Ep 261: What Your Teen’s Music Says About Them

Susan Rogers, author of This Is What It Sounds Like, offers
insight into what different tastes in music reveal about
personality. Plus, how parents and teens can connect more deeply
by sharing and exploring music.  





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Full Show Notes


Music is deeply personal, especially for teenagers. In this
episode, we’re exploring what your teen’s music taste says about
them and how you can use music to connect more deeply.


We’re joined by Susan Rogers, a cognitive neuroscientist,
award-winning professor at Berklee College of Music,
multi-platinum record producer, and author. With decades of
experience in the music industry and a PhD researching music
perception and cognition, Susan has rare insight into both the
art and science of music.


In our conversation, Susan explains that musical tastes are
highly individualized, tapping into our inner psyche and
self-image. Criticizing your teen’s music taste can feel like a
personal attack to them. Instead, Susan suggests having a “record
pull” where family members take turns playing music they love for
each other. This allows everyone to glimpse into each other’s
musical psyche.


What Your Teen’s Taste Reveals


We discuss fascinating research Susan conducted asking people
what visuals and memories they associate with their favorite
music. Results showed the majority of people see autobiographical
memories, allowing them to relive happy moments from their past.
For teens, this often means music from when they were younger.


Susan explains music activates the brain’s “default network” tied
to our sense of self. So when teens listen to music they relate
to, it becomes deeply enmeshed with their personal identity.
Lyrics often take a backseat, Susan says, with musical qualities
resonating more deeply.


Using Music to Connect


With the teenage brain still developing areas related to identity
and self-perception, what teens believe their peers think of them
becomes what they think of themselves. Susan suggests asking
teens openly about their music, not to criticize their taste but
to understand them better.


Playing music you relate to for your teen can also help them
understand you, glimpsing into your psyche. Susan proposes a
“record pull” where family members share meaningful music with
each other.


Additional Topics:


How streaming led to highly individualized musical taste

Dance and musical style reflecting generational culture

Processing lyrics versus musical qualities

Areas of the teenage brain still under construction






Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.