LEARNING ENGLISH THROUGH MUSIC – THE CASE OF UNIVERSITY MUSIC STUDENTS

Abstract

The benefits of using music in EFL and ESP classes are both non-linguistic (motivation, socializing, activating similar neurological paths) and linguistic (language recall, improved language skills), as proven in the numerous research. The aim of the paper is to get a deeper insight into Department of Music Art students ESP context, investigate students’ awareness, knowledge and experiences of the relationship between music, musical performance and creativity and acquiring a good command of English as a foreign language, in this case ESP. As the results have shown the lack of awareness and theoretically grounded practices in which music is used to improve and facilitate learning English, we have made some suggestions how to change this situation. Examples of instructional musical activities are provided as the solid base for starting to use music in EFL systematically. This paper should greatly serve both ESP and EFL teachers as well as all educators in their future practices.