Music has so many benefits, like improving mood, assisting in cognitive development, and enhancing creativity. Playing some relaxing music in the classroom during learning breaks can help settle everyone’s minds and refuel our reserves so we can tackle the rest of the day.
Check out these relaxing music videos for the classroom to add to your playlist.
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Why is music important in the classroom?
Music in the classroom supports a whole-child approach.
According to K–8 music educator and accredited music therapist Alessandra Pita, music used as a tool in the classroom provides a broad spectrum of learning benefits. “Music engages the brain, body, and emotions at the same time,” she says. “It can help students remember information, regulate their energy, connect with others, and feel more ready to learn.” Furthermore, she points out the academic benefits: “Music naturally supports patterning, rhythm, listening, language, memory, and movement, which are all important parts of learning across the curriculum.”
“Ultimately, music reminds us that learning is not only cognitive,” Alessandra concludes. “Students learn best when they feel regulated, connected, engaged, and safe, and music can help create those conditions in a very meaningful way.”
Music can have a physiological impact.
When students are exposed to calming music in the classroom, powerful things happen in their bodies. Alessandra explains: “Music increases dopamine (the “happy hormone,” which influences mood, focus, concentration, memory, and motivation), serotonin (the “social hormone,” which influences feeling good about yourself, confidence, and self-esteem), and oxytocin (the “love hormone,” which influences feelings of intimacy, belonging, trust, empathy, and emotional connection), and lowers cortisol (the “stress” hormone). This is particularly true if the listener perceives the music as enjoyable.”
Music can have social-emotional benefits as well.
Music gives students a safe way to explore and express emotions. “Relaxing music can help students calm their bodies,” shares Alessandra. “In addition, it allows them to name feelings, connect with others, and build empathy.” Music also supports an inclusive environment. “Singing together, moving together, listening together, and responding to music as a group can create shared experiences that strengthen classroom community,” she explains. “For students who may struggle with language, attention, self-regulation, or confidence, music can provide another way to participate and feel successful.”
Tips for Making Music Work in the Classroom
While music in the classroom in not a new concept, there are a few tricks to using it effectively. Below are a few tips from Alessandra to keep in mind. For more tips and ideas, follow her at @teachfromthestage.
1. Stick to instrumentals.
“For calming classroom music videos, I tend to recommend instrumental options that are predictable, gentle, and not overly stimulating. I like using music that creates a calm atmosphere without pulling too much attention away from the task at hand. I always encourage teachers to preview videos first, especially when using YouTube, to make sure the music, visuals, ads, and suggested content are appropriate for their students and school setting.”
2. Choose different music for different purposes.
“For instance, a quiet instrumental track during writing can help students settle into the task. A transition song can help students know what to do next. A short movement song can give students a healthy way to release energy before returning to learning. Music gives students structure, but it also brings joy, which is so important in the classroom.”
3. Use music for classroom management.
“Music captures students’ attention because it gives them an immediate auditory cue that something is happening. Calming music signals that it is quiet work time. A change in music can signal that it is time to listen, clean up, transition, calm down, or begin a new activity. Students often respond to musical cues more quickly than repeated verbal reminders because music feels engaging rather than corrective.”
Relaxing Music With Nature Sounds
1. Happy Background Music for Children
These peaceful tunes will give growing minds a well-deserved break.
2. Happy Relaxing Music for Children
This light instrumental hang-drum song is perfect after a stressful morning.
3. Relaxing Nature Sounds
Practice some meditation in your classroom while you mellow out to the sounds of birds chirping and water flowing.
4. Ambient Music for Studying
This calming music for the classroom will help students focus while reading a favorite book or studying for a big exam.
5. Rain Sounds and Relaxing Music
Do you and your students find the sound of rain relaxing, but the skies are clear? This video provides the perfect soothing backdrop to any classroom.
Guitar Music
6. Relaxing Guitar Music
While school can sometimes be stressful for students (and teachers!), the strumming of this guitar will chase their worries away!
7. Happy Relaxing Guitar Music for Children
The sweet plucking in this relaxing classroom music video feels so positive and refreshing.
8. Positive Background Music for Kids
This calming classroom music video is so uplifting and sweet, and it’s perfect for a well-earned break or even for study time.
Piano Music
9. Instrumental Background Music for the Classroom
This instrumental selection should be featured on any list of calming music to play in the classroom.
10. Instrumental Music for Relaxation
What’s better than a relaxing video that includes piano music? One that also features soothing guitar strumming!
11. Focus Music for Work and Studying
Need something that can calm the mind but also help kids focus? Look no further! This relaxing music for the classroom is just what you need.
Ocean-Themed Music Videos
12. Relaxing Music for Stress Relief
The underwater sounds will wash away your cares so you can think more clearly.
13. Relaxing Music With Ocean Waves
The calming and rhythmic sounds of the ocean can feel so soothing to busy minds.
Classical Music
14. Fine Art Music and Paintings
Listen to the music of Debussy and others while watching a slideshow of beautiful paintings.
15. Classical Music for Kids in the Classroom
This video exposes students to classical music. It features a violin performance of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 4 in F Minor.”
Animals Music Videos
16. Relaxing Music With Animals for Children
Perfect for promoting calm and mindfulness and also an appreciation for nature and the world around us.
17. Quiet Music Plus Baby Animals
This video proves that relaxing music for the classroom can be equally adorable and soothing!
Pop Culture–Themed Music
18. Minecraft Soundtrack
Regardless of whether or not you love Minecraft, this instrumental soundtrack is great for a break between lessons.
19. Disney Piano Selection
Disney movies have arguably the best soundtracks out there, so why not play this collection of relaxing instrumental songs in your classroom?
20. Lofi Chill and Relaxation
Is there anything more relaxing (and adorable) than a capybara watching butterflies and having a picnic?
21. Bluey’s Relaxing Springtime Picnic
Kids of all ages love Bluey, so why not unwind with one of the cutest cartoon pups ever?
22. The Best of BTS on Piano
Any K-pop fans in your classroom? Celebrate BTS’s post-military return with these piano renditions of some of their best songs.
Other Relaxing Music Videos for the Classroom
23. Relaxing Music With Bubbles for Children
When the midmorning doldrums arise, try this choice for relaxing music for the classroom.
24. Calming Sensory Bubbles
This relaxing classroom music video will make everyone feel like their worries are just floating away!
25. Coffee Shop Ambience
The calming jazz music in this video is perfect for the start of school since it will call to mind the crisp fall air and changing leaves.
26. Soothing Drum Music
While drums are often thought of as being noisy, this video proves that they can be calming as well.
27. Floating Lanterns
What’s better than a calm-down corner? A calm-down corner that features this video of lanterns floating while calming music plays!
28. Multicolor Lava Lamp
This calming video featuring cool lava lamp blobs is far-out and groovy!
29. Sensory Music for Focusing
Regardless of whether students are writing, studying, reading, or doing homework, this calming music for the classroom will help create a positive learning environment.
30. 3-Minute Timer With Music for Kids
This plucky video can help with time management because it features a 3-minute timer. You can also try this one for classical music. Also check out the 1-minute, 5-minute, and 20-minute timers!
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