The Effects of Playing Background Music: A Literature Review for Educational Applications in Elementary Education

Abstract

he arts are very important to a child's development. Allowing children to engage in creative expression is invaluable. Through the arts, children’s imaginations can wander and discover (Eisner, 2002). Fostering this imagination, and thereby creativity, enables children to experiment and venture out into the unknown within the safety of their minds. As a whole, the arts encourage children—and adults—to think in different ways, solve problems with unique solutions, and experience the world with curiosity (Eisner, 2002). Although all types of art fit these criteria, music is somewhat unique because a person can listen to music while engaging in other activities as well. It is a common practice for people to listen to music while doing routine, somewhat mindless activities, such as folding laundry, organizing, exercising, cleaning, or following a recipe. Music is believed to be calming, entertaining, or energizing, often adding stimulation while not distracting from the task (Giles, 1991; Kiger, 1989). But is there a benefit to exposing children to music during their class time?