How to Use Classical Music in the Classroom

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

As a music teacher, you may be wondering how to use classical music in the classroom. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started!

Introduction

It is widely known that classical music can have a positive impact on concentration, focus, and productivity. However, many people are unsure of how to incorporate classical music into the classroom in a way that is both effective and respectful of the needs of all students.

Here are a few tips on how to use classical music in the classroom:

1. Make sure that the volume is at a level that is comfortable for all students. It should be loud enough to be heard clearly, but not so loud that it is distracting or overwhelming.

2. Choose pieces of music that are appropriate for the age group and attention span of your students. Classical music can range from very simple and straightforward pieces to extremely complex and difficult works. It is important to strike a balance between pieces that will be too easy or boring for your students, and those that will be too difficult or challenging.

3. Use classical music as background noise during activities such as independent work time, tests, or other times when students need to maintain focus and concentration. Playing music at a low volume in the background can help some students stay on task while also providing a calm and relaxed atmosphere for everyone in the classroom.

4. Allow students to choose their own classical music to listen to during work time or free time periods. This can help them feel more engaged with the activity and also give them a sense of control over their environment. Make sure to provide a variety of options so that there is something for everyone.

5. Use classical music as a reward for good behavior or completion of tasks. This can help students feel motivated to perform well and also serve as a positive reinforcement for desired behavior.

6. Have students listen to classical music during transition times such as lunch, recess, or dismissal from school. This can help them wind down after an active day or prepare for the next activity on the schedule. make sure to choose calm and soothing pieces of music so that everyone remains relaxed during these times

The Benefits of Classical Music

Classical music can be a great addition to the classroom. It can help students focus, calm them down, and provide a soothing background noise. It can also be used as a reward for good behavior or work. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using classical music in the classroom.

Improved focus and concentration

A study published in the journal Psychology of Music found that subjects who listened to classical music while completing a challenging task improved their performance compared to those who worked in silence or listened to white noise. Researchers believe that the music distracts the part of the brain responsible for processing words and numbers, allowing the working memory to focus more on the task at hand.

Other studies have shown that children who listen to classical music while studying improve their reading comprehension and math skills, and that students who listen to classical music before taking a test score higher than those who don’t. The Mozart Effect, as it’s come to be known, is temporary but it does suggest that investing in a good set of headphones and downloading some Beethoven might be worth your while.

Improved memory and recall

There are a number of studies that suggest that listening to classical music can improve memory and recall. In 2012, a study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that listening to Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Majorbefore taking a memory test improved participants’ scores. And a small 2010 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that students who listened to a Mozart sonata before taking an exam recalled information better than those who didn’t listen to any music or listened to another type of music.

Enhanced creativity

There is a growing body of research that suggests that classical music can have a positive impact on creativity. One study found that listening to classical music improved participants’ ability to come up with creative ideas. Another found that people who listened to classical music while working on a creative task were more likely to come up with original solutions.

So if you’re looking for a way to boost your creativity, consider playing some classical music the next time you’re working on a project.

Improved sleep quality

Research has shown that classical music can help improve sleep quality. A study conducted in 2006 found that when people listen to classical music before going to bed, they fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. The participants in the study also reported feeling more rested and refreshed the following morning.

It’s not just adults who benefit from listening to classical music before bedtime. A small study published in the journal Paediatrics in 2012 found that when children listen to classical music before going to sleep, they, too, sleep better. The researchers believe that the calming effect of the music helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can lead to improved sleep.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep quality, try listening to some classical music before bedtime. It just might do the trick!

How to Use Classical Music in the Classroom

Listening to classical music in the classroom can have a positive effect on students’ concentration and focus. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate classical music into your classroom, here are a few ideas.

Playing classical music during independent work time

Independent work time is when students are working on independent projects or assignments. During this time, you can play classical music in the background to provide a calm and focused atmosphere for your students. Studies have shown that classical music can help improve focus and concentration, so it’s a great way to help your students get the most out of their work time.

If you’re not sure what kind of classical music to play, you can start with some of the most popular pieces, like Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 or Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Or, you can try some lesser-known pieces that are still beloved by classical music fans, like Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy or Gabriel Faure’s Pavane. Whichever pieces you choose, make sure they are age-appropriate for your students – you don’t want anything too complicated or slow-moving that will lose their attention.

If you have any classical music-loving students in your class, you could also ask them for recommendations – they’ll be sure to have some good suggestions!

Creating a classical music listening center

Creating a classical music listening center in your classroom is a wonderful way to expose your students to the genre. It can be as simple as setting up a small space with a CD player and some headphones, or you can create a more elaborate setup with an MP3 player, speakers, and a variety of classical music CDs.

Here are some tips for setting up and using a classical music listening center in your classroom:

-Choose a location for the listening center that is away from any areas where students will be working or talking. This will help minimize distractions and allow students to focus on the music.

-Include a variety of classical music CDs in the listening center so that students can explore different styles and composers. You may want to include both well-known and lesser-known pieces to encourage students to step outside of their comfort zone.

-If you have an MP3 player or other digital device in the listening center, be sure to create a playlist of classical music specifically for listening. This will make it easy for students to find the right piece of music when they want to listen.

– provide comfortable seating in the listening center so that students can relax and enjoy the music. Beanbag chairs, cushions, or recliners are all good options.

Encourage students to use the listening center often, both during free time and as part of specific lessons or projects. Listening to classical music can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote creativity – all things that are beneficial for learners of all ages!

Incorporating classical music into lesson plans

There are many ways that educators can incorporate classical music into their lesson plans. The following are some ideas to get you started:

1. Have students listen to a piece of classical music and then write a short story or poem based on what they hear.

2. Play a game of “name that tune” using well-known classical pieces.

3. Assign a research project on a particular composer or musical period.

4. Use classical music as background ambiance while students work on other projects or activities.

5. Teach a dance or movement routine set to a classical piece of music.

6. Let students create their own compositions inspired by classical music masters.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has been helpful in introducing you to some of the ways that classical music can be used in the classroom. As we mentioned before, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to using music in the classroom, and what works for one class might not work for another. The important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you and your students.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

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