Soundtrack to Success: How Music Elevates Training Sessions

Around a decade ago, a colleague introduced me to the idea of playing music as participants entered in-person training sessions. The transformation was remarkable, as it spurred quicker interactions and engagement among learners, setting the perfect mood for learning. Today, in the age of virtual training, I'm a firm believer in the power of music to make learning more accessible, memorable, and enjoyable. In this blog post, we'll explore "3x3" — three compelling reasons to use music in training and three practical ways to implement it effectively.

Why Music Matters:

Research supports the idea that music can be a game-changer in training:

1. Increased Engagement and Motivation:

   • Training sessions can sometimes feel like a chore, resulting in reduced interest and participation. However, introducing music can infuse the (virtual) room with energy and enthusiasm, igniting participants' eagerness to learn and connect with the material.

2. Mood Elevation:

   • A meta-analysis in the "Journal of Positive Psychology" revealed that uplifting music increased reported happiness levels by a notable 12%. Music has the remarkable ability to uplift moods, fostering a positive atmosphere that enhances the well-being of participants.

3. Reducing Stress and Improving Focus:

   • An American Music Therapy Association survey indicated that 86% of respondents found music helpful in managing stress. In the midst of potentially stressful training sessions, music can calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and sharpen focus, ultimately creating a relaxed and productive learning environment.

Putting It into Practice: 3 Practical Tips:

1. Play Music Before the Training Starts:

   • Welcome participants with music as they enter, whether in person or virtually. Instead of a silent entry, which can feel uninspiring, this energizes learners and puts them at ease.

2. Use Music during Reflection Times:

   • Incorporate soft background music during reflection moments. This not only prevents awkward silence but also aids in concentration, helping participants fully engage with their thoughts.

3. Bring Music into Celebrations:

   • To celebrate achievements during training or acknowledge accomplishments in a meeting, infuse some music. It's a fun and refreshing way to re-engage and captivate participants.

In conclusion, music is a powerful tool to create a more approachable, enjoyable, and engaging training session. However, it's important to remember that the effectiveness of using music may vary from person to person and from context to context. Consider individual preferences, adapt the choice of music and volume accordingly, and always align it with your specific training goals and audience for the best results.

Making It Work On Zoom:

If you're unsure about using music during a Zoom session, I've included two screenshots here to guide you when you click the share button. You will need a music application on your computer with the songs, I utilize Spotify.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Image 1: If you just want to play audio, go to Advanced->Computer Audio->Share

Image 2: To play music while presenting content, go to Basic->select the application/screen to share->make sure Share Sound is checked->Share