There’s something about walking into a classroom where soft music is playing in the background and students are sitting calmly at their desks. Students’ voices are lower, their movements are slower, and the energy in the room just immediately shifts. The simple touch of relaxing music for the classroom can make a world of difference in how students focus, feel safe, and stay regulated throughout the day.

Here we’ll take a closer look at how relaxing music can support student learning and behavior, and how to use it effectively use it as an educator.

Why Relaxing Music for the Classroom Works

Our brains respond to music, especially calming music. Instrumental or nature-based music can signal to the brain that it’s time to slow down. According to the Harvard Health Blog, relaxing music has been shown to regulate breathing, lower heart rate, and even reduce blood pressure. For students, that can mean fewer classroom outbursts, better attention spans, and a more peaceful classroom atmosphere.

Having the right music playing in the background during independent work, during transitions, or after recess or physical education classes can help students settle down more quickly and approach the day with greater ease.

Benefits of Relaxing Music

One benefit you’ll notice right away is how focused your students will be. A calming melody creates a sense of calm, allowing students to concentrate better on their tasks. Here are a few more benefits of what relaxing music can do in a typical classroom setting.

  • Ease transitions — Whether you’re shifting from math to history, coming back from lunch, or waiting for your new group of students to come in, calming music can help calm the chaos of a transition period.
  • Help regulate emotions — When students are feeling overwhelmed or emotional, soft music can help them reset and settle their emotions.
  • Sets the atmosphere — When peaceful music is playing, it encourages students to match the mood, and you may find they talk less and concentrate more.
  • Let music signal what’s next — Playing the same calming track every day can signal students it’s time to settle down and focus. It essentially signals what to do without you saying a word.

When to Use Calming Melodies

Be intentional about when you play music and the kind of music you play. Here are a few suggestions.

During Independent Tasks

Research shows that playing soft classical music, like Mozart or Beethoven, during independent work can improve students’ concentration and help them stay on task. Any classical or instructional tracks will work, just avoid music with lyrics because they tend to pull students’ attention away from the task at hand.

As Students Enter the Classroom

As students arrive, either coming from home or another classroom, try having calming music playing in the background to help set the tone. This can help students who are coming from a chaotic morning feel more at ease. Nature sounds, soft jazz or any instrumental music will work; just think soft and welcoming.

Before or During an Assessment

For students who feel anxious before a test, soft music can help calm their nerves and make it easier to focus on their task. Keep the volume low and remember to choose music without lyrics. Consider asking students if they’re comfortable having background music on while they take their test, some may find it helpful, while others may prefer the silence.

During Transitions

Relaxing music can also work as a transitional tool. Instead of clapping or countdowns, play a selected “transition song” that gives students a few minutes to shift gears. Over time, they’ll start moving without being told.

For Brain Breaks

Calming music during brain breaks or high-energy activities helps to bring students’ energy back down. Consider adding short breathing techniques, desk stretching, or standing yoga poses to make it even more effective.

What Type of Music Works Best

The best kinds of music for the classroom are the ones that are free of distractions (lyrics) and that create a calming, peaceful atmosphere. Here are a few options to try.

  • Classical music — Mozart, Beethoven, and Debussy are known for their calming tempo.
  • Nature Sounds — Birds chirping, ocean waves, and rainfall can create a calming environment.
  • Acoustic guitar — The steady sound helps students relax and focus.
  • Instrumental soundtracks — Movie soundtracks without lyrics can create a calm mood.

Try a few of these and see what works for your students. You may find that one type of music works for independent tasks while another type of music works for other tasks, like during a test or transition period.

How to Select Your Music Playlist

Building your playlist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simply choose your platform, Spotify, YouTube, Apple, or whatever you like to use, and create lists based on your needs. Consider labeling each playlist by purpose, such as “Morning entry” or “Independent Work”.

When searching for music on Spotify, look for lists titled “Focus Flow” or “Calming Sounds”.  On YouTube, search for “Calming classical music” and on Apple Music, try “Chill out”. Find music that sets the mood, not something that will steal the show. You can also consider using apps like “Calm” that have a music section for the classroom.

Adding calming music to your classroom can make a big impact. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be quiet enough that students can still think and work clearly. Also, try to use it at the same time each day.

This way, students will begin to associate the sound with the task.  Lastly, be flexible with the music because what works in one classroom may not work in another. Consider having students vote on the playlists.

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