The research is clear, taking time to incorporate mindfulness into daily routines helps all of us. It reduces stress, calms anxiety, resets focus, and can even improve digestion. It’s likely you have already encountered the idea of classroom teachers using mindfulness as a teaching tool, but what are some ways to use it in the music room?
Pair It With Critical Listening
When you want to introduce a piece of music to your students, why not pair it with some deep breathing or controlled movement? Students will have the opportunity to engage with the piece at another level, and reap the benefits of mindfulness at the same time.
Use It for Practicing Breathing Techniques
Breath control is essential for almost every musician. Teaching techniques such as “belly breaths” help developing musicians learn how to expand their air capacity the correct way. You can also have students inhale for a specific number of counts, hold for a few counts, and exhale for a specific number of counts. Now they’re practicing counting beats, breath control, and mindfulness all at the same time!
Teach Basic Conducting Patterns
Most students love to mimic conducting patterns when listening to music. Depending on the age of your class, teach them the basic “floor, door, wall, ceiling” pattern and encourage them to conduct along with a slow, relaxing piece. Challenge older students with more complex meters. You can add in a breathing challenge as well – breathe in for one measure and out for the next.
Just Enjoy the Music
If you’re using a mindfulness activity to calm the energy in the room, or refocus after a chaotic work session, just teach students the art of relaxing into whole body listening. Make sure they have a comfortable place to enjoy the piece, and that ground rules are established about allowing everyone a quiet, uninterrupted experience.
What mindfulness activities have you incorporated into your music room?
Leave a comment, or tag us on social media with your ideas. Below, we have put together some of our favorite, short, relaxing pieces on Spotify. Feel free to use these in your own classroom!
