TL;DR:

• Music improves memory retention, aiding comprehension and language skills in students.
• Music demands precise attention to details, enhancing auditory skills and focus.
• Music fosters connection and collaboration, helping students develop better social skills.

Kids and adults alike enjoy listening to music. Did you know that introducing music into the classroom can enhance students’ learning experiences and overall development? When students engage with music, they become more creative, improve their language skills, and even boost their social well-being. Music has the power to make learning more engaging and meaningful for students of all ages and abilities in the classroom.

There are interesting connections between how our brains process music and speech. When we listen to both, certain brain networks overlap because they share similar acoustic features. For instance, the pitch of someone’s voice in speech is like a musical note—deep voices might relate to low bass notes in music. The melody or shape of speech prosody is similar to the melody in music. The rhythm of speech can be compared to drumbeats. Even the tone or timbre of someone’s voice when speaking activates the same brain connections we use to pay attention to the sound qualities in music. This overlap in brain activity shows how closely linked our perception of music and speech can be.

Here are the top three reasons why music leads to better speech in children.

Reason #1: Music Improves Memory in the Classroom

Music is known to enhance memory retention. When students learn through music, they are more likely to remember information and concepts. This can lead to better comprehension and retention of language skills. Think of a song you remember and try singing versus saying the words— which version is easier to repeat?  The words are the same, but music assists in one’s memory of the words.  What better way to improve memory in the classroom than with music, which is enjoyable to many students?

What better way to improve memory in the classroom than with music, which is enjoyable to many students? - Stephanie J. Click To Tweet

Reason #2: Music Improves Attention in the Classroom

When we listen to speech, we can still grasp the main message even if we don’t focus on every little detail. Speech relies on the words we say, but even if we speak without much emotion or rhythm (like in a monotone), the message can still come across. This is because the actual words carry the meaning, and the tone of voice (prosody) adds extra information.

On the other hand, music requires more precise attention to detail. The notes, rhythms, and tones in music work together to express emotions or feelings. Changing even one note can completely change the mood of the music—making it sound sadder, happier, or creepier, for example. In music, the main point is often about conveying an emotion or atmosphere, so each musical part (like notes and rhythms) needs careful attention to create the intended effect.

To put it simply: If you saw a stop sign that was green instead of red, you’d still recognize the word “stop” and understand its meaning. Similarly, with speech, we focus on the words themselves. But with music, it’s more about how all the musical pieces fit together to create a specific feeling or message.

The Anatomy of the Brain When Engaged with Music

When we focus on all the little details in music—like the harmony and melody and anticipating what comes next—we’re engaging our brains in a special way. This heightened attention activates more neurons involved in processing sound. It’s like our brains are working extra hard to make sense of the music and enjoy it fully.

This focused attention is important because it helps us build our auditory skills. It’s like a workout for our brains. To really benefit from music, we need to stay tuned in and actively listen to all the elements that make up the music. This active engagement with music helps us develop better listening skills and enjoy the experience more.

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Reason #3: Music Improves Social Skills in the Classroom

Music has a unique way of bringing people together. When we listen to music with a strong rhythm, we often find ourselves naturally synchronizing with each other, almost like we’re all dancing to the same beat. This synchronization can create a sense of connection and collaboration among people. We do not have to speak the same language as the person dancing along with us as music is a common language.

Music also helps with transitions in everyday activities. Think of clean-up songs that make tidying up more fun and organized. Similarly, playing music that matches the theme of a story, like hearing a stream sound while reading about a stream in a book, adds an extra layer of immersion and enhances our experience of the story.

Conclusion

In summary, bringing music into schools has many advantages for students of all ages. Music helps us remember information better and stay focused. It also brings people together and improves our ability to understand and enjoy sounds. By using music in classrooms, teachers can make learning more fun and engaging while helping students develop important skills. Overall, music is not just enjoyable—it’s a valuable tool for enhancing learning and personal growth in school.

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About Stephanie Jeret

Stephanie Jeret is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Speak with Stephanie LLC. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the City University of New York. She’s practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including outpatient rehabilitation, telepractice, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and a private practice. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including articulation disorders, receptive/expressive language disorders, and fluency disorders. Information is available by visiting www.speakwithstephanie.com.