Anyone who has seen students' reactions when music plays in their classroom knows that it has the power to improve mood, increase engagement, and create a positive learning environment. Students who learn information presented alongside music are more likely to retain and recall that information later, benefiting language learning and other subjects.
Research by de la Torre-Luque, A., & Caparros-Gonzalez, R. A. (2021) found that background music can also aid concentration and focus, particularly in tasks requiring sustained attention.
Benefits of using music in the classroom
There are several major benefits to using music in primary and secondary classrooms, including:
- Emotional support: Music helps reduce anxiety, regulate students' emotions, and create a positive mood and learning environment.
- Cognitive development: Playing music enhances children's learning experience and improves memory retention, both key to strong academic attainment.
- Social skills: Music-based or inspired group activities help build friendships and promote empathy.
- Boosting creativity: Music can help students explore self-identity and lateral thinking, expanding their imaginative powers.
This video explains the many advantages of using music in the classroom for children's learning and development.
10 ways to use music in the classroom
There are countless ways to use music in the classroom to heighten children's senses, create different soundscapes, or enhance learning objectives.
Here are 10 creative ways teachers can use music in the classroom:
1. Mood setter
Music can create any mood required for learning a specific topic or illuminate a particular aspect of a text or subject.
For example, when students learn about World War II in history, playing songs popular at the time, such as It's a Long Way to Tipperary, can help children understand how people lived during the war.
You can also play upbeat music when students enter the classroom to set the lesson's pace or use calming music to create a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Background music
Background music can soothe anxieties and help students who struggle with focus transition into work or writing time. Soft music can help students relax, maintain concentration, and stay on task. Classical or instrumental pop mixes are excellent for supporting focused classroom activities.
3. Brain breaks
Musical interludes signal break time. Playing your favourite brain break song cues children to stop work, stretch their legs, and take a break so they can refocus when they return to their activities.
4. Lesson transitions
Using musical soundtracks to signal transitions between lessons or tasks helps students recognize that a section of their learning has ended and it's time to move on.
Task transitions can be challenging for some students. A familiar track signaling the end of an activity helps them understand what's expected and how to transition to the next task or location.
5. Movement activities
Encouraging students to move is a useful way to give their brains a break and engage their bodies. Using music for this purpose shows children that movement is an important part of their day and helps them mentally refresh.
Moving to music allows children to express themselves physically and explore their creativity in a different way.
6. Emotional exploration
Music allows children to safely explore a wide range of emotions. These emotions may be inspired by a text they're reading or linked to a topic they're studying.
Exploring various emotions in the safe space of a classroom helps students understand their own feelings and those of others more deeply. Matching emotions to pieces of music supports this exploration.
7. Memory aids
Songs or musical compositions can serve as effective memory aids for students, especially those preparing for assessments or exams.
Selecting a particular track to help remember a certain topic or important fact can be useful during home revision, as students can play the track to strengthen their recall of the information.
8. Concept acquisition
Songs with relevant lyrics can effectively introduce or reinforce concepts across all subjects. Combining music with visual tasks engages multiple senses, enhancing students' ability to retrieve and recall information. While this approach works particularly well for subjects like science or geography — with many catchy songs available on YouTube — it can be applied to any phase or subject, making learning more engaging and memorable. You might like to try the Seven Continents Geography Song for primary geography or The Periodic Table Song for secondary chemistry.
9. Cultural education
Learning about cultural concepts or historical contexts can sometimes feel complex for children. Bringing music into the classroom to explore relevant cultural details can deepen student understanding and spark their learning on a more profound level.
10. Class theme
Everyone likes to feel they belong to a group. Having a class theme tune helps children feel part of the class and gives them a sense of belonging, creating bonds between the children and the teacher.
It's a fun way to start or end lessons and strengthens students' sense of identity when it comes to learning.
References and further reading
de la Torre-Luque, A., & Caparros-Gonzalez, R. A. (2021). Exploring the Impact of Music on Children’s Learning and Emotions: A Review of the Literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 3665. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073665
van den Bosch, I., & Salimpoor, V. (2023). The Role of Music in Classroom Learning: An Extensive Review. Music & Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043231214085
Vigl, J., Ojell-Järventausta, M., Sipola, H., & Saarikallio, S. (2023). Melody for the Mind: Enhancing Mood, Motivation, Concentration, and Learning through Music Listening in the Classroom. Music & Science, 6. https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043231214085
