What role can music play in a training course? Just about any you want would be my answer. It certainly adds another dimension and can be used to influence mood and energy levels.
I find it quite hard to imagine running a course without some music and, taking into account the subject and client group, music selection forms part of my pre-course planning.
I always look for something lively as background music for when people arrive as I believe this literally ‘sets the tone’ for the day. I like to use Shotgun by Junior Walker but in general, Ska and Motown are very effective and appeal to most tastes. During early morning sessions where people may be a bit shy, I play music at a very low level which is just sufficient to take the edge of the silence. Heart of Glass by Blondie works well.
During the mid to late afternoon, where energy levels may be low, rather than try to fight this, I turn the lights off and have a five minute chill-out session with something relaxing. The early part of Meddle by Pink Floyd is very effective for this, particularly on a course related to stress management.
However, musical choices are very subjective and it’s possible that your selection may backfire. I went through a stage of playing the Brit Pop group, Kula Shaker; I loved it but it annoyed other people. One dark winter’s afternoon in Manchester where I was running a speed reading course, I thought tired minds and eyes would benefit from a time-out; I lowered the lights put on the music and sat tranquilly for the next ten minutes. When the music ended, one guy asked what the name of the piece of music was.
Flattered by his enquiry, I replied enthusiastically, ‘The Lark Ascending by Vaughan-Williams.’
‘Oh,’ he said, in a flat, dry Mancunian tone, ‘that’s just to remind me never to buy it.’
It got a good laugh from the group and the spell was broken. Playing music on a course adds a great deal but it’s a risk of sorts and you might not always get the effect you’d hoped for!
Well, decide for yourself with this live performance of The Lark Ascending.
