2020? Suddenly, everyone was harmonising to The Wellerman, and a centuries-old genre found its way into the modern digital world. It was quirky, unexpected, and exactly the kind of collective experience people craved.
But it wasn’t just about TikTok. Across Europe, people stepped out onto their balconies and began singing together, bringing whole neighbourhoods into impromptu concerts that filled the empty streets with sound. In Italy, opera singers serenaded their neighbours from windows, while in Spain, guitarists strummed for their city blocks. These spontaneous performances became a symbol of resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest times, we could still find joy and connection through music. It didn’t matter if your voice cracked or your guitar was slightly out of tune—it was about the shared experience, the sound of life and hope when everything else felt suspended.
Music as a Virtual Stage: Live-Streamed Concerts
With concert halls closed and music venues shuttered, artists found new ways to reach their audiences—enter the era of live-streamed concerts. From pop stars to indie musicians, artists took to Instagram Live, YouTube, and Facebook to perform in real time, straight from their living rooms. These virtual performances brought a level of intimacy that no arena tour could ever match. Suddenly, you were watching your favourite artist perform in their pyjamas, their dog wandering in the background. It was personal, it was raw, and it was exactly what people needed.
According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), revenues from live-streamed concerts skyrocketed during the pandemic, with platforms like Twitch and YouTube seeing a massive influx of new content. Musicians, deprived of the stage, found solace in these platforms, connecting with fans and creating new, virtual communities around music. It wasn’t quite the same as being there in person, but for many, these performances became a lifeline—something to look forward to in the monotony of lockdown life.
Even major events like the One World: Together at Home concert, which featured performances by artists like Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Paul McCartney, brought the world together for a few hours of music, all in the name of solidarity. Broadcast globally, the concert raised millions for pandemic relief efforts, proving that music could not only bring people together emotionally but could also mobilise resources in times of crisis.
Music: More Than Just Entertainment
It wasn’t just a form of entertainment—it was a lifeline. As people struggled to navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic, music became a universal companion, reminding us that, despite everything, we weren’t alone. Whether it was a song that made you smile or a playlist that calmed your anxiety, music kept us going. It created shared moments when we were separated, and allowed us to escape into something beautiful when the real world felt anything but.
And this isn’t just anecdotal. According to a survey conducted by the British Academy of Sound Therapy in 2020, 89% of respondents said that listening to music helped improve their mood during the pandemic, while 81% reported using music to relax and manage stress. The numbers don’t lie—music provided emotional and psychological support in a time when, frankly, we all needed it.
Because after all, you can quarantine people, but you can’t quarantine soundwaves.
The Importance of Music in Everyday Life
Here’s the thing: music is so ingrained in our lives that we barely notice it most of the time. It’s everywhere—at the supermarket, in the gym, blasting from someone’s headphones on the train, or in the background while you’re making dinner. Walk into any room, and what’s the first thing most people do? They switch on the radio or cue up a playlist. No one walks into a room and immediately starts working out the algebra of its overall space—although, if you do, hats off to you. The rest of us? We’d rather let a good tune fill the room than spend five minutes calculating the square footage.
It’s not just a habit; it’s a need. Music is woven into the fabric of our daily routines, to the point where silence feels almost uncomfortable. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we crave the comfort of music in the background. It provides a soundtrack to our lives, turning even the most mundane tasks into something a little more bearable. Need to tackle that looming pile of laundry? Stick on your favourite album, and suddenly folding socks doesn’t feel like an act of pure drudgery. Have to face the dreaded morning commute? Plug in your headphones, crank up your go-to playlist, and now you’re the main character in your own movie montage, making the journey feel a little less soul-sucking.
The Soundtrack to Daily Life
Music doesn’t just entertain—it transforms. Research has shown that music can enhance mood, improve focus, and even boost productivity. A study conducted by the University of Birmingham found that background music can help people stay focused on repetitive tasks. So when you throw on some tunes while you’re stuck in a monotonous Zoom meeting or cleaning the house, you’re not just indulging in a bit of fun—you’re actually making yourself more efficient. Who knew?
It’s not just about filling the silence, though. Music has the power to change the atmosphere of a room, and most of us instinctively turn to it, even if we’re not consciously thinking about it. Whether it’s relaxing with soft jazz in the evening or energising yourself with an upbeat track before heading out, we use music to match our moods or create the emotional tone we want. As it turns out, music has a real effect on our emotional state—something we’ve known intuitively for centuries but now have the science to back up.
Music: Your Personal Time Machine
And while we’re at it, consider this: How many times have you heard a song that instantly transports you to a specific time and place in your life? It’s like you’re walking through the supermarket, a familiar melody plays, and boom—you’re back at that summer festival, that awkward school dance, or that heartbreak you thought you’d long forgotten. Music taps into something much deeper than just our ears.
According to research from Harvard Medical School, music has the unique ability to trigger powerful memories and emotions, activating regions of the brain that are closely linked to personal experiences. The part of your brain responsible for processing music—the auditory cortex—interacts with areas like the hippocampus (the part of the brain involved in memory) and the amygdala (which processes emotions). This is why a simple song can evoke such vivid recollections, even decades after you first heard it. It’s like a built-in time machine, capable of taking us back to moments of joy, heartbreak, or nostalgia with just a few notes.
Think about it: how many songs do you have on your personal soundtrack? You might not remember what you had for lunch yesterday, but play the first few bars of a song from your teenage years and you’ll be able to recall everything—from the clothes you were wearing to the smell of the room and the emotions you were feeling. That’s the power of music. It connects us not just to the present but to our past, weaving a complex tapestry of memories and experiences through sound.
Music: A Universal Language
Music also serves as a form of communication, sometimes saying what words can’t. You don’t need to understand the lyrics to feel the emotions behind a song. Music is a universal language that transcends barriers of culture, language, and geography. A piece of classical music can move you even if you don’t know the name of the composer or the story behind the composition. A rock song from halfway around the world can resonate with your own struggles and triumphs, despite being in a language you don’t speak. As Victor Hugo once said, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
This emotional universality explains why music is present in every known culture throughout history. From ancient tribal songs to modern-day symphonies and pop hits, music has always been a fundamental way for humans to express and share emotions. In fact, a study published in Nature Neuroscience (2019) found that music activates the same reward centres of the brain as food, sex, and drugs. This might explain why we gravitate towards it so instinctively—it literally makes us feel good.
The Need for Music
So, why is music so important in everyday life? Because it’s more than just background noise. It’s an emotional anchor, a productivity booster, and a memory bank all rolled into one. Whether it’s helping us unwind after a long day, motivating us to power through that last set at the gym, or connecting us with others through a shared beat, music plays a central role in how we navigate the world.
And the best part? Unlike many other things in life, you don’t need to overthink it. You don’t need to analyse its structure or understand the technicalities. You just need to listen, and let it do what it does best—create connection, spark memories, and remind us, in the simplest way possible, that we’re alive.
And yet, our modern education system will mean all of this could be gone within a couple of generations.
The Economy: Music vs Pharmaceuticals (for example)
But let’s not forget the more tangible side of things—music isn’t just good for the soul; it’s also good for the economy. In fact, music is big business. When we talk about the music industry, we’re not just discussing superstars headlining Glastonbury or the latest viral hit on TikTok. We’re talking about a multi-billion-pound industry that fuels the economy in ways most people don’t even realise.
According to UK Music's 2021 Music by Numbers report, the UK music industry contributed a staggering £5.8 billion to the UK economy in 2019, before the pandemic brought live events to a screeching halt. That’s no small change. And while the pandemic put a temporary dent in these figures, the live music scene is already bouncing back, with those numbers expected to rise again as festivals, concerts, and tours return in full force. This isn't just about album sales and concert tickets—it's about jobs, trade, tourism, and tax revenue.
Now, let’s compare that to the UK pharmaceutical sector, which, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), contributed £4.4 billion to the UK economy during the same period. Yes, you read that right. Music, the thing people often brush off as “just a hobby” or “not as important as other industries,” generated more economic value than an industry that produces life-saving drugs. Of course, both industries are crucial, but the point here is clear: we seriously underestimate the financial power of music.
More Than Just Hits and Headliners
Music’s economic contribution goes far beyond the headline-grabbing superstar names. Sure, Adele and Ed Sheeran might sell out arenas, but the music industry’s impact is far more widespread. It’s not just the artists who benefit—it’s the entire infrastructure that surrounds them. From sound engineers, lighting technicians, and stage designers to the roadies who travel with the bands and the independent artists selling their EPs on Bandcamp, the ripple effect of music's economic impact is vast.
Think about it: every time a major concert is held, it’s not just the artists making money. Venue staff, catering companies, security teams, and local hotels all benefit. According to a study by the Musicians' Union, the live music industry alone supports over 200,000 full-time jobs in the UK. When Glastonbury goes ahead, it’s not just about the music—it’s an economic event for the region. It brings in tens of millions of pounds to local businesses, boosts tourism, and creates temporary jobs. In fact, the 2021 UK Live Music Census found that live music generates more than £1 billion for the UK economy each year, and that’s just from the gigs and festivals themselves.
The economic chain continues into areas you might not even think about: streaming, recording, licensing, and even the sync deals that place your favourite songs into TV shows and adverts. And with the rise of digital streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, the global recorded music market has also seen significant growth. A study by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) found that the global recorded music market grew by 7.4% in 2020, despite the pandemic, thanks to the continued rise of digital streaming services. Music isn’t just adapting to the digital age—it’s thriving in it.
A Global Industry That Touches Every Corner
Globally, the music industry is a juggernaut. According to the IFPI Global Music Report 2021, the worldwide recorded music market alone was worth $21.6 billion in 2020. That’s in the middle of a pandemic, when live performances, festivals, and concerts were mostly shut down. And yet, the industry still managed to grow, largely driven by the surge in online streaming, licensing, and virtual performances.
It's also important to recognise that music drives tourism in a major way. Cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester are hubs for live music, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. A 2019 report by UK Music revealed that music tourism alone generated £4.7 billion for the UK economy. International visitors spent an average of £850 per trip to the UK, drawn to iconic venues, music festivals, and cultural landmarks such as Abbey Road Studios or Liverpool’s Cavern Club. And these tourists weren’t just spending on tickets—they were booking hotels, eating in restaurants, and contributing to the wider economy in ways that go far beyond the cost of admission.
Music Is Business, Too
It’s not just about the joy music brings or the cultural significance it holds. Music is, quite simply, a business. And a pretty lucrative one at that. The impact goes all the way down to the grassroots level, with independent musicians, small record labels, and local venues all playing a role in this booming industry. It’s easy to focus on the big names, but even smaller events and emerging artists contribute to a vast ecosystem that feeds back into the economy.
And this economic power isn’t limited to the UK. Around the world, music has become a central pillar of the entertainment and digital economies. The US music industry alone contributes $170 billion to its economy each year, supporting over 2 million jobs, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Conclusion: Music’s Unsung Value
So, while pharmaceuticals are certainly essential (let’s not downplay the importance of medicine, especially given recent events!), it’s crucial to remember that music is more than just background noise or a creative hobby. It’s a serious economic player, one that contributes billions to the economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. From the local gig venue to the global superstar tours, music fuels an entire ecosystem of industries.
It’s a stark reminder that the value of music isn’t just emotional or cultural—it’s tangible, measurable, and, in many cases, larger than industries we traditionally think of as "serious" or "important." And yet, despite all this, our modern education system continues to marginalise music, cutting it from curriculums and treating it as an afterthought. At this rate, we may not just lose the emotional richness music brings to our lives, but the massive economic contributions it makes too. And that’s a price we simply can’t afford to pay.
The Need for Music
So, why is music so important in everyday life? Because it’s far more than just background noise. It’s an emotional anchor, a productivity booster, and a memory bank, all rolled into one. Music is there when words fail us, when we need to feel something but can’t quite articulate it. It’s the universal language we all speak, even if we don’t fully realise it. Whether it’s helping us unwind after a long day, motivating us to power through that last set at the gym, or connecting us with others through a shared beat, music plays a central role in how we navigate the world.
Think about it: have you ever tried working in complete silence? It’s unnerving. Studies show that music can improve focus and concentration, particularly when performing repetitive tasks. According to research published by the Journal of Consumer Research, music can help lift our mood, keep us engaged, and even enhance our cognitive performance. Whether you’re plugging away at spreadsheets, painting the spare room, or slogging through a late-night essay, a good playlist can be the difference between feeling drained and feeling energised.
Music also serves as our personal therapist, helping us process emotions and memories. We all have that one song that brings back vivid memories—whether it’s the first dance at a wedding or a tune that defined a difficult time in your life. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s science. As mentioned earlier, music activates regions of the brain linked to memory and emotion, which is why hearing a certain song can send you back in time in an instant. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that listening to familiar music stimulates neural pathways that evoke these emotional memories. It’s like time travel, but far more affordable and less complicated than building a DeLorean.
And here’s the best part: unlike many things in life, you don’t need to overthink it. You don’t need to know the technicalities of music theory or how to play an instrument to experience its power. Music doesn’t ask for anything but your attention. Just listen, and let it do what it does best—create connection, spark memories, and remind us, in the simplest and most profound way possible, that we’re alive.
The Disbelief: Undervaluing Music in Education
Given the overwhelming evidence of music’s impact on the human brain, culture, and economy, it’s absolutely baffling—mind-boggling, really—that our modern education system continues to undervalue music and the arts. How is it possible that we’ve gone from a time when the Greeks believed music could shape one’s soul and Romans used it to power their spectacles, to today, where music is relegated to a 30-minute slot once a week, squeezed in between spelling tests and maths drills?
The ancient Egyptians used music as a conduit to the gods, the Greeks thought it was essential for moral development, and even in the Middle Ages, music was taught alongside arithmetic and geometry as one of the cornerstones of education. And now, despite all we know about its benefits—its ability to stimulate creativity, improve emotional intelligence, and boost academic performance—music is often the first subject to face the chop when school budgets are cut. It's hard to believe, isn't it?
Countless studies have proven that students who are involved in music perform better in other academic areas. According to research from the University of California, Irvine, students who received music instruction scored significantly higher in maths and spatial reasoning tasks than their non-musical peers. Another study from the National Association for Music Education found that students involved in music programmes had higher graduation rates and SAT scores than those who weren’t. The evidence is there, plain as day: music education doesn’t just nurture creativity—it directly benefits students’ overall academic performance. So why, given all this data, are we still debating the importance of music in schools?
It’s astonishing that in an era of hyper-awareness about the mental health of young people, we’re ignoring one of the most effective tools at our disposal. Music is a natural mood regulator. It helps students cope with stress, process emotions, and develop social skills. The real question should be, why isn’t music being given more time in the curriculum? How have we managed to undervalue something that has been valued by civilisations for thousands of years?
If You Don’t Believe in Music, Ditch Netflix and Spotify
And here’s the real kicker: anyone who believes that music—and other art forms—don’t have a place in the modern education system might want to take a good, hard look at their own habits. If you genuinely think music and the arts are unnecessary, then let’s see you cancel that Netflix subscription. Turn off the radio. Delete your Spotify account. Because guess what? Every time you watch a TV show, listen to a podcast, or relax to a playlist, you’re consuming the very art forms that you think aren’t important enough to teach.
Without music and the arts, we’d have no TV soundtracks, no films, no podcasts, no gaming scores, and no radio shows. Everything that makes your day a little bit brighter, a little more bearable, would vanish. So, if you really believe that music has no place in education, then kindly step away from all those little luxuries that the arts provide. Otherwise, you’re not just missing the point—you’re part of the problem.
Let’s face it: if you’re benefiting from art every single day, if you’re one of the millions who find comfort, joy, or even escape in music, film, or television, then you’ve already answered the question. Art belongs in education. Music belongs in education. And if we keep stripping it away from schools, we’re not just robbing the next generation of joy—we’re robbing them of essential skills that they’ll need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
From Frustration to Action
We’ve spent some time here delving into the frustrating reality of music’s decline in education—and let’s be honest, it’s enough to get anyone’s blood boiling. The fact that something so essential to human culture and development is treated like an afterthought in today’s schools is not only disheartening, it’s baffling. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.
We’ve made the case for music’s importance, and if you’re still with me, I think it’s safe to say we’re on the same page. But now it’s time to stop lamenting the loss and start talking about how we can turn things around. It’s time to shift the conversation from what’s wrong to what can be done. And let me tell you, there are plenty of people, schools, and communities out there already fighting to keep music alive in education—and succeeding.
The next part of this book is about those solutions. It’s about what we can do to bring music back into schools, to give it the respect and space it deserves, and to show students, parents, teachers, and policymakers that music isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s rethinking how we treat music in the curriculum, providing more support for teachers, or using technology to bring music education into every classroom, the answers are out there.
So, let’s move forward. Let’s look at how we can make sure that future generations don’t lose this vital part of their education. Because while it might feel like we’re up against it, the truth is, there’s hope—and plenty of it. And that, dear reader, is where we’re headed next.
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