Music can invigorate and accelerate learning, create a positive learning atmosphere, and encourage harmonious relationships in the classroom.
by Chris Boyd Brewer
Most of us don't need scientific study and research to prove that music helps us remember experiences and special moments. What experiences do you remember most vividly? Chances are, they are the moments that you associate with an emotion.
Most people vividly remember experiences and information connected to emotions such as embarrassment, shock, fear, horror, delight, joy, love, peace and pride. That's because, as a survival strategy, the brain heightens our attention and triggers memory of anything that has an emotional content. Soundtracks from movies do this for us and we can use this same musical strategy to help students pay attention in the classroom and remember learning experiences more clearly!
Dr. Georgi Lozanov, a psychologist and educator, researched how the brain learns and developed a learning method in the 1960’s known in the U.S. as “Accelerated Learning”. This method incorporates music extensively, as well as best teaching practices now recognized in the Multiple Intelligence and Brain Compatible learning models.
As a certified Accelerated Learning trainer and leader in the field of music and learning, my work has focused on how music can set the classroom atmosphere for optimal learning and help students get into the best mental, physical and emotional state for getting the most out of learning experiences. My book Soundtracks for Learning: Using Music in the Classroom (2008) provides the how-to’s and background research for the role that music can play in learning. This information can help teachers and trainers gain effective practices to improve students learning.
Music can perform many functions in learning. It can help establish a positive atmosphere conducive to learning, as well as creating an atmosphere of fun. Music can build anticipation and release tension; it can enhance imagination and increase information retention; it can inspire creativity and improve the memory; it can help students get into an optimal learning state and develop rapport between individuals.
In thinking about the use of music in classrooms, I like to pose the question, why, when we enjoy music so much, would we turn it off at work or in school? The truth is that we don’t have to turn it off, we can just become aware of the many ways that music in the classroom can support learning and then use it to our students’ benefit!
In my book I share how to choose the right music for the intended purpose, explain what type of music creates an atmosphere of focus and which music increases memorization, what type is more appropriate for background music to maintain alertness while completing a project, and what music conveys a welcoming, socializing atmosphere for starting the day or maintaining positive attitudes all day long.
Lozanov's methods employ what he calls concerts to improve memory of important information. The Active Concert, which I call a Music Memory Presentation, activates the learning process mentally, physically and/or emotionally. The Passive Concert, which I define as a Reflective Music Review, places the student in a relaxed state that increases information absorption.
Another component of Accelerated Learning is the recognition that the learning setting and student comfort level with learning is of great importance to student success. Lozanov's methods included using music as students enter the classroom, leave the classroom and during break times to help establish a positive learning atmosphere. Research long ago supported the concept that learning happens more effectively when students are in a positive mood. I have found music to be an excellent tool for what I call positive mood management, and see it as an essential aspect of learning.
In Accelerated Learning, the use of music for memory enhancement and for positive mood management are combined. The end result? Learning experiences that are joyful and successful.
In Soundtracks for Learning, I offer a multitude of techniques for incorporating music into the classroom to enhance and accelerate the learning experience, but I also suggest that teachers begin with one technique that resonates with his or her teaching style, then move on to another. The book offers music suggestions with use guidelines for enhancing focus and concentration, creativity and reflection, classroom atmosphere,and enhanced learning experiences. There are over 150 tried-and-true ways to use music to benefit learning.
About Chris Boyd Brewer, MA: Chris founded LifeSounds Educational Services in 1982, offering services for educators on the integration of music throughout the curriculum. LifeSounds has provided these and other services for public schools, non-profit organizations, corporations and medical facilities for nearly 20 years. Her websites offer articles, CD compilations of music for learning purposes, as well as individualized services to individuals and organizations. Her information on music in education can be found at Music and Learning.com and her information on music in health can be found at Music In Health.net.
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