“I hanker for a hunk-a, a slab or slice or chunk-a, I hanker for a hunk-a CHEESE!” How do I know that songs attach to memory? Because I still remember Timer, a little yellow blob-shaped character who wore a top hat and a bow tie, singing about cheese. I haven’t heard that song in twenty years or longer, but I still remember most of the lyrics! I learned how to count to twelve because Sesame Street had a number song that they performed on every episode. The lyrics were simply the numbers 1-12. I still remember the melody to that song.  Songs Attach To Memory!!

According to Dr. Marcia Tate, author of the best selling book Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies That Engage the Brain!, music can actually change the state of the brain! Dr. Tate listed 10 characteristics of a brain-compatible classroom. The use of music was on that list. In fact Dr. Tate suggests that music should be used up to 30% of the time spent in a class-room (background music, introduction to lessons, and actually teaching through song).  Songs Attach To Memory!!

I am a teacher in Hamblen County, Tennessee. In November 2005 I played a seasonal song that I wrote called “Tubby the Turkey” for my first grade class. My students were singing the entire song by the end of the day. I didn’t sing “Tubby” anymore after November, but when the talent show rolled around in May, my students wanted to sing “Tubby.” They started singing the song as soon as the word “Tubby” was said. They remembered the song although they hadn’t heard it in 5 months.  Songs Attach To Memory!!

Based on the information that we have gathered from brain research specialists such as Dr. Marcia Tate, and personal experiences that we have had ourselves, my brother Jason and I have written and recorded some curriculum based educational bluegrass songs that are sure to Attach To Your Students' Memory!!

Ron Coffey