Research has shown that incorporating fun and interactive games in learning produces a positive attitude from students. It eases stress and encourages creative ways in solving problems making learning exciting. Although fun and play are typically associated with and commonly seen as most beneficial to children, active learning also helps adults by improving social skills, knowledge retention, and their overall well-being.
Here are some effective strategies to help make teaching fun and engaging:
Allow each student to introduce themselves at the beginning of the class. Learn about why they want to learn music - is it to improve their instrument skills or to pick up a new hobby? Are they university students, a stay-at-home parent, or working in an office full-time? Ask them what other hobbies or interests they indulge in during their spare time. What kind of things do they like and enjoy? How do they learn best?
Getting to know your students is a good starting point in making the class interesting and exciting. Use this time as an opportunity to introduce yourself to them as well. Tell them about your own hobbies and interests, what you do outside of teaching music. By creating a safe and familiar environment, your students will feel more comfortable and confident in their journey of learning.
Power of Visual Learning | Image
Whether you are delivering your lesson in a physical classroom or online through Hello Music World, it is important to engage your students visually by putting together a presentation to coincide with the lesson. This helps stimulate the creative side of the brain which also aids in retaining the information long-term. Visual learning is most beneficial in learning music theory where students often find themselves overwhelmed with the wealth of information handed to them in a short period of time.
Group of Friends Singing | Image
3. Excite your students by teaching them music they already know.
Encouraging students to learn a piece of music they already enjoy introduces a different way of understanding music theory and, as a result, motivates them to practice more. Find out what genre they are into the most. Classical? Jazz? Rock? Pop? What is their favourite song? Is there a particular music piece they are dying to learn? It is important to know these things as it builds trust with the students and establishes a good impression. It also eases the nerves of those who are feeling intimidated or scared, especially if they have little to no experience in playing an instrument or they want to relearn after many years of not playing. Keeping students interested in what they are learning increases information retention, inspires the brain to make new connections, and boosts their confidence.
4. Encourage them to make their own music
There are many benefits to making your own music. It stimulates creativity, improves your understanding and appreciation of music, enhances your overall mood, and helps form a greater connection to your own self and the world around you.
Watch your students progress in their learning by asking for updates about the new music they are creating. It is a rewarding feeling knowing that you have helped your students realize their potential and hone their skills further by simply encouraging them to create something for themselves, for their own enjoyment!
5. Play online music games.
Who says games are just for kids? Learn music with these interactive and creative online music games. Chrome Music Lab is a free and user-friendly website which allows you to experiment with different types of traditional instruments and electronic synthesizers. You can also play around with it to make your own song! It's a very useful tool to teach students how music works.
