Music x Mental Health @ FIS: 5 Interesting Facts

At FIS, music is all around; in music classes and through some extra-curricular activities of course but not only. All year long we organise music concerts as an opportunity for our students to develop and showcase their performance skills but also as a way to foster community, creativity, and connection which in return contribute to positive mental and physical health.

Here are some of our past and upcoming occasions:

• Student Concert during Open Days
• Christmas Concerts of our Early Years and Primary students from both streams at JL & CW
• Winter Concert and Choir at the Garage Sale on 7 December
• Christmas Flashmobs (17 Dec 10.25AM @ BPR Lobby // 18 Dec 9.55AM @TKO Main stairs)
• Lunchtime Concerts in BPR 21/10, 18/12, 5/3, 16/4, 18/6 (Don't miss the one happening on 18 December >> See invitation below)
• Lunchtime Concerts in TKO
• CNY flashmob
• Live Music at Family Fun Fair on 22 March 2025

In recent years, the intersection of music and mental health has garnered significant attention, highlighting the profound impact that melodies and rhythms can have on our emotional well-being. Here are 5 interesting facts backing up the powerful relationship between music and mental health as well as self-confidence.

1. Did you know that music acts as a warm-up for brain cells ?

According to Harvard Health Publishing, listening to music helps organise the firing of nerve cells in the right half of the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher functions. Based on this construct, music — or at least some forms of music — acts as an "exercise" that warms up selected brain cells, allowing them to process information more efficiently.

Another 2010 review reported that learning to play an instrument may enhance the brain's ability to master tasks involving language skills, memory, and attention.

2. Our students are encouraged to compose their own music. It is believed to help enhance neuroplasticity

The relationship between music and neuroplasticity is a fascinating area of study that explores how engaging with music can shape and alter the brain's structure and function. It is said that studying music composition engages various cognitive functions, promotes emotional well-being, and enhances neuroplasticity, making it a valuable activity for brain health and development.

>> AT FIS | Undoubtedly, composing music promotes creative thinking. It challenges students to innovate, improvise, and think outside the box. That is why at FIS, as part of our music program, we allow and encourage our students to develop their musical skills through listening, performing and composing.

3. Mastering an instrument can be a confidence booster

According to the Levitt Foundation the psychologist Lisa Badanes, Ph.D. (Metropolitan State University of Denver’s psychological sciences department) said that simply being in a crowd of similar-minded individuals enhances our liking of the people around us, leading to decreased feelings of loneliness and increasing feelings of belonging.

>> AT FIS | We indeed believe at FIS, that mastering an instrument or performing can be a significant confidence booster for many students. The process of learning music involves setting personal goals, practicing, and achieving milestones, which builds self-esteem and a growth mindset.

See for yourself and watch the video below till the end:

4. Music at FIS, to reduce anxiety and to energise

Studies have shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory. Bright, cheerful music can make people of all ages feel happy, energetic, and alert, and music may even have a role in lifting the mood of people with depressive illnesses.

>> At FIS : We regularly play relaxing music in the medical room to create a serene atmosphere and support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of students and staff requesting help. Many of our PE classes are accompanied by music to energize and keep students alert.

5. The human brain responds to rhythm and repetition

The human brain and nervous system are hard-wired to distinguish music from noise and to respond to rhythm and repetition, tones, and tunes.  For example, in a school environment like FIS, especially with our little ones, rhythmic clapping can serve as an attention-grabbing signal that stands out from background noise. The rhythmic pattern can cut through chatter and distractions, drawing the children's focus back to you.

>> AT FIS | Some of our primary classes adopt this technique. The young students instantly recognize the rhythmic sound, clap back in response, and are brought back to focus. It works like magic.