Castelar School 6th Grader Joshua won the Young Writer category in the 12th Annual Music Unites the World Essay Writing Contest. His essay focused on the physiological effect music has on people. He wrote, “People may feel uneasy or stressed out at times and studies have shown that music can severely reduce stress in the body. As people play their instruments, their unpleasant energy transfers into a more positive energy, as a result reducing the heart rate that leads to stress.”

This bright young writer uses music to de-stress and to relax, “Music is important to me because after school – after studying and doing homework – I can just relax to music and enjoy it.” As a violinist, he also explained how the intricacies of playing an instrument helps strengthen his focus. Joshua’s mom stated, “I have been yearning for my children to play an instrument. As we have limited time and resources, learning to play instruments was considered a luxury. But Joshua and his older sister, Abellaine, are playing violin thanks to ETM-LA. From the depths of my heart, thank you to ETM-LA teachers and staff for all your dedication and hard work.”

“Studying music is vital for Joshua and all students because music helps children strengthen their communication, math, and problem-solving skills and helps children to focus and to develop teamwork,” his mother added. Joshua has experienced the benefits of music education, and he will carry these skills with him for the rest of his life, no matter what his future holds. Joshua shared, “Music makes me feel happy because there are so many ways of expressing yourself with music.”

Watch Joshua’s Spotlight Video below:

Enjoy this Young Writer’s award winning essay:

During challenging times, one way music can unite people is by reducing stress and anxiety. People may feel uneasy or stressed out at times and studies have shown that music can severely reduce stress in the body. As people play their instruments, their unpleasant energy transfers into a more positive energy, as a result reducing the heart rate that leads to stress. Music also can allow people to express their emotions to others by playing their instruments. People who play in a sad or low tone may be showing signs of feeling sad and down. While people who play in an upbeat tone may be showing signs of being happy and joyful.

Music can also help people forget that there is a pandemic going on in the first place. As they play and get carried away, their mind focuses on the music instead of the fact that there is a pandemic going on. People that learn the skill of playing a musical instrument can also make new friends that have the same hobbies and skill level of each other. As a result, people can be united and make new friends. These are some of the reasons why music can unite people and guide them through periods like these.