Explore a new way of expression, singing, and having fun. Learn Spanish and discover an easier way to communicate while using your own musical skills and singing abilities.

Described in the earliest cultural records, the deep and profound relationship between music and language supports their discriminate, concurrent use to improve outcomes for language acquisition.

Melodic recognition, contour processing, timbre discrimination, rhythm, tonality, prediction, and perception of the sight, sound, and form of symbols in context are required in both music and language. Like supportive sisters, they comprise "separate, though complimentary systems of structured communication... language primarily responsible for content and music evoking emotion” (Jourdain, 1997).

Music positively affects language accent, memory, and grammar as well as mood, enjoyment, and motivation. Language teachers and music therapists alike should encourage the conjoined study of these natural partners, because communicating through a musical medium benefits everyone.

In all four major language-learning areas – in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The instructor: (1)...plays the song as students silently look at the words; 2) has students repeat the words without singing them; 3) points out new vocabulary, idioms, grammar items, and give needed pronunciation cues; 4) plays the song again, letting the students join in when they feel confident about singing along. (Whittaker, 1981)

Bibliography:

Jourdain, R. (1997) Music, the Brain, and Ecstasy: How Music Captures our Imagination.

William Morrow and Company, New York.

Whittaker, F. (1981). Singing in ESL with songs for the grammar class. Honolulu, HI: (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED207336)