If I asked you to sing the alphabet song for me, would you know the tune? Chances are great that you would. A-B-C-D-E-F-G... If you were born and raised in an English speaking country, it is almost certain that you learned the alphabet song before you learned the meaning and use of the alphabet itself. There have been many technical, scientific reports compiled, and conclusions drawn as to why music helps us learn, all of them valid, and persuasive. Positions citing left/right brain dual modal thinking, repetitive use of lyrics matching the mathematical timing of the melody, to alliterative qualities of the song itself. While these are all important positions however, this paper doesn't focus on the technical aspects of songs helping students learn. The best reason in my opinion to use songs in the classroom isn't for any of the aformentioned reasons. The best reason is simply - because it's fun!

It's fun to use songs in the classroom. Learning a new language can be intimidating and stressful for new students at any age. Unfamiliar terms, syntax, grammar, pronunciation...So many unknowns that the students may feel overwhelmed. If a teacher plays a song for them, it may make the students feel more relaxed and comfortable. They may even already know the song, even if it isn't in their native tongue. This can improve their confidence, and pique their interest. If a student is engaged and interested in the material, they are more likely to try harder and take more risks because they aren't afraid of making mistakes. Comfort is key for engagement, and engaging students increases participation.

One of the hardest things for a teacher of English to consistantly do, is get and maintain the students' interest in a lesson. There are only so many methods and modalities for the teacher to use before they have been exhausted through repetition, especially when teaching an advanced class. Songs are a great way of "breaking up the monotony" so to speak, as they are a real, entertaining way for students to learn complicated grammatical structures. Many times, students will analyse, and interpret a song, and they won't have felt like it was hard work. It feels more like an entertaining activity for them. Think about it: if you had to learn a new tense system and had the choice of learning it through taking copious amounts of notes, and doing vocal drills, or through singing and breaking down the song which would you choose? Even with the same amount of paperwork involved, most would choose to analyse the song. It provides the students with simultaneous aural, written, and verbal (pronunciation) examples that they can rewind and hear again and again if they choose! Since listening to and interpreting songs is generally more fun, and engaging to do than an everyday lesson based on more technical, structured materials, the students will be more excited about, and look forward to the lessons.

Music is universal. Have you ever met anyone who did not like any genre of music at all? There are many types of music, and it seems like new sub-genres are being created every day. One way of engaging someone in an activity is to ask them about themselves. Music is amazing for this, because of the fact that there are so many types of genres, and bands within those genres to choose from. Perhaps let the students choose by majority vote, a band they like (that sing English songs), and then selecting a song that applies to the lesson at hand. This way they have had some creative input into the lesson, and they are already somewhat familiar with the song - both of which promote interest in the lesson!

Although there are many reasons from a scientific, neurological standpoint that explain why music can aid learning, sometimes the best reasons are less pedantic. Too few students would claim that learning is fun, but it should be! I think that any activity, or modality that can make learning easier or more fun for the students should be used and encouraged. Yes it's fun, and some may think it's frivolous to study music in class, but it works! Time seems to go more quickly when we are in the midst of an activity we enjoy doing. Using songs in the classroom may very well be one of the best tools we as teachers have at our disposal, so let's make the time feel like it's flying by! Let's make the students feel like they can't wait for their next lesson by using our music in the classroom!

Tamara pederson