Mindful Music Moments

One of my favorite observations is that I find the kids who are usually very hyperactive and unable to focus in class are the ones who close their eyes and really breathe. It's the only time I ever see them calm. I think they need that time so much.

Shauna Righellis, Music Teacher, Incline Elementary School

That it has taught my students how to stop and calm their bodies just by listening to music. My students come from low income households and often have very stressful lives. They have learned that music is healing and hopefully they can take what they have learned and use it for the rest of their lives.

Tracy Drews, Teacher, ACCAA Head Start

When I listen to Mindful Music it calm me down and lets me feel relaxed. I love the picture designs. They're cool to watch. I'm happy when I listen to it. I also like the deep breath at the start and end. I also like when the conductor taps. I like Mindful Music a lot!

3rd Grade Student, Strausser Elementary

While I'm listening to Mindful Music, I feel like I am being lifted up on a high cloud, and when the music ends I return to my classroom.

Student, Northside Catholic Assumption Academy

One student, Cloud, is non-verbal and has such a strong connection to Mindful Music. His teacher added a special button to his communication tablet to request a Mindful Music Moment which he presses several times a day.

Music Therapist, School at McGuire Memorial (New Brighton, PA)

Incorporating [Mindful Music Moments] into our routine gave us the opportunity to MAKE TIME to be mindful. We learned how to be mindful through the music and breathing techniques. I saw children feel the music in their own ways - some would close eyes, some would focus out the window, while others would move their bodies calmly to the music in their chairs.

Sara Fenton, Teacher, Monroe Primary School

A student told me, "This music is powerful Mrs. Lynch, I can feel it in here (pointing to his chest)." MMM gets my students in the right frame of mind to start each day, it gets them ready to learn.

Danielle Lynch, 2nd Grade Teacher, Apollo-Ridge Elementary School

This program gives students—and just as importantly, teachers—a moment of stillness and reflection. These exercises are designed to meet them exactly where they are and give them the skills to compassionately respond, not just simply react.

Ben Kipp, VP Education & Community Engagement at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

I came in mad and ready to fight someone today. I didn't think I would be able to make it through the rest of the day, but after coming to class and actually listening to Mindful Music my body felt calmer and so did my mind. I realized that what I was mad about didn't matter and that we were about to have fun making music in class today again.

Student, Mound STEM

The best part about Mindful Music Moments is [that it creates] a peaceful start to our day, modeling mindful strategies to support social-emotional growth, while exposing our students to beautiful music.

J. Harris, Principal, Orchard Hollow Elementary

My first experience with Mindful Music Moments was while teaching Third Grade students in Cleveland Heights. As we listened each morning, students had a choice of sitting quietly or completing their morning work. One day after listening, one of my students told me how grateful she was for the peaceful moment in her morning routine. She explained that with two busy parents and three younger siblings, her morning felt hectic. Having a moment to sit and think helped her feel more prepared for the school day ahead.

I also used Mindful Music Moments with my fifth graders. As soon as attendance was taken, our class began our morning routine of listening. My students were so interested and excited about the different composers we learned about, it inspired them to do their own research on each composer. We filled our morning meetings with rich discussions about how music can impact our mood. It was so obvious that my students not only enjoyed Mindful Music Moments, they also were learning from the program.

With the onset of Covid-19, the school experience changed dramatically for all students. My second-grade class is made up of students in families who have chosen to spend the entire school year using a 100% virtual format. Utilizing Mindful Music Moments helps my students feel a sense of normalcy, as well as a sense of unity. Although we are all apart, we listen together, and our community of learners is together in our hearts and minds.

All ages, all grade levels, and all circumstances can benefit from the use of Mindful Music Moments. I am a better, more culturally responsive educator because of this amazing program.

Jasmine Venson, Mentor Public Schools