Music and movement are inherent parts of human existence. Throughout history people have used dance and music to celebrate, express beliefs, tell stories, develop new ideas, and to connect with and understand one another. We all use sound and movement in our daily lives, whether it be to run to the bus stop, wave to a friend, or sing along in the car while we slug our way through our drive to work. They are intrinsic parts of our lives and yet we do not always realise the learning power they hold. In an educational environment of abstract problem solving, memorising facts, and prioritising language and numeracy, the creative experience is often missed yet essential. This article sets out briefly why integrating music and movement is so valuable in our educational climate, and offers one example.
A sensory medium
Firstly, movement and music are accessible. All can participate, all can relate, and all can integrate. It is a method of communication that we all understand, have had past experiences with, and engage with daily. We all use our bodies and sounds to communicate and therefore the medium of music and movement is an inclusive place from which to work. Creative learning is accessible, attainable, and has no success criteria. This medium is a free platform for exploration and creative freedom. Think integration rather than differentiation!
Secondly, this medium is sensory. While most abstract knowledge relies on the visual, music and movement enable access to the auditory, kinaesthetic, tactile, and proprioceptive experience. A variety of sensory information can increase memory and consolidate understanding as it provides multiple avenues for learning, understanding, and embodying information. ‘When I hear the live music, it feels like nature and is soothing’ (primary pupil, Edinburgh, 2021). Learning this way becomes an experience. It is not just stuck in our mind; it is painted on our body.
Finally, and importantly, creative learning is fun. We all know that we learn through engagement, imagination, and play. Music and movement experiences promote creative ways of exploring ourselves and our ideas, with no limits or restraints. What starts as fun soon leads to storytelling, problem solving, and abstract thinking.
Integrative approach
‘Moving Music’ is a Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) initiative for primary schools which uses music and movement to enrich social and emotional wellbeing, helping children to develop musical understanding and to explore and express what they are thinking and feeling. Each week the students are guided through movement games, activities, and explorations that are supported by live musical repertoire and concepts. The students are guided through a process of exploring and playing with each concept, experiencing it with others, and then using it to create their own performances. Time is also given to share creations and reflect on the creative process.
The combining of kinaesthetic and auditory concepts is what truly makes the SCO work special, as complex classical music terms can be understood through the medium of the body. As an example, the musical term legato, meaning a long and smooth sound, would be explored using the Laban movement concept Free Flow, transitioning students from an auditory concept into a kinaesthetic exploration. Students are guided to interpret the concepts based on what they are hearing from live musicians, seeing from musicians and movers in the room, and feeling in their own body, thus creating a multisensory understanding.
The programme is accessible to all students, enabling them to participate and learn regardless of musical understanding or experience. All can learn, engage, feel included and share ideas. The participation rate has proved the power of creative mediums for engagement, interest, and inclusivity. ‘Our children have increased confidence in day to day speaking and listening and are more willing to share their ideas and present in class’ (depute headteacher, Edinburgh, 2021). The benefits of creative expression and exploration can really extend beyond the creative setting and greatly influence the daily nature of the classroom. It is amazing how much confidence can be found just by being given a different modality to be heard.
You can explore the Moving Music videos on our website, or develop your own methods – creativity is limitless!
