Effects of music on middle school language arts classroom: Examining the use of background music in a seventh grade language arts classroom

ABSTRACT This paper examines background music in the classroom as a tool to enhance learning and the classroom environment. The central research question was: How does music affect the learning environment of a middle school classroom? The sub-questions were: How does music affect the level of concentration on a specific task in a middle school language arts classroom? How does music affect left brain versus right brain learners? How does music affect the climate of the classroom? How does music affect the creativity of middle school writing assignments? Research was reviewed about music and learning. Data were collected using written surveys, interviews, and field observations. The literature review and the data collected support that background music, when used purposefully, can have positive effects on student behavior in the classroom