According to many students across campus, music is an integral part of culture, with students’ tastes in music displaying a great deal of diversity.
At Ferris, music serves as a vital form of expression, bridging cultural divides and offering students a way to unwind and connect. Whether it’s the soothing melodies of R&B or the upbeat rhythms of pop, music plays an important role in the lives of students, not only as a source of entertainment but also as a tool for emotional support.
R&B and pop are two of the most listened-to genres among students, but other top genres include K-pop, country, rap and hip-hop.
Many cited music as a way to improve their mood and help them when they are struggling.
Business administration junior Melanie Wolf talked about her favorite song and the role music plays in her personal life.
“[My favorite song is] Lookin Exotic by Future. I would say music is my motivation and a great way to keep going,” Wolf said.
Music has the power to shape our emotions, connect us across cultures and offer a glimpse into the spirit of different times. For many students at Ferris, music is a vital part of their routines, whether for relaxation or for a deeper cultural connection.
Finance senior Connor Lamerson shared his current musical favorite.
“My favorite song right now I’d say is Twenties by Giveon,” Lamerson said.
Music, however, isn’t just about personal enjoyment for everyone. Many university students find solace in music’s ability to ease anxiety and provide mental clarity. For computer information systems junior Mohammed Farooqi, it holds a therapeutic quality.
“Music has a good role in my life because I listen to music whenever I feel stressed and overwhelmed and it just calms me,” Farooqi said.
This emotional release isn’t unique to Farooqi. Beyond its personal impact, music plays a profound role in the cultural landscape.
Dental hygiene junior Hannah Elmore reflected on how music can have societal significance.
“I think music brings everyone together, so within different cultures it is a part of everyone coming together,” Elmore said.
Elmore shared what she is currently listening to.
“[My favorite is] called The Sunshine by Infinity Song. I discovered it randomly on Apple Music,” Elmore said.
Fourth-year nursing major Elizabeth McDougall spoke about her current favorite song.
“One of my favorites would have to be by Stray Kids. It’s ‘Lose my Breath,'” McDougall said.
McDougall expressed how music helps her, and the role that it plays in her life.
“I listen to it every day, and it’s just a way for me to relax and kind of get out of my head. So yeah, it plays a really big part in my life,” McDougall said.
A few students talked about how difficult it is to choose just one song as their favorite, saying their favorite song often depends on their mood or what they need at the moment.
Education freshman Reese Walski was one student who had trouble deciding on a favorite.
“It depends on the day or the mood. Probably my favorite is ‘All My Friends’ by Snakehips,” Walski said.
Besides the love of R&B on Ferris’ campus, there are several students who said they enjoy listening to country and pop music.
Class of 2023 elementary education graduate Haley Clifford enjoys listening to country artist Kelsea Ballerini.
“I’ve been listening to Penthouse by Kelsea Ballerini. I love listening to music. I feel like any chance I get I’m playing music, whether it’s for myself or for my students. It kind of calms me down, but hypes me up at the same time,” Clifford said.
For the students of Ferris, it is much more than just a backdrop to daily life. It’s a reflection of who they are, where they come from and what they aspire to be.