New research released today by the Royal Albert Hall has revealed how music can help improve the mental health of young people.
The statistics show that 83 per cent of secondary school age students said that either playing or listening to music helped them deal with stress.
As 16 to 18 year olds embark on GCSEs and A-Level examinations this week, Senior Education & Outreach Manager at the Royal Albert Hall, Flo Schroeder, has urged students to play or listen to music during their downtime to help with the stress.
Schroeder said: “There have been multiple studies showing the benefit of listening to music while you study and how it can help with concentration, but what this research really shows is that music can be highly effective when it comes to decompression from stress.”
Schroeder continued: “For many 16 – 18 year olds, the next couple of weeks are probably the most stressful they will face. It’s imperative that during those particularly tough moments, they do all they can to help alleviate that pressure.”
The research also found that 74 per cent of 11-18 year olds use music as a remedy to the stress and anxiety of everyday life.
The study further highlighted how music can help with social skills, with 62 per cent of 16 - 18 year olds stating that playing or listening to music helped with confidence.
Schroeder said: “We know, categorically, the social and mental health benefits playing and listening to music can have on an individual’s psyche. This is why, as part of our charitable remit, here at the Royal Albert Hall we run music therapy sessions in partnership with Nordoff Robbins for people of all ages with a wide range of needs and abilities, and even offer dementia-friendly events and ‘Relaxed’ performances.”
Schroeder continued: “Sitting GCSEs and A-Levels exams is tough, but our strong advice is, take a break, and wherever you can, put on some tunes – it will help!”
Through its Education & Outreach programme, the Royal Albert Hall aims to introduce children, at the earliest stage possible to music, in every form; whether it be the Storytelling and Music sessions for babies and toddlers through to offering careers workshops with some of the biggest names in music.
The programme which last year reached more than 185,000 young people, works with schools and community groups, as well as other charities such as Music for Youth, as part of its extensive public benefit remit.