Music in the classroom without the distraction

Music can make work time calmer, or it can turn into a debate about whose song is next. A few simple rules keep it on the helpful side.

Five rules that work

  1. No lyrics during reading and writing. Words in a song compete with words on the page.
  2. Keep it quiet. If you have to raise your voice to give a direction, it's too loud.
  3. Keep it steady. Music without big drops, solos, or sudden changes is easier to tune out.
  4. Make it a routine. Music on means work time. Music off means eyes up front.
  5. Don't take requests during work time. Save student picks for clean-up or Friday.

Why streaming playlists can backfire

Playlists jump between songs, some with lyrics, and can show ads or videos on the projector. Students also recognize songs and start singing along. Music that's made for focus, without hits or lyrics, avoids most of that.

Let students help choose the style

Gino Focus has 16 music styles you can mix in, from classical and jazz to hip hop, Afrobeat, and bluegrass, all without lyrics. Letting the class vote on a style for the week gives them a say without turning work time into a request line. Browse them on the music styles page.

Questions

Is background music distracting in the classroom?

It can be if it has lyrics, is loud, or changes suddenly. Quiet music with no lyrics and a steady tempo, used as a routine for work time, is much less distracting.

What kind of music should teachers play in class?

Instrumental music with no lyrics, a steady tempo, and no sudden changes, played at a low volume. Music made for focus works better than popular songs students will sing along to.

Open the Class room