Student Savvy

A Teaching Blog by Suzy Memeo

Benefits of Music in the Classroom

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Why music should be utilized in the classroom!

 

 

It’s so much more than just music. It facilities other areas of learning. 
Music actually helps language processing – according to a study conducted at Stanford University, “Researchers have demonstrated that people with musical experience found it easier than non-musicians to detect small differences in word syllables.” –Source: http://news.stanford.edu/

 

 

The arts can help students who struggle
Traditional classroom learning can be a struggle for some students.  According to author Beth Olshansky, her daughter while painting was able to “access and express imaginative ideas and descriptive language that were otherwise not available to her.” Olshansky is author of, “The Power of Pictures: Creating Pathways to Literacy Through Art.” – source http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/how-the-arts-can-help-struggling-learners/

 

 

Music is a stress reducer
 If your students are struggling through lesson after lesson and need a mental break, why not turn on some music and let them draw how their feeling for five minutes? This is art therapy for students!

 

 

 


Students learn to work together
Music is all about working together to produce beautiful music. Just think about orchestras and bands! They must be listening and paying attention to each other at all times. Bands rely on the drummer to maintain the beat of the music. The bass player produces the low notes and the guitarist plays the main melody. Everyone has a different role that they are held accountable for. Musicians work together to create art!

 

 

Students learn about other cultures
Music is everywhere. All different parts of the world have their own unique style of music. Student can learn so much about different cultural traditions and their artistry.

 

 

It promotes self-expression

Musicians have their own unique style. They take risks and make their own decisions in their artwork. Students are able to learn that they can leave their mark on the world by exploring their creative process. When exploring music, we don’t want are students to mechanically play “twinkle twinkle little star” on the recorder. Hand them an instrument and let them go, don’t just limit music to lessons and drills.

Teaching to multiple intelligences

According to Howard Gardner in his theory of Multiple Intelligences, some students are categorized as “Musical-linguistic” learners. These students will thrive in these activities!

 

Can actually improve test scores!
After researching this topic, I found countless articles to back this claim.  According to a study published in the Journal for Research in Music Education, students in music programs score higher on standardized tests compared to schools with deficient music education programs. source credit- http://artsedwashington.org/research/high-quality-music-education-raises-test-scores


I also have personal experience with this topic. In high school, I attended Natomas Charter, Performing and Fine Arts Academy. All students attending this school were required to maintain a 3.0. Of my four years attending, I only knew of one student who left due to grades.


It promotes creativity.

 

Students get to explore their creative side while playing music. They are free to make their own artistic choices. It allows for exploration and using other parts of the brain!

 

 

 

There is simply not enough schools supporting music programs and arts education
Support arts in education! Its heartbreaking to hear how it is becoming a thing of the past.

 

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Now you know the benefits of using music in the classroom.
Here are some fun ways to incorporate music into your daily lessons!

 

Bring in the instruments! – Free play
Allow students to explore different instruments… Let them see how they produce different sounds. Practice rhythm and tempo. Practice playing softly, then loudly. And of course, teach them to respect and appreciate their instruments!

 

Explore music by Genre!
Explore the history of different genres, discuss famous musicians and bands, and the common elements/instruments that are used in each genre. In this resource you can do it all!  There are even video/sound clips that you and your students can scan right in the printouts! A fun create-your-own band activity is in there too!

 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Music-Activities-Unit-Exploration-by-Genre-1726142

 

BOOMWHACKERS! They are the COOLEST! They are hollow, color-coded, plastic percussion tubes. The different lengths of the tube creates the different pitches. Students produce tones by striking together or on any surface. Best part? They are affordable!

 

 

Explore Music from other cultures (music around the world)

 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Around-the-World-Music-Unit-Common-Core-1498598
#1 best seller in StudentSavvy store and featured in the Teachers Pay Teachers Newsletter 2/1/2015!!
In the “Music around the World” resource  students will learn over 30 different musical instruments from Japan, France, India, Spain, Brazil, Africa, Russia, and Italy! There are video links included to see the instruments in action!

 

Check out these fantastic youtube videos shared by Responsive Classroom! These music and movement activities are used as energizers! You can use them when your students need a mental break!

 

Here are some of my favorites:

 

 

source credit – Responsive Classroom

 

 

Source credit – responsive classroom

Bucket Beats! Easy DIY Drums!! Just use home depot buckets and flip them upside down! You can create small bongo drums by just using felt, rubber bands, and a tin can (formula cans and oatmeal cans work great!) Students can even paint them or decorate with yarn and beads.

 

 

Make your own instrument Project! I remember doing this in elementary school. My dad helped me create a guitar using a tissue box and rubber bands. It was so much fun to play! Here’s a resource that will helps students to come up with ideas on how to create their very own instrument.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Music-Activities-Common-Core-Writing-1141200


Listen and Create! – Self expression and art! This is so fun for students and incredibly easy to do. All you have to do is turn on some music and let students express their emotions through art. Not only does this improve their artistic skill, but it promotes self expression and creativity. It sounds simple and silly, but I promise you it’s not.

Rhythm games – Check out this cool resource to learn rhythm basics! Even includes rhythm haiku and creating your own rhythm poetry!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Music-Rhythm-Fun-1706261
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Music-Rhythm-Fun-1706261


Make a human rainstorm!

 

Students work together to make a human rainstorm. Teach students how they can use the body to make cool nature sounds! Watch this shared video on youtube from a summer camp!

 

 

Source credit – Dave Meumann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT6ttO7yxaE

 

 Thanks for reading! Post ways you include music into your classroom below!

Photo credit – Downloaded and purchased from Dollar Photo Club

 

 

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