How Music Helps Migrants Find Their Voice in English

Rick, a trainer in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), goes beyond traditional teaching methods – he uses music to connect students with language in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and incredibly effective. 

Through music, Rick helps students develop crucial language skills such as pronunciation, rhythm, and prosody. After all, the structure of music parallels English in that both use rhythm, melody, and rhyme to tell stories, making language more memorable and aiding recall—much like how oral cultures use songs to pass down knowledge.

Rick explains how singing together in a group-friendly atmosphere empowers learners:

As an educator, Rick recognises the diverse learning styles and personalities of his students. Teaching a classroom of adults with varied levels of experience and confidence in English is not unlike getting a band to play together! Through paired class conversations and collaborative learning, Rick encourages stronger students to assist others, helping every individual feel they are part of the group. 

There are parallels between teaching and performing music: both require a determined energy to engage. He explains how he adapts his teaching approach when he senses students who may be struggling with singing along: 

Rick’s classroom isn’t just a place to learn English; it’s a community. Students from diverse cultural backgrounds bond over shared melodies, creating a supportive environment that fosters a sense of pride and belonging. When selecting the soundtrack for a typical day in his classroom, he chooses simple uplifting songs that celebrate common shared sentiments – songs like ‘You Are My Sunshine’, ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ and ‘I Am, You Are, We Are Australian’. 

Here are Rick’s observations on the impact of his teaching method using music:

Building Community

• Creates a relaxed and positive learning environment, making students feel welcome and open.

• Encourages students to mingle outside their cultural groups, fostering a greater sense of community.

• Improves connections between students and teachers, as music becomes a shared activity and social anchor.

Cultural Exchange

• Provides students with opportunities to share music from their home countries, enhancing cultural pride and identity.

• Encourages discussions about cultural differences in music and language, promoting a sense of belonging in their new home in Australia. 

• Celebrates diversity by acknowledging that all cultures have unique musical traditions.

Learning Vocabulary

• Uses song lyrics as a practical tool for vocabulary development and comprehension.

• Helps students understand specific words and phrases within meaningful contexts, which aids retention.

• Introduces vernacular expressions and idioms, making language learning more engaging and relevant.

Assisting in Pronunciation

• Allows students to practice pronunciation in a supportive, repetitive manner through song.

• Improves rhythm and prosody (intonation and stress patterns) as students sing along, refining their spoken English.

• Encourages students to match sounds and rhythm, reinforcing correct pronunciation within an enjoyable context.

Songs as Storytelling

• Connects language learning to storytelling, providing “memory handles” that improve recall.

• Reinforces vocabulary retention by placing words within memorable melodies and lyrical narratives.

• Introduces students to the idea of conveying messages and emotions through stories in songs, reflecting traditional knowledge-sharing methods.

Be the Performer

• Builds students’ confidence in speaking and expressing themselves through “performance” within a safe, encouraging environment.

• Cultivates a supportive class dynamic where everyone, including the teacher, participates and encourages each other.

• Gives students a chance to experience language as a form of expression, reducing anxiety about speaking.

AMEP is funded by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. MAX is subcontracted to deliver AMEP services through Navitas Skilled Futures.