Session 3: Song and music ‘moods’ 

Aim:
This section will allow pupils to understand the reasons why different music is selected in different situations to apply a certain mood, atmosphere or quality to a product, brand or situation

Curriculum links: 

KS3 and 4 Music (composition)
Music (listening)
Citizenship
Independent learning – for all tasks

Introduction

We know from research that different kinds of music have an effect on our mood and to some extent on the way we behave in different settings.
Music can set a mood or help to create an ambience.

Task 1

• Make a list of the different settings where you hear music. Some of these will probably be where music is used as background music – restaurants, cinemas, shops, etc.
• Is the type of music suited to the place where you heard it? Why?
• Now make some more detailed notes about some specific examples in more depth, eg what effect do you think telephone ‘hold’ music has on customers?  Does the kind of music bear any relationship to the type of company or place they are calling? Research shows that, when calling a business, callers remain on hold 20% longer if they are listening to music rather than to silence or a recorded voice message. Do you think this is true in your experience?
• Does the music in a certain shop suit the products being sold there? Does it have any effect on your mood and whether you might buy something or how much you might spend?
• Use your notes to report back to the class.