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I had asked for any research that showed any correlation to learning and listening to music. The answers are mostly personal preferences which is certainly a beginning, but I was really hoping that there was a study that we could use. I do my best learning when I am outside sitting beside the creek but not everyone is that way and I'm not sure how we could apply that to library media centers. We hope that playing music in the LMC is helpful but we don't know for sure and just because students like it doesn't mean that it is increasing their productivity. Maybe just the fact that it promotes a pleasant atmosphere is reason enough to continue with the music. Here are the answers I received. No research. But we have six schools who turn on soft instrumental music on the Cd-player in the leisure reading section (at elem, jr high & high school) levels and the staff and the kids love it and think they are all more productive! Now if there is a large group with a big active project in the elem they usually turn it off. But it gives it more of a book store atmosphere We often play classical music, particularly Mozart, when the kids seem crazier than usual. It seems to calm them down... and yes, they "like it". Several years ago my principal wanted to try playing classical music in the media center after reading that music ie. "Water Suite" would change the brain waves and allow students to learn faster. Some of our students didn't mind it, but the majority felt it made them nervous. Perhaps it was our speaker system, but even at low levels it seemed to cause everyone to raise their voices. We have Advanced Placement students in the center every hour and finally at their continued requests we convinced our principal to turn off the music. There was a professor at Utah State University who published a book on the effects of music, but I can't remember the title. I played Mozart because I liked it not because the students liked it. They didn't at first. But they grew to like it. Don Campbell's "The Mozart Effect" is worth considering tho I don't believe it is precisly what you are asking for. The music I play is very low profile classical music or piano music. Never vocal. I keep it soft. Have you searched under Mozart/academic? Might be a start. In the early 80's research was done on "super learning" and "super learning music." I believe it is mostly Baroque, mostly 60 beats per minute. As I recall, much of the research had been conducted in eastern Europe; the environments in which the music was applied the most were in situations where students were learning a second language. The research did show that students studying with this music in the background did learn and retain more. I had a few of these tapes ( this was before the CD revolution) and played them in our library. Parenthetically, we were living in the middle east when our son was born in 1984. We brought several cassettes of this music with us to the hospital and played them all day and most of the night in our room for 48 hours. (I was permitted--expected to--stay with her, in her room and sleep on a sofa bed. The experience was great.) Shortly after we left the hospital we received a call from our doctor. The hospital administrator was requesting information about the music. He said the activity level on the floor had never been so calm for such an extended period. He was interested in purchasing the music for the hospital. I stayed in that middle school library for another 10 years. We played classical music almost all of the time. A recent post from Jamie asked: "Does any one know of any research pointing to higher academic achievement in classes or LMC's that play music versus those that do not?" Several years ago there was some information in the newspaper (might have been the PARADE Magazine insert) about the correlation between music and math, but it wasn't about music being played in the background, rather that the teaching/hearing/learning of music (notes, rythmic beats) was conducive to better math skills. Sorry, I didn't keep the piece - passed it on to our music teacher. However, I did order from an arts catalog (I think it was SAX catalog) a cd set with music that was recommended for test-taking and it did seem to indicate that there was research behind the choice of music and time (I think it was 3/4 time, but I'm not sure). I found it was good for word processing when you are copying data - gets you into a regular typing rhythm. Not as good when you are composing creatively. One thing I do notice is that any even (no abrupt volume changes) music without lyrics and no percussion is bound to be more relaxing. However, music associated with familiar lyrics (even though the recording is just instrumental) has a tendency to get you singing or humming along. If you're doing "no brainer" tasks that's not a problem, but for studying or tasks like correspondence or cataloging, it can be distracting. Sometimes though, if we don't have any study groups, I'll put on rock 'n' roll classics from the late 50's just for fun. One kind of music that appeals to many young people once they hear it is Celtic music (Irish harp music, etc.). Younger kids also enjoy hearing the orchestra versions of the Disney movie classic music. I've never had any complaints with this type of music. First of all I would really like to endorse the concept that Joni presented. I remember when I was constantly studying for LMT classes that I would use music with calming sounds to increase my concentration and eliminate the noises of the outside world. I have used these sounds in a small library and have noticed the difference in students and staff. My selection was limited but soft nature sounds were the best received. I have used music inthe library for an entirely different purpose which ties in nicely with another thread going on. I play classic music on at a very low volume when I "turn them loose" to chose books. I tell the kids "If you cannot heard the noise, you are too low and you will loose points fro your class." They have to listen to it to keep their own volumne down. Its a very simple thing to say (when you hear them getting louder) "Can you hear the music?" Works very nicely and keeps me at lot calmer as well. In our K-5 building, the LMC is sometimes "noisy" when a group is involved in an activity. Kids make noise, but it is always the noise of industrious activity. Music would just compete, and would raise the noise level to an uncomfotable volume. There are other times, however, when the only students using the library are drop-ins, and the space is very quiet. At those times, we often play classical, blues, jazz, new age, Celtic, African, or Native American music. We also play a CD with rain forest sounds. The "regulars" enjoy this music, and love sharing their opinions about it. It has helped us create a relaxed atmosphere that exists even when the music is gone. I'm not aware of any research regarding higher academic achievement in classes or LMC's that play music versus those that do not, but I do know that music has helped make our LMC a great place to spend time. I can tell you why I play music in the library. I am Learning Disabled. It was the method that worked with me in tuning out external stimulus and focused my thinking skills. We have a large LMC in my school, and there is quite a lot going on inside it at any given time. I love that aspect of it, but sometimes we need a little help in shutting out the world. LD people like myself, who are easily distracted, need something to aid their concentration. If I'm not to lose my train of thought every other minute or so, I need some help in filtering out extraneous noise. The music, soft instrumental music, fills that need. When you learn to disregard the music, it also allows you to disregard other sounds as well. Besides that, it makes the LMC a very inviting place to be. Just my two cents worth. Several years ago I heard that Super CAmp recommended music, that is classical. Based on the fact that the hearts beats approximately 60 beats per minute and is parallel to that of classical music. I had the book, but can't find it. I'm sure it is home in my "files" somewhere. As for me, I do play music. I play CD's (classical) and often play the local radio station. I must say tho that I play it low, just background. Kids seem to actually study when music is played. I don't know how they do it but they do. I play classical music in the library during the day when students are working and it is GREAT! I also play jazz, blues, and rock different days of the week during homeroom,and before and after school,alternating the styles of music. The faculty and students love it, it makes people feel good about coming in the Media Center and we have some great discussions about music musical artists etc. Everyone looks forward to hearing the different musical pieces and if I should forget they let me know! In fact we love music so much we are going to feature musical trios and quartets in the foyer before school. This is just my take on the subject of music in the media center. Music is part of media. Jamae Bruton Media Specialist Palm Bay High School 101 Pirate Lane Melbourne, FL 32901 bruton@pbhs.brevard.k12.fl.us phone: 407-952-5900 fax: 407-676-2891 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-= All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law. 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