We all know how much music affects our feelings, energy levels, and even our level of comfort.  Many of us in our day to day lives couldn’t imagine living without it!  Without even thinking about it, we automatically use music to create a desired mood.  We use it to make us happy, to energize us, to help use bring back some powerful memories and we even use it to help us relax and unwind after a long, stressful day.  I guess you can say music is a powerful tool that we use daily in our personal lives.  However, when we go to work or school, we find ourselves turning it off.  Integrating music into the classroom can set the scene and learning environment to enhance our students’ learning experience.

Music in the classroom helps: 

• Change and energize the brain
• Boost intelligence
• Improve memory through association or memory recall
• Create a desired learning atmosphere
• Release tension in learners
• Establish a positive learning environment
• Add an element of fun

There are numerous ways to integrate music into the classroom:

Beginning of the day: 

Set the tone for the day by playing upbeat/energizing music to help welcome students and build excitement.

During the day:

To aid in student focus and concentration, play classical or smooth jazz while students study, read or write.

Relate music to the subject being taught by playing music from different areas.  For example, when working with wet hairstyling, play music from the roaring 20’s, while students practice finger waves.

End of day:

Close your class with a punch by playing upbeat music that students can relate to, signaling that the day is coming to a close.