LM_NET: Library Media Networking

Previous by DateNext by Date Date Index
Previous by ThreadNext by Thread Thread Index
LM_NET Archive



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.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to:
listserv@listserv.syr.edu   In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
4) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv.
For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.html
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=


LM_NET Archive Home