MUS1200 final paper 500-750 words

Our final for MUS1200 will be a 500-750 word essay on the following topic: What role have the arts played in your everyday life during this time of social distancing? 

According to a recent survey, nearly 50% Americans are anxious about COVID-19, and four in 10 are worried about getting seriously ill. We are experiencing unprecedented times, and simple tasks like maintaining a regular schedule, getting a good night’s sleep, and eating healthy help fight feelings of depression and stress. 

Lately, a growing number of people are making art. Photography, music, painting and drawing are keeping people busy and distracted from the stresses of COVID-19. Music, in particular, has always brought people together--even from a distance, as we saw neighbors in Italy and numerous street performances here in the U.S.  Music and And art do not just unify us — they physically benefit us, too. Studies show that spending just 45 minutes on an art project can relieve stress, strengthen critical thinking skills and improve memory.