Music and Arts Have Saved Us During the Pandemic

Art quickly emerged as a coping mechanism and cultural response to the pandemic

Music and arts have the unique ability to connect people of all cultures, ages, and ethnicity together. They are languages of emotions that have no boundaries while deepening feelings and imitating emotions. The prevalence of music and arts is nothing new; they have captivated cultures for centuries. This fame and history makes even more sense after scientists have documented the powerful effects and benefits of attending a concert or musical, viewing exhibits at a museum, or watching a movie in a theater. Due to the pandemic, these in-person art forms shut down at least temporarily. However, it wasn’t long until humans adapted art to the times in order to save it and themselves.  

Connecting Us in Quarantine

concerts, music and arts during the pandemic
Drive-in concerts began popping up as a new way to view live music during the pandemic

Early on in the pandemic, art provided inspiration, comfort, and, most importantly, diversion. Many inspirational videos emerged around the world of people singing and playing music from their balconies, making recordings with a virtual ensemble as well as using street murals to reflect racial reckoning and the pandemic. We saw the bonding of different people all through music and arts whether or not they could leave their homes. Similarly, other fields of arts like dancing, painting, sculpturing, and others have seen a positive rebound in the pandemic.

Boarded-up shops presented new canvases for street artists to entertain and reflect history

People tried to keep themselves busy in all these activities and also engaged their close circle to do the same. Art also took on a larger role in online education. Many artists began recording art lessons on topics like playing a new instrument or drawing our favorite animals that empowered others to follow along and learn at home. This connected family members and also allowed them to stay productive and happy during a stressful and isolated period. 

Why Did People Turn to Music and Arts?

This inclination is deeply rooted in neurobiology. The human ability to listen to, produce, understand, write, and share music and arts is the basis of entertainment. This entertainment allows us to achieve interpersonal synchrony even if virtual or distant. This synchrony gives a feeling of belonging and participation. People feel more affiliated and connected towards one another and developed a relationship based on cooperation. This bond wasn’t only taking place outside of the home, but also inside. Parents have connected more with their children by engaging in remote learning, virtual arts, and even celebrating holidays

Above all, music and arts have played an extraordinary role in such challenging situations both personally and as a community. Such activities created a sense of group identity, social closeness, and boosted self-esteem by giving clear imagination and stress reduction, and for that we’re eternally thankful!

Written by: Anonymous Gooroo Blogger

About the Author

Sam Kahn

Sam Kahn

Sam is a content creator and SEO specialist at Gooroo, a tutoring membership and online learning platform that matches students to tutors perfect for them based on their unique learning needs. Gooroo offers Math, English, SAT, Coding, Spanish tutoring, and more.