Music as Mirror

In this article, the author discusses the musical interests of college students and what their musical preferences say about them. Students, through the nature of their music preferences, seem to intentionally or unintentionally convey messages. Students' listening habits can provide insight into messages that they are exposed to on a regular basis as well as messages that they may wish to send about themselves--their self-concept, important values, and so on. Understanding college students and their music can give educators insight into who they are, although students warn against judging a book by its cover, assuming that how one looks signifies one's taste in music. Students' musical interests also provide a resource for forming connections with the students both in and out of the classroom and enhancing their learning. (Contains 5 notes.)