Math in Melody: How Music Strikes a Chord with Memory and Learning

Author

• Aidan V. Waters, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-20-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Education

First Advisor

Katie Naron

Second Advisor

Tom Brady

Third Advisor

Nancy Maria Balach

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

As a result of personal curiosity, this thesis seeks to understand the current status of music integration within educational settings, discussing its importance and potential impact. By considering existing literature, it analyzes music’s effectiveness in K-12 education, particularly within the mathematics classroom. Based on the current body of research, the study identifies three key features of music integration: its effectiveness as an energizer, a memory tool, and a means of creating structure within the classroom. Building on these findings, a proposed ten-day, music-integrated Algebra I unit on functions is presented, applying the research in a variety of ways. The unit incorporates songs, mnemonic devices, and transitional music to enhance students’ comprehension and overall well-being. Finally, the thesis addresses current limitations, as the unit has not been tested in a high school classroom. It suggests appropriate procedures and survey methods that should be implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of music integration in the future.

Comments

Website Link: https://sites.google.com/go.olemiss.edu/music-in-the-math-classroom/home

Recommended Citation

Waters, Aidan V., "Math in Melody: How Music Strikes a Chord with Memory and Learning" (2026). Honors Theses. 3441.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3441

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.