Although music has an impact on the mind, little evidence exists showing it improves students’ success overall.  However, research does indicate music has benefits in certain situations.  Take your pick of the research and do your own study.

In the meantime, here are some great sites that not only have music, but show students how it is created and even how to play certain instruments.

General music sites

Classics for Kids
A great site for older students, it has folk music instruments, composers from the past and even games.  If you are in the Cincinnati area, you can even have your own radio show.

Creating Music
Try this “online creative music environment.”

Free Kids Music
In alphabetical order; you can play these songs for your class.

Music for Teaching

New Music Resources

PBS Kids Music
This site has both songs and lyrics from the PBS Store -- all free.

REC Music Page
Explore the best music link site -- four pages of links to everything here from sing-along songs to camp fire songs, to composing your own.

Sing-Along Songs
Find lots of lyrics in alphabetical order.

Research about music in the classroom

Does Music have an Impact on Students’ Development?
A survey article on positive effects of music

HGSE News
Harvard study with mixed results

Music Education Can Help Children Improve Reading Skills