Why Music Matters in Emotional Development for Your Students

Hi there! I want to share with you how powerful music can be in supporting your students’ emotional development, especially those with special needs. You already know how emotions play a huge role in learning—when students feel frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s tough to keep them engaged. Music can be your secret weapon to help manage those emotions and make learning a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

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The Connection Between Music and Emotions

Philosopher Daniel Berlyne (1971) explained that the complexity of a task can affect how students feel.

• Too Complex Tasks: When something is too hard, it creates stress and frustration. Students might avoid these tasks altogether.

• Too Simple Tasks: When something is too easy, students get bored and disengaged.

This is where music shines—it helps find that “just right” level of engagement. It can organize information into manageable pieces, making learning feel easier and more fun for your students.

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How Music Can Help Your Students

Music has this amazing way of structuring even the most difficult tasks into patterns that are easier to follow. Let’s break down how you can use it:

1. Balance Complexity with Music

Songs, rhythms, and repetition help simplify tasks. For example, teaching routines through a song breaks steps into smaller chunks that are easier for students to follow and remember. Music offers structure—just like a beat helps us dance in time, it guides students through learning at a comfortable pace.

2. Reduce Frustration

Have you noticed how your students sometimes shut down when things feel too hard? Playing a familiar tune or using rhythmic patterns can lower those emotional barriers. Music creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, making challenging tasks feel less intimidating.

3. Boost Engagement and Participation

Music makes learning fun! When students are enjoying themselves, they’re more likely to stay engaged. A simple song during transitions or a musical activity can keep everyone on track. And when students are engaged, they retain more of what they learn.

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Adjusting Energy and Emotions with Music

You can also use music to match the energy of your classroom:

• Too Much Energy? Calm, soothing music helps students settle and refocus.

• Too Little Energy? Upbeat songs or rhythmic clapping games can re-energize your students and spark participation.

This flexibility gives you another way to meet students where they are emotionally.

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A Simple Idea to Try

Consider making a small chart that shows how different types of music affect emotions. You can use it to help your students recognize their feelings—"I feel frustrated, so let’s try a calming song,” or “We need to wake up, let’s play something lively!” It can empower students to regulate their emotions through music.

Final Thoughts

Music is more than just background noise—it’s a powerful tool that can transform your classroom. By using music intentionally, you can help your students manage their emotions, stay engaged, and build confidence in their learning. Whether it’s calming nerves or boosting excitement, music meets students exactly where they are, supporting both their emotional and academic growth.

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References

• Berlyne, D. E. (1971). Aesthetics and Psychobiology. Appleton-Century-Crofts.

• Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170–180.

• Lipscomb, S. D. (1996). Cognitive organization of musical sound patterns. Psychomusicology, 15(1-2), 105–126.

• Saarikallio, S., & Erkkilä, J. (2007). The role of music in adolescents' mood regulation. Psychology of Music, 35(1), 88–109.

• Ross, S. (2016). Music therapy and emotional exploration: Exposing the dark side. Music Therapy Perspectives, 34(2), 156–161.

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Thank you for the amazing work you do! I hope this gives you some inspiration for using music to support your students' emotional growth. 🎵