That this is not conducive to most kids learning?

[MissPoldark]

DS has been complaining that the teacher plays music during lesson time for different subjects e.g mental maths!
AIBU to think that this is not appropriate? IME there are more people who find music a massive distraction when trying to concentrate.
He’s asked the teacher if it can be turned off, which she does but puts it back on later.

He finds much of the work difficult as it is without this added frustration. I will speak to the teacher about it but I just find it mad they think this is helpful to pupils.
Surely if some kids want the music or find it beneficial they can wear headphones!

I doubt it's rock music, probably something supposed to be calming. I'd find it annoying but I think it's a positive thing for many people. Perhaps your son could have some headphones to wear when the music is on?

What kind of music is it because some genres are known to help students to study if it’s in the background?

I am an elementary teacher and I found that playing quiet classical music actually calms the classroom and prevents the quiet buzz of chatter (which can escalate into noise very quickly).

I don't play it all day, just for certain parts and for about 30 mins at a time.

Have you approached your teacher with your concerns?

A number of schools do this... they play mindful/mood music which helps to calm and aid concentration. It’s not random hit parade stuff but deliberate music... often calming piano, harp sounds.
I’ve used it myself... it does work. I usually play it at a low volume . Many children like it and it has the added bonus of keeping the children’s’ volume down which reduces distraction.

How old are they?

I teach in a college and respect that some people learn better in silence but I give students the option to use their headphones too. Some people concentrate more with background noise/music. I wouldn’t just play music though to respect people who need silence- I am one of those people.

There is lots of research that shows that certain types of music can aid concentration, so I don't think you're right about it being bad for most kids - the evidence suggests otherwise.

If your dc is struggling with it, there is no harm to talk to the teacher about it, but don't just go in with the assumption that it's bad for the majority.

He would probably like classical music! But unfortunately not. Today’s music was an annoying theme tune from a Disney film.

In my sister's class at primary school (a billion years ago) there was a final year student teacher doing a research project on how different genres impact the ability to memorise information. Maybe it's something like that?

If your son finds it so distracting that he cannot work then maybe the teacher needs to have a rethink, or get your son some ear plugs (I wear noise cancelling headphones at work a lot of the time so I can empathise). Before your teacher brings it up it will NOT impact his ability to hear and respond to the fire alarm.

It’s not assumption, it’s my experience with many people based on 35 years of working life!

Today’s music was an annoying theme tune from a Disney film.

I'd be surprised if any teacher would play that when they want the children to concentrate.

I'd definitely check with the his teacher to understand their thinking. To me that would be bonkers and I'd prefer it quiet.

He is 9.
At that age I think it’s a shame that I still have to intervene when he has already expressed his to concerns to his teacher and they seem to be getting ignored. Not great for his confidence!

I’m a bit on the fence here as calming music will quieten a lot of children and make them concentrate on the task. It’s probably a choice between music and relative peace or no music, more chat and periodical calling for silence in a loud voice!

My experience of classroom noise is similar to @dwum’s.

Speak to the teacher and ask for their version - are they playing specific music at specific times? If so, that's their prerogative as it can be beneficial to many children at the right time. Just politely ask about it and take it from there - the whole "surely some kids can wear headphones" thing is silly, though, because of course they can't.

I gave up a language class, mostly because of this. The teacher had theories about music aiding learning. It drove me mad, and I used to sit there with my fingers in my ears trying to concentrate. Her other theory was getting everybody up to move around/change desks - completely broke my concentration. Please, just leave me alone when I'm trying to work.

I always find this odd. Children do need to learn to concentrate & perform academically without music etc on. For the simple reason that examinations are always held in silent conditions (for good reasons). If you condition yourself to working with music in the background you will miss it and struggle in a silent exam hall.

People seem to need constant distractions these days ie no one can just sit in a quiet room or sit with just their coffee in a coffee shop anymore, they need constant distractions such as mindlessly scrolling through their phones, constant music on in the background etc. Myself included. Sometimes I leave the phone at home and walk into town, sit down and have a peaceful coffee. Bliss.

Sounds crazy.
Very obviously, music helps some people work and hinders others.
So how can it be appropriate for the whole class?
Anyone with any sensory issues will find that annoying, offputting and an intrusion.

I was thinking exactly the same @mlou32

Very good point @NoIDontWatchLoveIsland

Colleagues in my shared office have the radio on which I found really distracting at first but eventually learnt to zone out from it. When I work at a different office which is much quieter & less busy it’s so much easier to concentrate and I’m more productive as a result.