A-music-ing – How Music Affects Learning In The Classroom

Can you recite the nursery rhyme, ‘Johny Johny Yes Papa’? You can! Kudos! You are the outcome of the perpetual music+learning phenomenon. Now, try stating the second law of thermodynamics. Most of us won’t be able to state the theorem correctly, the few of us who can are the manifestations of extraordinary IQ and excellent memory power—but many of us do not possess such beyond the ordinary abilities! How is that a rhyme learnt decades ago still stays pristine in our memory whereas a theorem learnt just a few years ago (probably in high school) remains confusing. This is a clear example of how music affects learning in the classroom. 

Our ancestors perceived how music affects learning in classroom and recognised the benefits of teaching education through music and integrated it in the curriculum early on. Centuries ago, Gurukuls (the schools of ancient India) taught academics through vedas and slokas in rhythms with melodious tunes and variable pitches—and our ancestors did it for a purpose, just like they did the rest of many other things—to build a positive mindset, create a healthy learning environment, improve students’ memory power, teach academics effectively, and more—many more reasons. 

But unfortunately, the underlying logic behind our ancestors approaches went lost on the future generations due to lack of proper explanation and mere observance of their teaching and learning methodology as recreational song singing practice. Nevertheless, the music in classroom concept underwent a lot of modifications and ended up as a separate subject in modern schools. Music, despite being taught for an hour, is still able to produce tremendous results.

Enhances Thinking Ability & Creativity

Numerous researches have suggested that listening to or humming/singing favourite songs tends to aid in improving metacognition and creativity in children as well as adults. Moreover, encouraging children to play musical instruments and motivating them to sing/perform on stage/competitions have proven to be effective in increasing self-confidence and reducing stage fear. Studies indicated that children who frequently practised music demonstrated better understanding levels in the classroom than to their fellow peers who were indifferent about the same.

Pop culture nowadays gives out the impression that music is spontaneous and wild, which is totally untrue! Music requires the same levels of focus, discipline and dedication as military personnel. Thus, it is apparent to say that music shapes personality and attitude. Fostering it in the classroom greatly helps in improving motor skills and character of children. 

Moreover, music also strengthens the brain’s focusing and processing capacity; thereby allowing students to structure information into a calculated manner, concentrate and process information in various situations quickly. 

Reduces Stress & Anxiety

Just like any other institution, the school can get stressful sometimes. Why wouldn’t it, after all it is loaded with so many subjects and too many classes-to-attend! But it isn’t anything that cannot be managed! Regularly taking the mind off of academics by engaging in recreational activities, such as sports and music, can help cool the brain and reduce stress and anxiety.  

Children at Meru International School are encouraged to pursue their passion for music. It’s paramount for children to do more music because music makes the soul happy. Moreover, the school impels students to participate in musical activities during music sessions so that students can overcome academic stress and feel refreshed.