Background Music Strategy
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Setting the Tone for Success: How to Incorporate Music in the Classroom and Engage Students with SiriusXM Music for Business
by Ryan Santangelo, Ph.D., Co-Founder & CEO, Dynamic Media
Music, an art form that resonates with us all, has the power to inspire, energize, calm and evoke a wide range of emotions. Using music in the classroom extends its reach even further. From boosting cognitive abilities to improving focus, sparking creativity and setting the mood for learning, music can profoundly transform the classroom.
However, incorporating music into the classroom is not as simple as pressing play on a playlist.
Educators must consider factors such as the age of the students, the mood they wish to create, the relevance to the curriculum and, significantly, copyright laws related to playing music in public spaces.
This article will delve into the science behind music and learning, explore how teachers can strategically use music in the classroom and examine the unique benefits SiriusXM Music for Business offers to educators.
How Using Music in the Classroom Engages Students
Music is not just for auditory enjoyment; it’s a powerful cognitive tool. Scientific studies over the years have underscored the significant impact that music can have on memory, focus, creativity, mood and motivation in a learning context.
Memory, a cornerstone of learning, can be enhanced by using music in the classroom. According to one study, students who listened to music during a lecture and then heard the same music while studying were able to recall more information than those who did not. This aligns with the concept of “context-dependent memory,” where the brain links information with the environment in which it was learned.
Besides memory, music can also help students maintain focus. Another study found that workers who listened to music completed their tasks more quickly and had better ideas than those who didn’t. The same principle can apply in a classroom setting, where music can reduce distractions and increase concentration.
Creativity, too, can be nurtured by music. Research suggests that listening to happy, energetic music can boost divergent thinking, a key component of creativity. By sparking imagination and inspiring new ideas, music can become a catalyst for innovative learning.
Beyond cognitive impacts, music can also influence students’ moods and motivation. Upbeat music can make students feel positive and energized, creating an environment conducive to active participation. Conversely, calm music can reduce anxiety and create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for focused, individual work.
Teachers who use music-integrated lesson plans to engage students can:
- Create a positive learning state
- Enhance imagination
- Establish a desired atmosphere
- Release tension
- Improve attention
- Construct a sense of anticipation
The science supporting the use of music in the classroom is compelling. Music is a versatile tool capable of creating an environment that promotes better learning outcomes. With SiriusXM Music for Business, this tool is readily available for educators to use in a legally sound, effective way, orchestrating a symphony of engagement in the classroom.
Engage Students With
SiriusXM Music for Business
SiriusXM Music for Business offers ad-free, clean, licensed songs to use in the classroom and engage students. Our catalog spans genres and time periods, delivering music for the elementary classroom, middle school classroom and high school classroom. Plus, our service is affordable, at just $26.95 a month. Start streaming today and begin incorporating music into the classroom.
How to Incorporate Music in the Classroom
Incorporating music into the classroom takes thought and planning. It’s about selecting the right playlists at the right time, enhancing students’ experiences and aiding their learning. Here are several strategies to harness the power of music during various aspects of the school day:
- During independent work times: Soft, lyric-free music can work wonders during these periods. Whether it’s instrumental, classical or ambient soundtracks, these types of music provide a calming backdrop, allowing students to concentrate and dive deep into their work. The soothing strains of classical music or the tranquil sounds of nature — all available through SiriusXM’s wide range of channels — can be effective choices.
- During transition times: Music can act as a signal, helping students move smoothly from one activity to the next. Energetic music can be used to signify a shift to a lively, interactive task, while slower tunes can denote a transition to quiet, independent activities. Consistent use of specific songs for changes can condition students’ responses, promoting efficient classroom management.
- For specific lessons: Use music to inspire creative writing, dance movements or art projects. Our variety of channels ensures you can find a song or genre that fits almost any lesson plan.
- Setting the mood: Music can influence the emotional climate of the classroom. Start the day with an upbeat, motivational song to energize students. After recess, a calming tune can help students settle down and refocus. Depending on the intended mood, choose from our vast library that spans cheerful pop, calming classical, upbeat rock, inspiring country and beyond.
Selecting the right type of music for the right purpose is essential. Not every playlist suits every situation. But with a diverse selection of channels, SiriusXM Music for Business makes it easy for educators to create the perfect musical landscape for their classrooms.
Using Music in the Classroom With SiriusXM Music for Business
With SiriusXM Music for Business, the soundtrack to successful learning is at your fingertips. Providing a variety of channels, along with fully licensed music for classroom use, SiriusXM Music for Business offers distinct advantages for the educational sector.
Using music in the classroom is easy with SiriusXM Music for Business. Our selection of music is incredibly extensive, covering a wide range of genres, decades and themes. Whether you need classical music for a calm study environment, pop tunes to energize students, folk music to complement a history lesson or ambient sounds for relaxation, SiriusXM Music for Business has you covered. This breadth of choice enables educators to select playlists that align with their specific classroom goals, demographic and curriculum needs, thereby maximizing the benefits of incorporating music into the classroom.
In addition to offering a rich musical diversity, SiriusXM Music for Business alleviates one of the major concerns many schools have regarding music: copyright compliance. Copyright law can be complex, and using music improperly can lead to costly fines and legal issues. Fortunately, SiriusXM Music for Business provides fully licensed music for classroom use. By subscribing to our service, schools can play any playlist from our vast catalog without worrying about copyright infringements. This legal assurance makes using music in the classroom not only beneficial but also hassle-free.
SiriusXM Music for Business offers an innovative solution for schools seeking to enrich their learning environment with music. With an immense selection of songs across all genres and total copyright compliance, we help foster a more engaging, effective and enjoyable learning experience.
Info and FAQ About Using Music in the Classroom
SiriusXM Music for Business has a wealth of information about using music in the classroom. Read on for more details, and be sure to visit our FAQ page for additional answers.
How to Use Music in the Classroom
You can use music in the classroom as students enter the room, as a transition between activities and as background music during desk work.
How Does Music in the Classroom Help Students
Music in the classroom helps students by improving memory, decreasing the time it takes to complete tasks, releasing tension and boosting divergent thinking.
How Do You Engage Students With Music?
You engage students with music by selecting playlists that support your lesson plans and resonate with your students.
How to Use Music in an Educational Setting
You can use music in an educational setting to reinforce math concepts, dig into music’s historical references, teach poetry and underscore mood.
Start Using Music in the Classroom With SiriusXM Music for Business
As we’ve explored in this article, music in the classroom isn’t just nice to have — it’s a powerful tool that can motivate students, enhance learning and create a more engaging and harmonious educational environment. Whether you’re an educator, administrator or someone else involved in shaping educational policies, using music in the classroom is a step toward crafting more effective and resonant learning experiences. And SiriusXM Music for Business is here to help. With a vast library of licensed music spanning various genres and decades, we’re the perfect partner for schools looking to embrace the transformative power of music. Subscribe today.
