Here is a section from an extremely informative blog post on why music should be integrated into the classroom:
Music for Learning Suggestions
Focus and Concentration Music
Play as background music while students study, read, or write to:
· increase attention levels
· improve retention and memory
· extend focused learning time
· expand thinking skills
Relax with the Classics. The LIND Institute. Accelerated Learning research indicates slow Baroque music increases concentration. It works!
Velvet Dreams. Daniel Kobialka’s exceptional music-favorite classics such as Pachelbel’s Canon at a very slow tempo.
Celtic Fantasy. Kobialka uses the warmth of Celtic music played slowly to facilitate relaxed focus.
Music for Relaxation. Chapman and Miles. Quietly sets a calming mood.
Baroque Music to Empower Learning and Relaxation. The Barzak Institute uses slow and fast Baroque era music to hold attention.
Mozart and Baroque Music. The Barzak Institute. A useful compilation with 30 minutes of Mozart and 30 minutes of Baroque music.
Mozart Effect: Strengthen the Mind Enhance Focus with Energizing Mozart, selected by Don Campbell.
An Dun. Calming the Emotions Chinese music that actually does calm and appeals to all ages.
Accelerating Learning. Steven Halpern’s music assists learners in focus and is good background for reading-free-flowing and peaceful.
Creativity and Reflection Music
Play as background for activities such as:
· journalling or writing
· problem-solving or goal-setting
· background for project work
· brainstorming
Pianoforte. Eric Daub. This thoughtful classical piano music sets the tone for introspective creativity and processing. Excellent!
Medicine Woman I or II. Medwyn Goodall gives us music to delve into deep thoughts and meaningful feelings.
Oceans. Christopher Peacock. Motivating and great team-building music.
Mozart Effect: Relax, Daydream and Draw. Don Campbell’s collection of reflective Mozart for gently enhancing creativity.
Fairy Ring. Mike Rowlands’ touching music in a classical style. Long cuts hold the mood. Good for reading with important information or stories.
Living Music and Touch. Michael Jones uses solo piano music to encourage reflection.
Welcoming Music
Play as background for entries, exits, breaks. Use to:
· greet your students
· create a welcoming atmosphere
· set a learning rhythm
· expand musical awareness
Dance of the Renaissance. Richard Searles. Delightful music of 15th-17th century England. This upbeat music appeals to all ages.
Emerald Castles. Richard Searles. Pleasing sounds of the Celtic countries played on acoustic instruments.
1988 Summer Olympics. Various rock songs from the Olympics that inspire.
Celtic Destiny. Bruce Mitchell. Dynamic instrumental Celtic music. Stimulating with a variety of paces.
Sun Spirit. Deuter. Delightful flute music that energizes melodiously.
The Four Seasons. Vivaldi Beautiful melodies to set a warm mood no matter what the season.
Boundaries. Scott Wilkie. Relaxed jazz to set a an easy-going learning pace.
Echoes of Incas. Ventana al Sol. Joyful South American melodies and rhythms open the door to learning.
Active Learning Music
Use for a sound break or movement activities to:
· increase productivity
· energize students during daily energy lulls
· provide a stimulating sound break to increase attention
· make exercise more fun
· encourage movement activities
Tunes for Trainers. An all-in-one CD with categories of Fun Stuff, Energy Break, Brainstorm, Quiet moods and more.
Jazzy Tunes for Trainers. A versatile compilation with lively background music for a wide variety of teaching and training activities.
Earth Tribe Rhythms. Brent Lewis. This wonderful rhythmic music is played on 20 tuned drums for both rhythm and melody. Great for any movement activities.
Best of Ray Lynch. Ray Lynch A classic electronic and acoustic recording that adds fun and interest. Useful for topic associations.
Funny 50’s and Silly 60’s. Old songs that are just plain fun like Purple People Eater, Wooly Bully and more.
Hooked on Classics. The beat that doesn’t quit! Great for body and brain wakeups.
Earth, Sea, and Sky. Nature recordings. Provides a variety of sounds.
Best of World Dance Music. Hopping happy music from everywhere. Some vocal and some instrumental.
More of the great article by Chris Brewer here.