Everyone has different tastes when it comes to music, and in a high school setting, those differences can be especially noticeable. If you walk through the halls at school, you’ll likely hear all types of music from throwback pop, indie, rock, or even musical soundtracks blasting through earbuds. For many students, music is a way to reflect and show their identity.

For senior Niki Tzartzanis, music taste hasn’t stayed the same over time. Instead, it’s something that continues to evolve, shaping the people around her. “My music taste has definitely changed over time,” she said. “And I think that a lot of the music my friends listen to has influenced that. And learning new artists and songs from them has definitely changed it.”

It is clear that her experience highlights a common trend among high school students: music discovery is often social. Whether it’s sharing playlists, blasting songs in the car, or posting on social media, students are constantly being introduced to new genres through their peers. Still, personal favorites remain. “Anything from the Glee soundtrack is my guilty pleasure song,” Tzartzanis added, pointing to the comfort and nostalgia certain songs can bring.

For others, music taste is harder to define. Senior Cameron Howes describes her preferences as “loud, electric, and everywhere,” a mix that reflects the wider range of options students have today. But Howes also points out that music doesn’t always match how someone appears on the outside. Her perspective challenges the idea that music taste can be easily judged or predicted, and that is what makes each individual unique.

The wide range of music tastes among high school students shows that there’s no single “right” kind of music to listen to or one certain type of music that identifies who you truly are. Instead, these differences highlight individuality and the ways students are able to show their true colors through music.