Update 135: But what if I can't play a music instrument?
- Howie Gordon
- Nov 20, 2025
- 7 min read
I recently observed a fantastic 7th grade lesson centered around the vocabulary of Let It Be by the Beatles. The students were in groups and needed to organize the lines of the song in the correct order. The task was challenging and it was great to see the pupils read the sentences aloud and attempt to put them in order. Then the teacher grabbed her guitar and played the song for the students. The students checked their answers. The next stage was even more exciting - she created 8 different dialogues with ChatGpt on various levels based on the song. It was exciting to see the students preparing dialogues in pairs to present to the class. This was so exciting to see.
After the lesson I spoke with the teacher who was very relaxed throughout the lesson. I showed her that the more we prepare at home, the less we have to do in the classroom which frees us, the teacher to facilitate and walk around. I often say that if we are working harder than our students in our classroom then something is not right.
So if a musical instrument is not your first call, Youtube, Spotify or Apple play are great alternatives.
Many English concerts are being held this year again and Learn in Tune is very involved in these projects. These concerts are organized by the English and Music Inspectorates. This week I met with the Tel Aviv District and later this week I will meet the Church Schools in Israel to run a similar project. Exciting times.
It is always fabulous to collaborate with the music teachers and create together. "Let it be" is one of the highlighted songs this year. Good Luck to all the districts engaging with this important venture.
Did you know?
The lyric “Mother Mary comes to me” in Let It Be is often mistaken as a Biblical reference. But it wasn’t.
Paul McCartney wrote it about his own mother, Mary McCartney, who died of cancer when he was just 14.
“I had a dream in the Sixties where my mum who died came to me… she was reassuring me, saying: ‘It’s gonna be OK. Just let it be.’”
That dream became one of the most beloved Beatles songs of all time — not about religion, but about personal grief, healing, and maternal comfort.
The Israeli song "Lu Yehi" (Hebrew: לו יהי, meaning "May it be" or "Let it happen") was directly inspired by The Beatles' "Let It Be" during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Inspiration and Origin
Initial Idea: Famed Israeli songwriter Naomi Shemer intended to write Hebrew lyrics for the tune of "Let It Be" after hearing the Beatles' song frequently on the radio in the summer of 1973.
Creation: Shemer composed the now-famous original melody for Lu Yehi in the car on the way to the television studio where she first performed the song live, shortly after the war broke out.
The above information was gathered from various sites around the internet. I cannot vouch for the validity, but it really makes a lot of sense. I will leave it up to you to decide.
How Music Affects the Brain and Creativity
Music has a direct impact on brain function. It can change mood, increase motivation, and even alter cognitive performance. When you listen to music, your brain releases dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and reward. This boost can make writing feel more enjoyable and less like a chore.
Research shows that music can stimulate areas of the brain involved in language, memory, and attention. These are all crucial for writing. Music can also reduce stress and anxiety, which often contribute to writer’s block. When you feel calmer, your mind can focus better on creative tasks.
The rhythm and tempo of music influence brain waves. Slow, steady beats can promote relaxation and deep thinking, while faster rhythms may energize and increase alertness. Understanding these effects helps writers choose music that matches their current needs.
Real Life Examples of How Music Affects the Brain
1. Music Therapy for Mental Health
Music therapy is widely used to help individuals with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that listening to or creating music can lead to a reduction in symptoms and improve overall mood. For instance, patients with depression often report feeling more relaxed and hopeful after participating in music therapy sessions.
1. Enhanced Cognitive Function
Research has demonstrated that listening to music, particularly classical music, can enhance cognitive functions such as memory and attention. For example, the "Mozart Effect" suggests that listening to Mozart's compositions may temporarily improve spatial-temporal reasoning abilities, which can be particularly beneficial for students studying complex subjects.
2. Music and Memory in Alzheimer’s Patients
Music has been shown to evoke memories in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, even when other cognitive functions are impaired. For example, familiar songs from a patient’s past can trigger emotional responses and recollections, helping caregivers connect with them and improve their quality of life.
3. Music-Induced Dopamine Release
Listening to music can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. People often report feelings of happiness and excitement when listening to their favorite songs. This effect can be observed in various settings, from casual listening to live concerts, where the emotional highs can lead to enhanced social bonding and enjoyment.
4. Music and Physical Performance
Athletes often use music as a motivational tool during training and competition. Research indicates that listening to upbeat music can enhance physical performance by increasing endurance and reducing the perception of effort. For instance, runners often report improved times when listening to fast-paced music compared to running in silence.
5. Developmental Benefits in Children
Engaging children in music education has been linked to improved language skills, literacy, and mathematical abilities. Programs that incorporate music learning can enhance brain development in young children, leading to better academic performance. For example, children who learn to play an instrument often show improved spatial-temporal skills, which are critical for math and science learning.
6. Social Connection Through Music
Group music-making activities, such as choir singing or drumming circles, can foster a sense of community and belonging. Research indicates that participating in music with others can enhance social bonding and improve overall mental well-being, demonstrating the brain's response to shared musical experiences.
Conclusion
The impact of music on the brain is profound and multifaceted, influencing emotions, cognition, social interactions, and even physical health. These real-life examples highlight the powerful role that music plays in enhancing our lives and well-being.
My happy corner — smile of the week
Here I will share humorous, music and movement moments that spark joy.
Ooh mama...
Just Breath
Generosity
Preplanned Engaement https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fd_64dAmsjA?feature=share
Musical Joke of the Week
I've been a beekeeper for years when my girlfriend said to me, "It's me or it's those insects, make up your mind." At first I didn't think she was serious.
Then I see her face Now I am a bee-leaver
Digital tool of the week
HIHAHO
Hihaho is an easy Do-It-Yourself tool that allows you to create interactive videos within no time. Just add the hihaho overlay to make your video interactive. Bring your video to the next level and let your viewers actively participate.
Voices Up
Elementary Teachers | Junior High Teachers |
🎉 Let’s Make Speaking FUN! Are you looking for new, exciting ways to get your students speaking more English in class? 🎶 From chants and songs to games, videos, and digital tools – join a national community of teachers bringing spoken English to life in fun, engaging ways! 🌟 Join the "Voices Up!" WhatsApp group – a vibrant space for elementary teachers across Israel to connect, share, and grow together. 🎤 Let’s raise student voices – and their confidence – one sentence at a time! 📲 Click to join: | 🎙️ Let’s Get Our Students Talking! Are you ready to energize your English classroom with speaking games, Reader’s Theater, music, and tech tools? Want access to ready-to-use materials, AI scripts, and a supportive teacher community? Join the "Voices Up!" WhatsApp group – a national initiative to boost English speaking fluency in junior high schools across Israel. 🎤 Let’s raise student voices – and their confidence – one sentence at a time! 📲 Click to join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IZavz4xA8J5K7WpFVanEkh
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Your voice matters.
These broadcasts are admin-controlled, and I treasure your feedback. Drop ideas, needs, and requests here (topics, grade. bands, songs, tools):
Send me your clips or finds—let’s feature classrooms across Israel this year! This is your chance to be noticed.
E-Talent
Due to the ongoing success of the E-Talent program we have decided to continue the annual competition for schools that choose to be a part of E-Talent. You will receive all the necessary information and tools to take part in E-Talent.
The competition will take place in your school either on stage or online.
Click below for details
Guess the song 🎶🎤🎧📢
Each broadcast I will add a new Guess the Song picture. Some will be easy and some more difficult. Let’s see how well you do.
Well Done to Jenny Handel (and her husband) for solving the last riddle - California Dreaming by the Mamas and Papas
Click on the link to the Padlet to try out this week's question.
P.S. What do you call a couple of chimpanzees sharing an Amazon account?
PRIME - Mates
Just one more
Stay connected
P.P.S. If you know of a colleague, friend, relative or parent that is not part of
these broadcasts, invite them in via this link. They can thank you later.
You can access these broadcasts via the WhatsApp groupClick Me
You can join the Email list by sending me an email to learnntune@gmail.com and I will add you to the mailing list.
You can access our site at http://bit.ly/learnintune and past broadcasts here https://learnntune.wixsite.com/my-site
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