Music Education Articles for Teachers

It's an ever-growing issue in classrooms of all grade levels and socioeconomic backgrounds; as MP3 players become smaller and more accessible for all, many educators find themselves fighting for attention against music. Not only are there the ubiquitous earbuds snaking their way through t-shirts ...

When people hear music, they often begin to tap their feet or beat out a rhythm on an available surface with their palms or fingers. People improvise and make their own type of drums using whatever is available. Drums and drumming are an essential part of our world culture. You can explore the be...

The first time I brought music into one of my lessons was with 8th graders after reading My Dog Skip by Willie Morris. I had created a computer lab assignment where many project options were offered. One included researching the music from the WWII era (the timeframe covered in Morris' memoir). O...

During the past two years, I've thoroughly enjoyed writing educational articles for Lesson Planet. However, this article will hold an extra-special meaning for me because it is about honoring music in our schools. I was lucky enough to grow up in an era when music was considered to be an essentia...

After World War I, the landscape of America changed in many ways. There was a focus on leisure activities, music, and art. A population of artists whose voices hadn't been heard before came to the forefront. Writers, such as Langston Hughes, and singers, such as Lena Horne got widespread acclaim....

Lyrics in music can create imagery in the listener's mind, stir emotions, and at times, lend an epiphany. If you get the idea that you can feel, taste, and smell the images that are being described, chances are, you have been exposed to poetic devices. Poetic devices can, and should, be introduce...

Sometimes you find great information in unlikely places, such as the television show "Hannah Montana." This would not be the first place I'd look for songs about science-related curriculum, but Miley Cyrus and her dad have one that can help students learn the names of the bones in the skeletal sy...

The Christmas season is a joyful time of the year when singing, eating, and relaxing with friends and family becomes our priority.  We gather together to have fun, and to share in the festive spirit.  Singing is one of the most powerful ways of expressing our joy and excitement.  Christmas music ...

Usually when we think about Thanksgiving we visualize a bountiful feast, family, pumpkins, and eclectic fall colors found in nature. One thing that is often missing is Thanksgiving music.  Students might sing Halloween songs, and winter holiday songs, leaving a blatant gap during the month of Nov...

Political protest through music did not start or stop in the 1960's.  However, this was a very significant time with one of the most complex generation gaps.  Rock and Roll was intrinsic to the political and social movement.  This generation was swept off its feet by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Marvin...

Music in the classroom has been an important tradition through the years.  It may take a little time to find the music that connects with your lesson or you may need to provide reasons why music is valuable for learning curriculum.  Perhaps you feel a little guilty for having that much fun in you...

It's time for some Halloween fun. Get out the pumpkins, cut and paste the crafts, and sing silly songs with a spooky theme.  But keep it light, not too scary for the little ones.  Here's a fun activity that will have students giggling in no time. Take any simple rhyming song, for example, "Mary H...

The term "music theory" can be a little intimidating for some students. In truth, when I signed up for music theory in college, I had a sinking feeling the class would be extremely dry and boring. Well, it actually was, and most of my peers found the curriculum confusing and challenging. Now that...

For those of you who have heard of the phenomenon that is "Twilight", and the sequel "New Moon", you've already taken the first step into being in "the know". The series provides an instant bridge for the generation gap. Most pre-teens to teens have read, "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyers, or have a...

Most teachers know that music and math are related, but how do we introduce this concept to young students.  It doesn't need to be a dry topic. You can make it an interesting experience, like the thrill you feel riding down the road, with the top of your car down, and the tunes blasting. Of cours...