Musical Magic
Music is harmony, rhythm, melody, a way to express ideas, as well as an expression of emotion. Music can be used as a memory tool and an emotional state changer. The brain remembers events and information that are connected with music.
I've learned...
- If music is pleasant it creates a chemical change in the brain. This change taps the reward center of the brain and activates dopamine and serotonin. Both of these neurotransmitters have a positive effect on learning.
- Unpleasant music = distress
- The cerebellum, which helps coordinate automatic movement, is a key player in our perception of rhythm and music.
- When we listen to music motor areas of the brain are activated.
- Music can be used to change states, promote socialization, get attention, and energize students to get tasks done for quick drills or transitions.
- Music is a carrier and creates an emotional tag, which can be paired with semantic learning to strengthen synapses, memory, and recall.
- Music can be used to put learners in the emotional state necessary for what they are being asked to do. Use soft calming music for quiet individual work, something with a bit more zip for partner work, and something withe more beats per minute to get them moving faster. Very upbeat music with a strong beat gets transitions to happen quickly.
- Music can be used to signal routines for time efficiency.
How can the magic of music be used to manage learner states, create positive socialization, get attention, release dopamine, and the list goes on...?
Thoughts & Strategies
Put What We Know About Music To Work In The Classroom
- Use specific songs to cue class routines and rituals eliminating the need for verbal instructions.
- Use upbeat positive energizing music to prime students for active classes.
- Use low volume background music to calm and relax.
"Have A Great Day" Playlist
Music is one of my two favorite "brain state" changers. The other one is exercise… (of course). I have playlists for different activities as do most people. The most common is probably an exercise playlist. Personally, I exercise outdoors in the fresh air without being plugged into anything. But I do have a playlist for cleaning the house. The chore gets done much faster and with much more enjoyment while some of my favorite upbeat songs are blasting over the hum of the vacuum cleaner. I also have a playlist full of songs that I know will always put me in a positive emotional state. I have learned that they signal the release of dopamine in my brain and put me in a good mood. Using this knowledge, I ask students in my classes for some of their favorite songs at the beginning of the school year and use them at the appropriate times. Sometimes I get the acoustic version if I don't want the words to interfere.
Music is one of my two favorite "brain state" changers. The other one is exercise… (of course). I have playlists for different activities as do most people. The most common is probably an exercise playlist. Personally, I exercise outdoors in the fresh air without being plugged into anything. But I do have a playlist for cleaning the house. The chore gets done much faster and with much more enjoyment while some of my favorite upbeat songs are blasting over the hum of the vacuum cleaner. I also have a playlist full of songs that I know will always put me in a positive emotional state. I have learned that they signal the release of dopamine in my brain and put me in a good mood. Using this knowledge, I ask students in my classes for some of their favorite songs at the beginning of the school year and use them at the appropriate times. Sometimes I get the acoustic version if I don't want the words to interfere.
KEEP CALM AND GET CREATIVE
Listening to music activates large portions in both hemispheres of the brain. Playing calming music of 60-80 beats per minute with no words can calm and silence a group for individual work. It can also foster more creative thinking. As a physical educator I normally wants students to find their "get up and go." But there are times when I need them to think on their own, take a quiz, reflect, or something else that requires quiet. I use this type of music to cue those situations and expectations. It works even in a large open space like a gymnasium.
Listening to music activates large portions in both hemispheres of the brain. Playing calming music of 60-80 beats per minute with no words can calm and silence a group for individual work. It can also foster more creative thinking. As a physical educator I normally wants students to find their "get up and go." But there are times when I need them to think on their own, take a quiz, reflect, or something else that requires quiet. I use this type of music to cue those situations and expectations. It works even in a large open space like a gymnasium.
MUSIC FOR THE CLASSROOM
The article MUSIC IN THE CLASSROOM provided by Eric Jensen on Jensenlearning.com provides information and compilations of music for different purposes in the classroom. I have 3 of his CD's that I purchased years ago and love them. I can't imagine teaching in any situation with using music as one of my tools.
The article MUSIC IN THE CLASSROOM provided by Eric Jensen on Jensenlearning.com provides information and compilations of music for different purposes in the classroom. I have 3 of his CD's that I purchased years ago and love them. I can't imagine teaching in any situation with using music as one of my tools.
Learn More
|
SING And SING WITH OTHERS
Singing can be a very powerful activity as far as the brain is concerned. A great article on the Neuroscience of Singing from Upliftconnect.com. Music For Connecting With Others
Conscious Discipline has some great CD's available to use in classrooms to get kids moving and connecting with each other. |
TAKE UP AN INSTRUMENT
This great youtube video helps you understand the effects of playing an instrument on the brain. |