In the realm of contemporary music, few artists command a following as devoutly faithful as Taylor Swift. Swift amasses billions of streams on various music platforms. After concluding the first leg of her most recent tour, The Eras Tour, and releasing a re-recorded version of her fifth album, 1989, she now has over 170 million certified record sales; Taylor Swift is one of the best selling music artists of all time.

Her music has become an anthem for many students at FC, resonating with them on themes of love, friendship, and self discovery. 

“I think that she [Taylor Swift] embodies my emotions and puts them into poetic lyrics. Her lyrics are a page out of her life that can easily be translated into a listener’s life,” Charlotte Hayes (9) said.

Surveys and studies have shown that Swift’s music ranks among the most-listened-to by high school students, with many citing her verses as a source of relevance and inspiration.

“Taylor’s music just gets high school life- it’s like she’s there with us. Her words bring me comfort, and I also love her catchy tunes and fun personality,” Jayden Nguyen (10) said.

 At FC, Swift’s music proves to be a hit among a diverse crowd.

“I feel like the stereotype of a high school boy is to mostly listen to rap, but it all gets a little bland eventually, listening to the same genre of music over and over again. That’s why Taylor Swift’s music appeals so much to me: It’s something different, she has such a wide variety of music that can fit almost any mood, and I can always depend on her music to hit whenever I need it to. Her music is just too… good to not enjoy,” Davin Nong (10) said.

Not only do Swift’s melodies connect with students here at FC, but also with faculty.

“Taylor Swift has felt like a best friend since as long as I can remember. She has music for every mood and milestone that life throws at us,” Social Studies teacher Brody Whited said.

From childhood to adulthood, Swift’s music seems to be timeless to her fans.

“I believe Taylor Swift has a large and diverse fan base because of nostalgia, relatable lyrics, and her personal growth. When Taylor debuted her first album, I was 9 years old. I remember listening to the songs and being in awe. As I have gotten older, I believe Taylor Swift has also developed which has allowed her to continue to appeal to her original audience as well as younger audiences,” Whited said.

Some teachers at FC express that they can use their love of Taylor Swift to connect with students.

“Taylor Swift is one of my favorite artists. My students know this, and they like to joke with me about it. I have a class playlist that I play during break, or when they’re walking to class, so they get to hear a little bit of her once in a while. Also, she’s great at storytelling. In the near future I hope to incorporate her somehow in one of my History lessons,” Social Studies teacher Sheila Aguirre said.

Teachers can tap into students’ lives and forge deeper connections within the classroom through music.

“Engaging with music creates a universal connection with my students, and I find it particularly effective during the first weeks of the school year. It’s a wonderful icebreaker that allows me to establish a connection with them and get to know them better. For those who happen to be Taylor Swift fans, I often start by asking about their favorite Taylor Swift songs, albums, or whether they’ve had the chance to experience her Eras tour!” Aguirre said.

One study, conducted by the College Rover Team, revealed that students who have GPAs between 3.5 and 4.0 typically prefer Swift’s music to that of other artists.

“She affects me as a student by being a role model. She worked hard to achieve her goals which inspires me to do the same,” Hayes said.

Other students feel the same respect for Taylor Swift

“As a student, I enjoy listening to Taylor Swift’s songs while studying and doing my work. Her music is uplifting and keeps me in a good mood during school,” Nguyen said.

Swift’s accomplishments can be a driving force of inspiration for many.

“Taylor’s lyrics and words reflect her past experiences and struggles as a musician and as a person. It is easy to respect her story and the paths she took in her music career, and I value her lyrics and words because they can be so relatable. As a student, her music allows me to decompress from the weight and stress of academics, and I can enjoy myself through my favorite songs,” Nong said.