My Thoughts on NPCA Seoul

One of my favorite parts of NPCA Seoul is that students all have different focuses within the topic of music and war, and we can easily make connections on our own about each other’s topics and learn from each other. I’ve chosen two main research questions to focus on: Why does music help students’ lives, whether it be playing an instrument or singing? How does music affect you?

With the help of my adviser, I decided that I’m going to make a short commercial expressing both my opinions and research that proves why students need music, and why it affects us in a positive way. So far, I’ve been testing students and teachers around me on one of the effects of music: improved cognition and memory depending on different styles. Today, I tested students on memorizing two-digit numbers in order within a minute three times. Once with no music, then with classical music, and finally, with pop music. The results? After creating a chart, I realized that the amount of numbers in the classical column soared high above pop and memorizing numbers without music. Although students sometimes dislike listening to classical music, it helps most student’s memories.

So far, I’ve planned out the scenes of my video exactly, along with what I’m going to film. I’ve felt really encouraged and excited about my project by the amount of teachers willing to help and talk with me both one on one and in groups. They are willing to give their own insights on my topic, and share more ideas for me to explore.

Overall, I feel enthusiastic about my topic and continuing my project, especially because I can connect to this topic personally and with my own past experiences with music. When I’m done with my commercial, I plan to show it to elementary students to try to convince them to see the importance of music in our lives as students. I’m looking forward to seeing how my project will turn out!