5 Reasons to Incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into the Music Classroom

I have heard it before and I have said it before, “Music already is SEL! We are already doing what we need to!” Everything they want us to teach is already built into our curriculum right? 

Well, let's get into it. 

As music educators, we often pride ourselves on fostering social and emotional learning (SEL) through the power of music. And we should! After all, our classrooms are safe spaces where students not only learn about notes and rhythms but also gain close friendships, spend most of their time, learn about teamwork, and grow in their self-concept and self discipline! However, I think we can do more. While music naturally encompasses elements of SEL, incorporating specific activities can elevate the emotional intelligence experience for our students. Let's jump into the reasons why SEL deserves a dedicated spotlight in our music classrooms.

1. Trust and Rapport: Building on Strong Foundations

One of the undeniable advantages we possess as music educators is the solid trust and rapport we've cultivated with our students. They turn to us in times of joy and struggle, seeking solace or celebration. I can’t even count how many times a student came to me with a problem, and when I directed him to the counselor, was told, “but I trust you, Miss Fred. I don’t know the counselor!” This pre-established relationship becomes a cornerstone for effective SEL activities, providing a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their emotions.

2. Targeted SEL Activities Enhance Emotional Literacy

While music inherently evokes emotions, incorporating structured SEL activities allows us to target specific emotional competencies. Through tailored exercises, we can guide students in recognizing, expressing, and regulating their emotions. This intentional approach deepens their emotional literacy, a skill that extends far beyond the music room. The bonus here, is it will enhance our music rehearsals. These kiddos will have an opportunity to learn skills that will strengthen our ensembles. 

3. Connection Beyond the Notes: Real-World Relevance

SEL activities bridge the gap between the theoretical world of music and the practicalities of everyday life. Students not only connect with the emotional nuances within a piece but also learn to navigate their feelings in contexts beyond the rehearsal space. This real-world relevance contributes to a more holistic and meaningful music education. Music is about what cannot be expressed through regular conversation. Even with singing, choral music brings the text to life in new and exciting ways. It helps us to connect with our emotions. Let’s take it one step further, and help these students connect those emotions to real world situations! 

4. SEL as a Tool for Self-Reflection and Growth

Incorporating SEL activities provides a structured framework for students to reflect on their personal growth. Whether it's a composition reflecting their emotions or discussions about teamwork and collaboration, these activities encourage introspection. As music educators, we become facilitators of self-awareness and personal development. Let’s face it! While music classrooms provide the highest highs a student can experience in school, it can also have the lowest lows. Students who didn’t get solos, a place in All-State, or the lead in the musical have to learn how to cope with disappointment. While experiencing this disappointment is important, I think it is worth mentioning that giving them the tools to cope with it will help them to grow even more! 

Music teachers are the busiest teachers in the school! We are teaching a full load of curriculum, participating in competitions, professional development, preparing kids for All-State, working on a musical, managing uniforms, costumes, and traveling… it is exhausting! However, integrating SEL need not be an additional burden. In fact, it can lighten the burden! It seamlessly fits into our existing routines and can be a valuable asset during days filled with pep rallies, testing, or when a significant number of students are engaged in other activities. A great way to do this is with ready made SEL activities that require no prep and facilitate important class discussions in an environment where students already are more likely to trust each other! 

Ready to take your music classroom's SEL experience to the next level? Check out my SEL Growing Bundle on my Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store. This resource is perfect for sub plans or those hectic days when rehearsal time is limited. 

This bundle contains seasonal SEL activities that require no-prep! You can take up a class period and facilitate class discussions, or you can embed into your school’s LMS and have the students learn it on their own, or with a sub! 

The topics cover a wide range of Social and Emotional Learning and can be used again and again, as each year, students’ needs, desires, and growth changes. 

Let's continue creating harmony, not just in music, but also in the hearts of our students' lives. (I know that was cheesy, but I couldn’t resist a harmony pun!