We may hear music virtually anywhere: on the street, at a concert, at home, on our phones or radios, and even in school. Music, being an intrinsic component of interdisciplinary education, functions as a language, allowing us to communicate and establish our cultural identities, express our emotional experiences, and pursue our passions. With such incredible transforming power, it’s no surprise that music is being used by educators all around the world to create pleasant classroom environments and assist young people’s personal and intellectual development.
Did you know that arts integration, including incorporating music, can enhance learning and foster a healthy school environment? Active musical involvement can influence how the brain processes information, boosting our perception of language and speech and, as a result, our ability to communicate with others and learn to read. Furthermore, multiple studies have found that listening to relaxing music might reduce aggressive behavior, as well as emotions of worry and tension. This is an important topic in the classroom since educating students to manage their emotions positively can help them study more effectively.
6 Impactful Ways to Incorporating Music in a Classroom
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Welcome students with a curriculum music video
Okay, we can’t promise you’ll go viral but we can guarantee your pupils will be enthusiastic about the subject early on, as they should be when you welcome students with an enthusiastic music video––builds anticipation and excitement!
Similarly, dismissing pupils using a music video reinforces freshly gained knowledge and keeps them eager for more!
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Music as a subject for inclusive classrooms
Studies have also demonstrated some dramatic benefits of music in teaching for students with special needs. Music is an effective technique for treating a variety of behavioural and emotional issues. It is also an ideal tool for providing such children with hands-on experiences that will help them develop their thinking, reasoning, evaluation, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
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Use music as a medium to teach
Imagine an elementary classroom where the concept of shapes is taught using the iconic track “We Are Shapes.” This creates cross curricular connections and perfect ambience for learning and makes the lesson engaging for young minds. Introducing new topics like shapes through music captures children’s interest and makes the learning process fun.
Additionally, instructors and stakeholders can use quiet music in the classroom to facilitate smooth transitions between lessons and themes. This not only keeps students engaged but also helps maintain a calm and focused learning environment.
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Use music as a stress buster
Playing various songs and morning music in the classroom helps release dopamine, a hormone associated with feelings of reward and pleasure. Research shows that dopamine levels can increase by 9% when listening to music that one enjoys.
Incorporating music in the classroom boosts dopamine levels, serving as an ultimate stress buster. It reduces anxiety, pain, and depression while also improving sleep quality.
- Ragas like Yaman and Bhimpalasi are known for their soothing and calming effects. Listening to these can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Bhajans like “Achyutam Keshavam” and “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” can create a peaceful atmosphere, helping students feel more relaxed.
- The sound of the flute by artists like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia or the sitar by Ravi Shankar can be incredibly calming and help in reducing stress.
- Tracks like “Shiv Tandav Stotram” by Shankar Mahadevan can be both energizing and calming, helping students focus better.
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Use music to beat monotony
Transform your classroom by adding fun elements through peppy numbers and beats. Use music to make mundane or repetitive topics enjoyable for your students. A resourceful teacher can utilize various platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora or FSM’s advanced music tool to find engaging and lively tunes. By incorporating these fun musical elements, you can keep your classroom dynamic and your students excited about learning.
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Music to keep calm in the classroom
- Use music as a meditation tool with simple breathing exercises.
- Encourage group singing to promote collaboration.
- Have a playlist ready for specific activities and occasions.
- Associate music with concepts to help students master difficult topics.
- Consider students’ preferences when selecting music.
- Incorporate music to help students remember facts.
- Avoid using sad music unless necessary.
Offer a Holistic Education to Your Students: FSM’s Advanced Music Courses
Furtados School of Music (FSM) aims to make quality music education fun and memorable for all ages. With over 200 schools and centres across India, FSM ensures music education is accessible and affordable everywhere.
FSM provides advanced learning at home, schools, and centres for K-12 students. Our world-class educators offer engaging programs in piano, keyboard, guitar, drums, violin, and vocals for all skill levels. Our courses blend modern methods with traditional concepts for a comprehensive curriculum, helping you achieve your musical goals.
Join FSM and turn your musical dreams into reality!
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