The Transformative Power of Music and Education

Growing up in a family full of educators, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative education can be. My mother, Mary Mathews, dedicated 35 years of her life to teaching U.S. History before retiring, instilling in her students the importance of understanding the past to shape their future. My sister works as a special education teacher, and my niece teaches kindergarten. Education is not just a profession in our family—it’s a calling. From my mother-in-law, who taught special education for 25 years, to my many cousins who are also educators, I have always been surrounded by individuals committed to changing lives through learning.

This deep-rooted passion for education shaped my own career path. I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse communities and schools in both urban and rural areas. I’ve worked, lived, and taught in Atlanta, Chicago, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Tampa, and St. Louis. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into how crucial engagement is in the classroom—and how music, in particular, plays a powerful role in that engagement. Having performed practically every role in a K-12 environment, I’ve developed a superpower for reaching scholars where they are and fully engaging them in their learning journey.

In 2017, I created a viral video titled "What Would You Do for That Grade?" which reached over 10 million streams. That video became popular because it harnessed music—one of the most powerful mnemonic devices in the world. Whether it's the alphabet song or a catchy jingle about the periodic table, children have been learning foundational concepts through music for generations. Music has a way of imprinting knowledge into our minds, and that’s something I’ve leveraged in my teaching practice.

The idea of integrating educational lyrics with academic content isn’t new. It’s a tool educators in cities across the nation have been using for years, transforming how students interact with learning. By taking the elements of music that children naturally enjoy and applying them to educational content, we are creating an environment where students are excited to engage with lessons. When educators bring culturally relevant, standards-aligned songs into the classroom, they aren't just teaching—they're revolutionizing education.

Teaching is an art. And as effective educators, we must continue creating lanes where scholars can achieve academic mastery in innovative ways. By integrating music into the learning experience, we are not only helping students retain knowledge but also making education accessible and enjoyable. It's about tapping into that excitement students feel when they listen to their favorite songs and applying it to learning, turning something challenging into something they love.

As I look back on my journey and the influence of music in my teaching, I can confidently say that the combination of music and education is transformative. It breaks down barriers, strengthens connections, and empowers students to excel in ways that traditional methods may not always achieve. And when we, as educators, can make learning as enjoyable as listening to a favorite song, we are truly making a difference.

As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, it's crucial to explore innovative ways to engage our students. Music has the power to transform the learning experience, making it not only effective but also enjoyable. I encourage educators, parents, and leaders to consider the impact of integrating music and culturally relevant teaching practices into classrooms. Together, we can inspire the next generation of learners and revolutionize education.

If you’re ready to transform your teaching approach or want to collaborate on new ideas, let’s connect and continue the conversation. Let’s make learning something students will never forget.

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