Music In Schools Justin's music is being used around the country as a music therapy tool. Scientific studies have proven that this kind of music has a profound affect on learning and behavior and helps with testing, memory retention, anxiety, anger and many other challenges children face in schools today. Schools have discovered that Justin's music helps students who struggle with ADD and ADHD and is helpful for children who face the challenges of disabilities or handicaps. They have also noticed that his music helps children learn and focus easier. This music is not only helpful for children, it is written to help teachers as well. Justin sees the role teacher's play and how important they are in student's lives. Teachers also face anxiety and fatigue as they work long hours and deal with lots of stress. Schools around the country play Justin's instrumental music in their classrooms, cafeterias, and in the hallways between classes. They believe the music has made their schools a better place. Justin's mission is to get his music into classrooms all across America. His belief is that if we can create a positive and peaceful environment in the schools, then we can help students become the great leaders and adults of tomorrow. You can purchase Justin’s CDs individually through this website on the “CDs” page or you may call CD Baby at 1-800-289-6923. Your school can purchase his music CDs in large quantities at bulk pricing to save money, by contacting us by e-mail at justin@justinknight.com or by calling Justin at 719-282-8148. The Many Ways to Use the Music of Justin Knight in Schools and Classrooms Creative Writing Special Ed Classrooms Silent Reading Computer Lab ADD/ADHD/ODD Students Testing (all subjects) Gifted Student Classrooms Poetry Writing Science Lab Art Projects Media Centers/Libraries Math/Math Testing Administrative Offices Quiet Times after Recess/Lunch In the Cafeteria In the Hallways between Classes Healthy Music Changes Lives and Positively Affects Learning with 60 Beats Per Minute Justin Knight’s music is written around 60 beats per minute. Music that is around 60 beats per minute is most effective for physical and psychological health. The reason why 60 beats per minute is the desired place to be for optimal health and well-being is because the heart rate at its most relaxed, healthy, and peaceful state, is around 60 beats per minute. When you are studying with music in the background and you hear the music that is a reminder to breathe deeply, the music helps to create a peaceful, relaxed environment, prime for learning and engaging long term memory. How Healthy Music Affects the Mind Music has a profound effect on the brain. Music reaches and affects both sides of the hemispheres of the brain. It can slow down and equalize brain waves. Brain waves are modified by music. Music also has been proven to help the brain chemically. Research has shown that good music affects the serotonin levels in a positive way. Music also affects the chemical called endorphins and hormones in our bodies. How Healthy Music Affects the Body Music affects the body in many ways. It helps lower blood pressure, lowers heart rates, and helps with breathing difficulties or asthma related illnesses. Music affects muscle tension in a positive way. Research has also said that healthy music affects our immune system in a positive way. Music also helps decrease depression, reduces stress and anxiety, helps control anger, helps with ADD/ADHD, learning challenges and much more. The hypothalamus, which helps regulate the secretion of immunity eating stress hormones, is part of the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain that is also involved in interpreting musical sound. Research suggests that a neuroendocrine mechanism in the hypothalamus provides a link between the music you listen to and the strength of your immune system. How Healthy Music Affects the Learning Music helps with testing. It creates an atmosphere and environment where students feel normal, relaxed, and comfortable. Music also helps with reading and memory retention. Music helps students concentrate at a higher brain level and because of their cognitive awareness; they retain more knowledge in their long-term memory. Unhealthy Music Unhealthy music can have a negative and damaging affect on our youth’s lives. Hard Rock Music Causes Violence "A Science Project" David Merrell, a high school student from Suffolk, Virginia, has won top honors in regional and state science fairs for his experiment involving mice, a maze, and hard rock and roll music. After establishing a baseline of about 10 minutes for the mice to navigate the maze, David started playing music 10 hours a day, then put the mice through the maze three times a week for three weeks. His findings: the control-group mice, which did not listen to any music, were able to cut five minutes off their time; the mice that listened to classical music cut 8.5 minutes off their time; and the mice that listened to hard rock and roll music took 20 minutes longer to navigate the maze. David said, “I had to cut my project short because all the hard rock mice killed each other. None of the classical mice did that at all.” Sources: Washington Times, July 2, 1997 Reported in Nexus Magazine December 1997. What School Professionals Are Saying About Justin's Music "A Science Project" "I highly recommend to you the music of Justin K. Knight. I became acquainted with the pianist and recording artist at our state education conference where he performed. I have found his instrumental music CD recordings to be soothing, heart warming, and life changing. I later discovered that his music is being used as a music therapy resource in public schools to help with learning, testing, memory retention, ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, and many other areas we face in public education. He also visits schools free of charge to educate teachers on how music affects us, and encourages children though music assemblies. I believe that Justin’s music is a needed resource in every classroom in America. His music creates an atmosphere that improves learning, reduces stress, and impacts lives of children and teachers in a positive way." Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Oklahoma "Justin’s music provides a soothing and relaxed atmosphere with adults as well as children. OCCA highly recommends Justin Knight and his music. His music is used during our professional development classes and is recommended to use when dealing with children regarding anxiety, depression, and anger. In our Directors Advanced Training and our Brain Smart Management courses, Justin’s music is used to help directors and teachers learn to cope with anxiety, depression, and anger. We have seen first hand the benefit cognitively, emotionally, physically, and psychologically. I believe Justin’s music is a needed resource in every childcare center around the nation. The atmosphere his music creates is very enlightening and encouraging." Beverly J. Wells, President, Oklahoma Child Care Association Site Design, Administration, and Maintenance by MarketWorx