A Teacher’s Guide for Managing the Class with Music
How music modifies the mood of the classroom
Hey, how’s it going? I’m Erik Johnson—a veteran social studies teacher, university professor, and educator coach. In this newsletter, I share practical teaching tips, deep dives into education topics, and the occasional piece on my personal interests. If it’s your first time here, take a look at my coaching homepage, and don’t forget to subscribe!
A Free Teaching Tip
There’s a band out on the highway
They’re high-steppin’ into town
It’s a rainbow full of sound
It’s fireworks, calliopes and clowns
Everybody’s dancin’
—Grateful Dead
As teachers, we know that different classes come in at different energy levels. Some classes come in out of the hallway at a 10; others amble in at a 4. Overall, we’d probably prefer them to be at a 7–8: awake and ready to engage, with an appropriately youthful spring in their step, but maybe not totally bouncing off the walls.
One of the things that I like to do is make small adjustments to music and lighting based on the energy level I’m looking for in class. If my 2nd-period class comes in a little sleepy, I might welcome them in with all the lights on and some Grateful Dead cranked a little loud. Meanwhile, my 5th-period class might come in a little hot off their lunch, so I might keep the lights low and play some lo-fi beats. Maybe the class period is winding down with some focused and individual work? In that case, I’m lowering the lights partway and putting on something soft, but with a productive-feeling driving beat.
You’d be surprised at the difference this makes! I also utilize soft music during class transitions as we shift activities, smoothing out brief moments of downtime and lending them a sense of purpose.
All that said, I just learned Backstreet Boys are a total no-go—that caused a kid to step out of the classroom. 😅
See below for some YouTube links to examples of some of my favorite music to play during class!
lofi hip hop radio 📚 beats to relax/study to (the ultimate chill vibes, the modern new age/easy listening)
Grateful Dead - Live in Veneta, Oregon 8/27/72 (ok… weird pick, but peppy and the jams are good to work to… the Dead bring up the energy)
Andy McKee’s acoustic guitar music (great for chill autumn working)
Dave Koz and Cory Wong - Together Again (this whole album is good, but this is a stellar way to start the day)
Vince Guaraldi’s entire discography (but maybe skip the holiday songs when it’s not the season)
Tycho - Dive (any and all music by Tycho is great and relaxing to play during work time)
Share some of your favorite music to play or listen to during class in the comments!