Developing Emotional Intelligence in Music Lessons

Abstract

This article examines the role of music lessons in fostering emotional intelligence among school-age children. Emotional intelligence encompasses a child’s ability to recognize and regulate personal emotions, understand the emotions of others, and demonstrate appropriate behavior in social interactions. Music education is considered a powerful tool in this process, as it naturally cultivates expressiveness, attentive listening, empathy, creativity, and collaboration. The study identifies that methods such as rhythm-based games, musical improvisation, group vocal activities, and creating stories through music significantly enhance students’ emotional self-expression. Engaging with the character and mood of musical pieces, expressing emotions through melody, and collaborating during ensemble performance contribute to the development of empathy, social communication, and self-confidence. The findings suggest that systematically and purposefully structured music lessons make a substantial contribution to the development of children’s emotional intelligence. Therefore, it is recommended that music teachers integrate emotionally oriented pedagogical methods into their instruction and respond sensitively to students’ emotional experiences. Analyzing the emotional character of musical works plays a crucial role in enhancing children’s empathy. The integration of music education with emotional development not only improves instructional quality but also supports the formation of well-balanced and harmonious personalities.