Mozart and Math: the Effects of Music on Learning
Ravi Campbell
Mrs. Davidson
English 6, Period 5
26 February 2013
Mozart and Math: The Effects of Music on Learning Could listening to the Bach motets become the next form of studying? Educators and renowned researchers in universities like Johns Hopkins University have begun to realize that listening and playing music can shape creativity and understanding in the classroom. Studies have revealed that music may actually help relax a student, and improve productivity (“How” 4). Music can also be a great way to stimulate the creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative nature of students. This effect music has on students is most commonly known as the Mozart Effect. One program in Florida even “mandated children receiving state aid to have at least 30 minutes of music instruction daily” (Jensen 38). This program was just the beginning of the movement to shape young minds with music. Classical music and jazz aid learning, suggesting that music can enhance the academic potential of a student. Classical music improves a student’s relaxation and focus. Studying with music can relax both a student’s muscles and mind. Furthermore, listening to classical music masks fatigue, relieving students from lack of energy (Paget 5). As a result, many students use music as a tool to increase their productivity. During class, teachers could consider plating music while their students are working. Listening to classical music also helps focus in the classroom: It “can effectively eliminate fatigue… caused by monotonous work” (“How” 4). The newfound motivation results in students who are far more focused. If students are particularly stultified while working in class, teachers could use music as a tool to spark an interest in their work. Students, as a result of listening to classical music, work harder and more efficiently, while continuing to enjoy their classwork. The effects of jazz on the mind, similar to those of classical music, include increased relaxation and
Mrs. Davidson
English 6, Period 5
26 February 2013
Mozart and Math: The Effects of Music on Learning Could listening to the Bach motets become the next form of studying? Educators and renowned researchers in universities like Johns Hopkins University have begun to realize that listening and playing music can shape creativity and understanding in the classroom. Studies have revealed that music may actually help relax a student, and improve productivity (“How” 4). Music can also be a great way to stimulate the creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative nature of students. This effect music has on students is most commonly known as the Mozart Effect. One program in Florida even “mandated children receiving state aid to have at least 30 minutes of music instruction daily” (Jensen 38). This program was just the beginning of the movement to shape young minds with music. Classical music and jazz aid learning, suggesting that music can enhance the academic potential of a student. Classical music improves a student’s relaxation and focus. Studying with music can relax both a student’s muscles and mind. Furthermore, listening to classical music masks fatigue, relieving students from lack of energy (Paget 5). As a result, many students use music as a tool to increase their productivity. During class, teachers could consider plating music while their students are working. Listening to classical music also helps focus in the classroom: It “can effectively eliminate fatigue… caused by monotonous work” (“How” 4). The newfound motivation results in students who are far more focused. If students are particularly stultified while working in class, teachers could use music as a tool to spark an interest in their work. Students, as a result of listening to classical music, work harder and more efficiently, while continuing to enjoy their classwork. The effects of jazz on the mind, similar to those of classical music, include increased relaxation and
Cited: Campbell, Don G. The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit. New York: Avon, 1997. Print. Green, Lucy. Music, Informal Learning and the School: A New Classroom Padagogy. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2008. Print. “How Music Affects Us and Promotes Health.” Surprising Effects of Music. Web. 25 Jan. 2013. <http://www.emedexpert.com/tips/music.shtml> Jensen, Eric Paget, Roy J., Dr. The Role of Music in Learning. Birmingham: BAAT Ltd, 2006. Print Parry, Wynne