Music
Music is a universal language, transcending beyond borders and time. Despite disconnects in language, culture and generations, music has the power to bring people together, something everyone has in common. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Beyonce—each artist defines a generation. Music is more than just a sound; it is a bridge between generations, a shared experience that connects people across time. The songs of each era influence how society views the world and communicates with one another. Kloe Taheri (’26) noticed how songs from all generations always come back, to refine and benefit society.
“The song “California Dreamin'”... was just performed at the Grammys," Taheri said. "Because of all the fires that have been going down right now, “California Dreamin'” was saying to bring the L.A. community together and pay tribute… A song from all the way back then has come down generations and generations to still impact people in the same way and bring people together."
Music can unite communities, providing a space for underrepresented voices and creating platforms for societal change. According to Save the Music Foundation, music can promote healing, reconciliation, and education, breaking down barriers and bringing people together. On a neurological level, according to The National Institute of Health, music enhances social connection and can help people recover from diseases like strokes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, music can improve mood and help with movement. Through these experiences and inherited forms of connection, music allows individual inspiration and generational bonds. Mr. Wang, the orchestra director at Samo, has a firsthand perspective on music’s impact on youth and its effects on their connection.
“We build connections by being able to make music together," Wang said. "It's just the act of playing music together that creates an instant connection, and that doesn't matter how old or young you are."
Culturally, music reflects change and often sparks resistance. Every new musical genre challenges existing norms, as seen with jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop in the past. Music has always been intrinsically linked with societal movements, providing a platform for new ideas and discussions. For example, the influence of jazz during the 1920s challenged racial segregation and social norms, while rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s and 1960s broke down barriers between people. During the 70s, the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen,” rebelled against authority, further representing music's power to provoke social change and influence. During the Civil Rights movement, songs such as “We Shall Overcome” became anthems for hope and unity, inspiring and fostering resilience between protesters—many of whom were school-age adolescents. Music has always played a significant impact on youth, fostering connections, reliability and comfort. Through conversations for change, music jumpstarts opportunities to adapt elders to the ushering in of a new generation's updated social norms.
“As a performer, music really is a place for me to escape," Taheri said. "And when I'm on stage, I'm sharing my talent and it's a really important thing to have that [space] for yourself…If a song is really popular and everybody knows it, that's automatically something that you can talk to another person about, it is a society builder in that sense,” said Taheri.
Music continues to shape the experiences of each generation. Its impact on society is profound, serving as a bridge between generations, and developing new ideas and ideologies. By embracing the music of every era, a glimpse of the past is recognized and celebrated, and music will continue to be a force of unity.