I've Got the Music in Me!

Ever since I can remember, music has resonated me more than a lot of things.  While I still crave the written word, music is how I relieve my stress, express my moods, stay focused on a workout, and even get my anger out (who hasn't blasted Pink! at full volume after a stressful day!).

In my classroom, I love using music for multiple purposes on a regular basis.  Our media specialist has loaded lots of music files on our staff drive, but sometimes it's a hassle to get there.  So, I've done a few things, thanks to my district opening up filters :)

1.  YouTube:
I just did a basic search for instrumental music and found LOTS of channels that have hours of music that I just play.  This was especially great during the holiday season.  I usually don't show the video, but just have the music.

2.  Pandora:
One of my favorites for my demographics is the instrumental hip-hop channel.  Just be careful you don't leave the titles up on the screen :0  But, you can find anything instrumental there.  We listen to the Mozart Effect channel most.

3.  TV Theme Shows:
I downloaded a ton of TV Theme Shows for my class to use for transition times and thinking moments.  Most are about 30 seconds to 1 minute long, so they work perfectly.  I've used the following this year:

Mission Impossible Theme Song
Password Theme Song
Jeopardy Theme Song
Price is Right Theme Song
Muppet Show Theme Song (transitions)
Car Wash (pack up at the end of the day)
We Get Together (Grease theme song - first 15 seconds or so)


How do you use music?  What are some of your favorites?

~Shasta