Using Music on the Web (Incompetech)

Royalty Free music that is covered under the Creative Commons agreement can be used within the classroom without a breach of copyright restrictions. Incompetech is a website that provides a selection of music that can be used freely for these purposes and has many benefits within the classroom.

Music has a variety of uses in our daily lives such as when we are feeling happy or need some calming tunes to soothe our mind. The integration of music throughout the curriculum is beneficial and can enhance the learning environment in various ways. Some of the advantages are listed below:

• set a positive mood and maintain a positive attitude
• raise student energy levels
• reduce stress levels, relieve frustration and create a peaceful classroom environment
• help sustain student attention and concentration
• help provide an emotional connection to information and provide a trigger for recall
• help students relax

(Brewer, 2009)

The piece of music that I have downloaded 'Artifact' is an African instrumental piece and creates the feeling of energy and movement. This track would fit well with the 'Creatures on the Move' unit in my placement class as it encapsulates the feeling of wild animals on a chase or hunt, moving through the plains of Africa. It could be used to compliment a video or powerpoint presentation or played on its own to allow the students to demonstrate how different wild animals move, through dance. This would provide an opportunity for students to use their bodies to express ideas and use fast movements to show the quick actions of various African animals. The use of music and dance within a unit of work has cross curricular opportunities and the previous example aligns with the Art Essential Learnings by the end of Year 3 (Dance).


References:
Brewer, C. (2009). Songs for teaching: Benefits of using music in the classroom. Retrieved August 18, 2009, from http://www.songsforteaching.com/teachingtips/classroomoutcomesofusingmusic.htm

Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). (2007). The arts: Essential learnings by the end of year 3. Retrieved August 18, 2009, from http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/downloads/learning/qcar_el_arts_yr3.pdf