Comparing Classical Music and Hip Hop in the Classroom

A detailed look at the pros and cons of using classical music and hip hop in the classroom.

Introduction

There has been a recent trend in the United States towards incorporating hip hop into the classroom, in an effort to engage students who might not be interested in traditional forms of music. This approach has been controversial, with some people arguing that hip hop is too vulgar and offensive to be used in an educational setting. However, there is evidence to suggest that hip hop can be used effectively in the classroom, provided that it is approached in the right way.

In this article, we will compare and contrast classical music and hip hop, in terms of their history, their use in the classroom, and their potential educational benefits. We will also consider some of the objections to using hip hop in the classroom, and offer ways to address these concerns.

Classical Music in the Classroom

Classical music can have a calming and relaxing effect on students, which can lead to improved focus and concentration. Studies have shown that playing classical music in the background can also help to improve test scores.

History

It is widely known that classical music has been used in the classroom for many years to help students focus and improve their concentration. More recently, however, hip hop has also been used for this purpose. So, which style of music is more effective in the classroom?

There are a few studies that have compared the two genres of music in the classroom setting. One study, published in 2011, found that classical music had a positive effect on math test scores, while hip hop had a positive effect on reading test scores. Another study, published in 2016, found that students who listened to classical music while working on a difficult task had better focus and attention than those who listened to hip hop.

So, while there is some evidence to suggest that both classical music and hip hop can be helpful in the classroom, it seems that classical music may have a slightly more positive effect on concentration and focus.

Benefits

Studies have shown that classical music can have a positive impact on the brain. Listening to classical music has been shown to increase cognitive function, boost memory, and improve attention span. In addition, listening to classical music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Research has also shown that listening to classical music can help improve grades in school. One study found that students who listened to classical music while studying scored higher on tests than students who did not listen to music while studying.

In the classroom, incorporating classical music into the curriculum can help students focus and retain information better. For example, playing Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor while students are working on a math problem can help them solve the problem more quickly and accurately.

Listening to hip hop can also have positive benefits for the brain. One study found that listening to hip hop can increase verbal fluency, working memory, and creative thinking. In addition, listening to hip hop has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood.

Incorporating hip hop into the classroom can also be beneficial for students. Hip hop can be used to teach content areas such as history and social studies. For example, playing Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” while discussing the Civil Rights Movement can help students understand the struggles of that time period.

Hip Hop in the Classroom

It is widely argued that classical music is more beneficial to the learning environment of students than hip hop. However, many studies have shown that hip hop can actually be more beneficial to students than classical music, especially in the classroom setting. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both genres of music in the classroom.

History

Hip hop music first emerged in the early 1970s, with DJs in New York City using percussion-heavy beats to keep dancers moving at block parties and dance clubs. This style of music soon spread to other parts of the United States, and by the 1980s, it had become a global phenomenon.

Today, hip hop is one of the most popular genres of music, with artists like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Cardi B topping the charts. It is also a genre that is frequently used in the classroom, with many educators finding that it can be a powerful tool for engage students and promoting learning.

So what are the similarities between classical music and hip hop? Both genres are highly structured, with each piece typically featuring a distinct beginning, middle, and end. Both genres also often make use of repetition, whether it’s the repeated refrain of a pop song or the repeating motifs of a classical composition.

Another similarity between classical music and hip hop is that both can be used to tell stories. Classical compositions often tell stories through their lyrics or by referencing mythology or literature, while hip hop songs often tell personal stories about the artists’ lives or address social and political issues.

Despite these similarities, there are also some important differences between classical music and hip hop. One key difference is that classical music is typically performed by orchestras or soloists, while hip hop is usually performed by DJs and rappers. Hip hop is also generally much more fast-paced than classical music, with songs often featuring rapid-fire rhyming over thumping beats.

So what does this all mean for educators who are looking to use hip hop in the classroom? First and foremost, it’s important to remember that not all hip hop is created equal. Just as there are different styles of classical music (from Baroque to Romantic to Contemporary), there are also different styles of hip hop (from conscious rap to trap to drill). When choosing which type of hip hop to use in your classroom, it’s important to consider your students’ age group and interests as well as your goals for using hip hop in your lesson plan.

Benefits

There are many benefits to incorporating hip hop into the classroom. For one, it can help engage students who might be turned off by more traditional forms of music. Additionally, hip hop can teach important lessons about history, culture, and social justice. Finally,students who learn to appreciate and enjoy hip hop may be more likely to pursue an interest in music outside of the classroom.

Comparison

Both classical and hip hop music can be utilized in the classroom to achieve various educational objectives with students of different ages. Although the two genres are quite different, they both can be used to teach similar concepts and ideas. In this paper, we will compare and contrast the two genres of music in the classroom.

Similarities

While classical music and hip hop might seem like two totally different genres, they actually have a lot in common. For one, both genres are deeply rooted in African-American culture. Classical music is often seen as elitist and inaccessible, but many of the greatest classical composers were black Americans, including Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin. Hip hop is often seen as aggressive and negative, but many of the most popular and influential hip hop artists are positive role models who use their platform to speak out against social injustice, poverty, and violence.

Both genres are also highly technical, requiring years of training and practice to perfect. Classical musicians have to master complex notation and learn to play sophisticated pieces that can last for hours. Hip hop producers have to be proficient in various software programs and equipment to create their beats, and rappers have to memorize long verses and learn how to deliver them with charisma and style.

Finally, both genres have a wide range of subgenres that cater to different tastes. For classical music lovers, there’s baroque, romantic, modernist, and post-modernist music. Hip hop fans can enjoy trap, conscious rap, old school rap, alternative rap, and more.

Differences

There are many differences between classical music and hip hop. Classical music is usually played on instruments, while hip hop is mainly vocals. Classical music often has a complex structure with many different parts, while hip hop is usually more simple. Classical music is generally perceived as being more serious, while hip hop is often seen as being more fun.

Conclusion

Though there are many similarities between classical music and hip hop, the two genres are distinct in important ways. Proponents of each type of music can make a strong case for its inclusion in the classroom, but ultimately it is up to educators to decide what type of music will best serve their students. Classical music and hip hop can both be excellent tools for learning, and it is up to educators to determine how to best utilize them in their classrooms.