Music In The Classroom

I am a firm believer that music is an integral part of our lives, and it is a powerful medium that allow others to connect, mourn, celebrate, or entertain.  Whether it is through performing, listening, dancing, or other means, music provides an outlet plus a calming effect. Music can be used to raise the energy level in a classroom or used to make a calm and serene place where students can mellow themselves out.  Music has been effective in decreasing behavioral problems amongst a range of students with disabilities.

When I was employed at mental health facility in Eatonville, Florida, I noticed mixed reactions among clients during types of music I played during what was called “music therapy. “  Classical music or slow tempo music seemed to relax clients and jazz, rock, or rap music liven them up.  Being a music aficionado, my love of music spans from genres like rock, world, jazz, new age, urban, R&B, classical, and the list goes on. I brought this knowledge to the classroom.  Back in the day, I would bring a small suite case of CD’s to play.  Now I make sure to have the IPod filled with every range of music genre to be used throughout the day.

I have certain types of artist and song to be played during each subject.  For example, we listen to Dean Martin during writing time or upbeat songs with positive messages during testing, for example Bobby McFerrin-Don’t Worry or Black Eyed Peas- I Gotta Feeling.  I take this time to merge what they like with my taste in music. The best feature of the using music in the classroom is selecting the DJ for the day! My students love taking turns as the DJ of the day, and selecting their favorite songs from the playlist.  

I have noticed that music helps my students to be more creative, confident, less disruptive, and more sociable. As for testing….my students are less stressful and able to concentrate on the task at hand (higher test scores).  

Ways to used music to manage classroom:

• ·         Morning a pick me up before school.
• ·         Start the first subject of the day.
• ·         Transitions.
• ·         Instruction and lessons
• ·         Games
• ·         Relaxation/Guided Imagery/Brain breaks
• ·         A way to end the day

 If you are starting out new with music in the classroom, I would suggest investing in Putumayo world music.