Researching Music
Author: Hannah Turner | Major: Marketing, Supply Chain Management | Semester: Spring 2025
Music has always been a huge part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are filled with whatever my parents were playing during my adolescence. It was always in the background, shaping how I felt and how I connected with the world around me. Because of that, I’ve always been curious about why certain songs hit us so deeply and how our music tastes come to be. Since I’ve always dreamed of working in the music industry, this felt like the perfect topic to explore. It combined something I love with something I hope to pursue professionally. I was especially interested in how our preferences change over time and how our upbringing, experiences, and the culture we live in all play a role. I wanted to dig into how music works across generations and how it becomes so tied to our memories, identities, and emotions. It is not just about what we like, but why we like it.
I feel incredibly lucky to have had Dr. Molly Rapert as my mentor throughout this process. I first met her during my study abroad experience at CIMBA in Italy when I took one of her classes. From day one, her teaching style stood out to me, and I was lucky enough to take another one of her classes this semester as well! She is engaging, thoughtful, and always pushes us to go beyond surface-level thinking. When I shared my thesis idea with her, she immediately supported it and has been a huge part of my journey ever since. She has been more than a mentor. She has become a friend and someone I truly look up to. Her support helped me stay focused and motivated, especially when the work felt overwhelming. She also brought her own love of music into our conversations, which gave my research even more depth.
Through this project, I realized just how much of my music taste comes from the environment I grew up in. The artists and songs I gravitate toward now are often the same ones my parents played when I was younger. I also found it fascinating how music can bring back such specific memories. One song can instantly take you back to a certain phase of your life. On a bigger scale, I learned how the music industry has to constantly evolve. Each generation has different influences and expectations. There is a balance between holding on to the music people already love and introducing new sounds that reflect changing times. This challenge creates both risks and opportunities. Personally, I have realized that music is not just something I enjoy. It is a lens through which I see and understand the world. This research helped me appreciate that even more.
One of the hardest parts of this project was accepting that there are not always clear answers. Music taste is incredibly personal, and even among researchers, there is a lot of disagreement. Some say it is mostly shaped during our teenage years. Others believe it starts in early childhood or is influenced more by culture. At first, I found this frustrating. I wanted something more solid and straightforward. But over time, I came to see that this uncertainty is actually what makes the topic so rich. I leaned into that and used my own experiences to help fill in the gaps. I made sure to include every perspective I came across, even when they contradicted each other. That helped me build something more complete and honest. I had to remind myself that music is deeply individual, and that is exactly what makes it powerful.
Along the way, I also gained a lot from talking to friends and classmates. Hearing their stories about the music they grew up with or what songs mean the most to them added such a valuable layer to my research. Each conversation reminded me how different and personal our experiences with music are. And throughout it all, Dr. Rapert continued to be my biggest supporter. She shared articles and resources that helped me build a strong foundation, and her stories brought a personal touch that I never expected but really appreciated. She also helped keep me on track, which I definitely needed as someone who tends to procrastinate. Her mix of encouragement and accountability was exactly what I needed. This project taught me so much, not just about music but about people, connection, and myself. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who shared their stories and especially for Dr. Rapert, whose guidance truly made this possible.
Having completed my honors thesis and graduating from the University of Arkansas this month, I am feeling more proud and accomplished than ever. This experience has pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m so grateful for everyone who helped me along the way. The Walton Honors Program has given me opportunities that shaped both my academic and personal growth. Dr. Molly Rapert has been a constant source of support, encouragement, and inspiration throughout this entire journey. I’m also incredibly thankful for my friends and family who cheered me on through every high and low. Most of all, I’m proud of the resilience I found in myself to stay committed and finish strong. As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue my internship this summer while I begin the search for my next opportunity. I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’m walking into this new chapter with confidence, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for everything that brought me here.