Music has always been a part of my life in different ways, including in the classroom. I like having music on in the background when I am doing things because it is comforting and is something to focus on. It instantly lifts my mood or distracts me and you can choose songs that express how you are feeling without having to say anything. I often have songs or music stuck in my head that I’ll sing or hum. People who have anxiety will frequently have songs stuck in their head and music can also help with emotional regulation.
When I was a kid, I took voice lessons for 10 years and piano lessons for 5 years outside of school. I enjoyed being able to read music and play/sing different songs. During school, music was incorporated throughout my classes. I had music classes in elementary school where we would use bells, play the xylophone, and sing songs. In the intermediate grades of elementary school, I started playing the recorder in music class. I’m sure all of our families were thrilled when we got to start playing those lol. In middle school, there was no music class anymore but we could sign up for band class if we wanted to. I played the clarinet in band from grade 6-9. In high school there was a teacher who offered a guitar class each semester. I took that class twice and learned how to play the acoustic guitar. As an adult, I have not kept up with any of the instruments but I still sing sometimes.
In school, all of those music classes were an outlet for me from the academics. It was fun but I was still learning different skills. I remember things easier when they are set to music as well. I was always told to make up songs when I was studying for tests because I can remember them. I still remember the “cells” song and “parts of speech” song that my teachers played for my class in grade 6. I think playing songs or setting lessons to music is a helpful tool for teaching certain topics.
When I was in my practicums and observations whenever music was played or incorporated into classes the students all seemed happier. One way was as simple as putting on some music during their gym classes. One school started the day with music playing over the PA system. I thought that was a great way to start the morning off in a good way and it always lifted my mood when I walked in the door. In my K/1 practicum, we would play music and dance videos for the kids when they needed a brain break. It was super simple and repetitive but it got them moving and they loved it. The kids would start making requests by the end of the day. In my 6/7 practicum, we would put on their class playlist when the students were doing independent work. I found that the students enjoyed the music while still completing their work.
In my final practicum and future classroom, I hope to incorporate music into my lessons. Whether it is by just playing a playlist at certain points or setting a lesson to a song. I think that it can help students remember what they are learning if some learn better through music. It can also help with regulating emotions or be used as a brain break.