Music and the Arts for the Teen Mind

Like many music teachers, Judi Richins has witnessed how learning an instrument helps teens “figure out who they are and what their place in this big world is.” Over her 46-year career as a music teacher, Judi has consistently observed that teens with music backgrounds “are among those who seem to have more confidence in themselves, while other teens are wondering what concrete thing they can grasp onto and proudly stand on.” 

Hillary Rogerson, who has taught drama at Redding School of the Arts for ten years, agrees that the arts give youth confidence. Hillary recalls the transformation of an extremely reserved student, so insecure that she hid her face behind her hair. As the cast worked together to carry on the show even when the principal actors made mistakes, Hillary watched the student begin to replace her fear of failure with courage. “It’s an experience that cannot be taken away,” she says. “Art comes from within, so it makes you vulnerable. But when you are open and vulnerable in that way, and you survive, you can do anything.”

Hillary cites a recent study conducted by the University College London that gives a bit of scientific backbone to these seemingly magical powers of music and the arts. The 2017 study monitored the heart rates of audiences watching the musical theater performance “Dreamgirls” and found audience members’ hearts “responding in unison, with their pulses speeding up and slowing down at the same rate” (“Audience members’ hearts beat together at the theatre”). As Hillary affirms, “This study indicates that the peace and hope people can experience through music and art has a “real, physiological reason. That’s why musical theater is so good for our kids and communities, especially now, after the fires. The arts are vital. They maintain our humanity.” 

Avery Brown, Lindsey Pho, Chloe Hess and Matilda Krulder are four teenage artists in the North State who recognize the power of music and the arts, both in their own lives and in the lives around them. With great insight, these young ladies shared with us their perspectives on the might of music as a force for good in the world.

Avery Brown first discovered musical theater with Hillary Rogerson as a fourth-grader at Redding School of the Arts. Because she studies voice and ballet outside of school, Avery loves the opportunity to mix acting with singing and dancing. She initially entered musical theater to follow in her older sister’s footsteps, but over time the theater scene has become her own. This year, as the school prepares for “Mulan Jr.” she’s learned about leading. “Being an eighth-grader, I’m setting the example. It’s important to show the new sixth-graders what they can do someday,” she says. Avery appreciates RSA’s focus on the arts. “It’s important for kids and teens to learn to express themselves. Other schools might focus on sports or academics, but it is easier to unleash in a creative outlet.”

Lindsey Pho, an eighth-grader at Berrendos Middle School in Red Bluff, CA, began taking violin lessons in fourth-grade from Pat Scott. Lindsey describes the decision to start lessons as “one of those moments that changes your life,” and has also studied piano with Judi Richins since. Practicing her instruments daily has cultivated self-control, confidence, commitment, and the ability to convey some of her emotions through music instead of impulsive words. These life lessons have not only increased Lindsey’s self-awareness and patience with herself but, just as importantly, increased her awareness of others. “The way music changes people and makes people feel they have morale and spirit – we should never forget the arts if they can change people like that.”

Like Lindsey, Chloe Hess takes piano lessons from Judi Richins. Now a sophomore at Red Bluff High School, Chloe began studying piano eight years ago, at the suggestion of her grandparents. Chloe dedicates 45 minutes a day, six days a week, to practice. This commitment has helped her memorize many songs that she can now play by heart. Over the years, Chloe has learned to infuse her music with emotion. “Music can be a fun outlet, and it can also be super personal,” Chloe says. “You can take your anger out or make it sound happy.” 

As a senior at Inspire School of the Arts and Sciences in Chico, CA, Matilda Krulder takes art classes, acts in school plays, and sings with the choir. Under the direction of Inspire music teacher Mary Lou Lim, Matilda researches vocal pedagogy and training methods to teach sections of the choir. Outside of school, Matilda volunteers at the Museum of Northern California Art; sings jazz for local events, charities and political campaigns; and acts. Sadly, Paradise’s Theater on the Ridge, where Matilda was acting in “High Noon on Wall Street,” burned in the Camp Fire. The fire also claimed Matilda’s family’s home, consuming Matilda’s flute, piano, and artworks. In the face of these losses, Matilda has kept her spirits up by orienting her schedule around helping people through music. She has participated in benefit events for fire survivors, joined with the Butte Art Strong movement, and even organized an independent benefit performance. She sees music and the arts as uniquely able to express emotions in ways that build community and establish common ground. “The arts and humanities in general spread empathy, joy, love, and the feeling that you are understood,” Matilda says. “Art is really the most important thing.”