Why Should We Play Music in Classrooms?

Posted by Jennifer F on November 14, 2019

Who doesn’t want to see students succeed in school? School prepares us for adulthood by developing our critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as empowering us with the information we need to tackle more advanced tasks. So, how can we make this task easier?

New research is showing that by introducing music to the classroom, teachers can help improve studying skills, increase focus, and help children put their best foot forward in their education. Let’s take a look at the benefits of introducing music to a classroom.

Music Develops Mental Acuity

Introducing music to the classroom enhances the mental capabilities of students in multiple areas. Here are a few ways in which students experience improvement when music is added to classroom learning:

Improved visualization
Reduced anxiety
Improved memory
Increased stress management skills

Studies indicate that when introducing music to a classroom, students display increased neuroplasticity, in that their brains more readily changes in response to new stimulus. This development in a child’s brain is credited for the above improvements in mental function among students.

Music Sets the Mood for Classroom Learning

Different types of music can affect the mood and mindset of students. By strategically playing different types of music throughout the class period, teachers can enhance a student’s focus, energize them, and make them more ready to learn. For example, playing quiet classical music may help students focus while test taking, while playing soft jazz or other more upbeat music at the beginning of the class can help energize students early in the day.

Precautions When Using Music in the Classroom

As with any teaching tool, it’s important to employ music strategically when you utilize it in the classroom. For example, music with lyrics may be distracting for students, because there are words other than those of the teacher for them to focus on.

Additionally, teachers should avoid playing music too loudly: students may have trouble hearing or focusing on the lesson, particularly those with auditory processing issues, learning disorders, or hearing impairments. When employed strategically, music can be a benefit for students.

Music can bring a number of significant benefits to your students in the classroom. By analyzing where your classes need improvement and strategically introducing music, you can help your students excel.

Music and Genie Academy

At Genie Academy, we’ve taken the time to research how to create the perfect environment for your child to excel. From colorful walls to scientifically backed instrumental tracks to meditation and yoga, we make sure we use every strategy available to help your child discover their own inner genius!

Sources

Ancheta, M. (2018). 8 Brilliant Benefits of Listening to Music While Studying [Web]. Retrieved from https://www.careeraddict.com/study-music-benefits

Music Mark UK (2014). 20 Important Benefits of Music In Our Schools. Retrieved from https://www.musicmark.org.uk/news/20-important-benefits-music-our-schools/

Antepenko, A. (2008). The Music Connection. Educational Leadership, 66(1). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept08/vol66/num01/The-Music-Connection.aspx

Prescott, J. (2005). Music in the Classroom. Scholastic Teacher [Web]. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/music-classroom/