Finding the perfect soundtrack for your classroom can be tricky! The right music sets the mood, boosts engagement, and even improves focus. That's why we've compiled this ultimate list of the best songs for classroom use, carefully curated to suit a variety of ages and learning styles. From upbeat tunes to energize morning routines to calming melodies for focused work periods, this guide covers it all. Forget battling over the radio – we've done the hard work for you, identifying songs that are both educationally beneficial and genuinely enjoyable for students. Whether you're looking for background music for independent work or something to get everyone singing and moving, you'll find the perfect tracks to transform your classroom atmosphere and create a more positive and productive learning environment. Let's dive into the playlist!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Counting Stars | OneRepublic | Native | 4B+ |
| 2. This Is What You Came For |
Rihanna Calvin Harris | Peace Is The Mission (Extended) | 3B+ |
| 3. Something Just Like This |
Coldplay The Chainsmokers | Memories...Do Not Open | 2B+ |
| 4. Dance Monkey | Tones And I | 2B+ | |
| 5. Thunder | Imagine Dragons | Evolve | 2B+ |
| 6. Cheap Thrills |
Sean Paul Sia | This Is Acting (Deluxe Version) | 2B+ |
| 7. Dynamite | BTS | 2B+ |
1. Counting Stars (OneRepublic - 2025)
Upbeat Tempo: Counting Stars boasts a bright and energetic tempo, perfect for setting a positive and focused mood in the classroom, encouraging participation and engagement.
Positive Lyrics: The song's hopeful and inspirational lyrics about chasing dreams can resonate with students and foster a sense of optimism and ambition.
Familiar Melody: Its catchy melody and singalong chorus make it easily accessible and memorable for students of all ages, creating a fun and inclusive classroom experience.
2. This Is What You Came For - Peace Is The Mission (Extended)
Upbeat Tempo: This Is What You Came For boasts a vibrant, infectious tempo perfect for creating a positive and energetic classroom atmosphere, keeping students engaged and focused.
Catchy Melody: The song's memorable melody and easily singable chorus are likely to stick with students, potentially sparking spontaneous classroom singalongs.
Positive Vibes: Its overall uplifting mood promotes a cheerful learning environment without being overly distracting.
3. Something Just Like This (Memories...Do Not Open)
Upbeat Tempo and Melody: Something Just Like This boasts a vibrant, infectious melody and a driving beat that's highly engaging for students, keeping energy levels positive and focus high during classroom activities.
Positive and Inspirational Lyrics: The lyrics promote themes of hope and optimism, creating a motivating atmosphere conducive to learning and collaboration. It's uplifting without being distracting.
Versatile Background Music: Its blend of pop and electronic elements makes it suitable for a variety of classroom settings, from quiet independent work to more active group projects.
4. Dance Monkey (Tones And I)
Catchy Melody: Dance Monkey boasts an instantly memorable melody that's easy for children to sing along to, promoting participation and engagement.
Upbeat Tempo: The song's energetic rhythm is perfect for creating a positive and lively classroom atmosphere, encouraging movement and focus.
Relatable Theme: While the lyrics are somewhat cryptic, the underlying themes of perseverance and self-belief resonate with students of all ages, sparking conversation and reflection.
5. Thunder (Imagine Dragons)
Upbeat Tempo: Thunder's driving beat and powerful rhythm are highly engaging and can easily energize a classroom setting, making it ideal for active learning periods or transitions.
Anthemic Quality: The song's soaring vocals and layered instrumentation create a sense of shared experience, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere in the classroom.
Relatable Lyrics (with caveats): While some lyrics might require discussion depending on the age group, the overall theme of overcoming challenges is inspiring and can spark conversations about perseverance.
6. Cheap Thrills (Sean Paul ft Sia)
Upbeat Tempo: "Cheap Thrills" boasts a catchy, upbeat tempo perfect for maintaining a positive and energetic classroom atmosphere, encouraging participation and focus.
Genre Blend: The song's blend of reggae and pop creates a universally appealing sound that transcends age and musical preferences, making it suitable for diverse classroom settings.
Vocal Harmony: Sia and Sean Paul's vocal harmonies are infectious and easy to sing along to, potentially fostering a sense of community and shared experience within the classroom.
7. Dynamite - 2025
Upbeat Tempo: Dynamite boasts an infectious, high-energy rhythm perfect for boosting classroom energy and focus during active learning periods.
Positive Lyrics: Its uplifting and encouraging lyrics promote a positive classroom atmosphere, making it ideal for transitions or reward activities.
Familiar Melody: The catchy tune is instantly recognizable, making it easy for students to engage with and potentially even learn alongside, fostering a sense of shared experience.
8. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - Come Into My Life (The Album)
Upbeat Tempo and Catchy Melody: CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!'s infectious rhythm and instantly memorable melody are highly engaging for students, creating a positive and energetic classroom atmosphere.
Positive and Uplifting Lyrics: The song's lyrics promote feelings of joy and optimism, making it ideal for boosting classroom morale and encouraging a sense of community.
Versatile Use in the Classroom: Use it as background music during group work, as a reward for good behavior, or even as inspiration for creative movement activities.
9. Happy (Pharrell Williams)
Upbeat Tempo: Happy's infectious rhythm and tempo are perfect for creating a positive and energetic classroom atmosphere, encouraging participation and focus.
Positive Lyrics: The song's relentlessly optimistic lyrics promote a sense of joy and well-being, making it ideal for boosting students' moods and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Versatile Use: Its upbeat nature works well as background music during various classroom activities, from independent work to group projects, creating a consistently uplifting learning experience.
10. Meant to Be (Florida Georgia Line ft Bebe Rexha)
Upbeat Tempo: "Meant to Be" boasts a catchy, upbeat tempo perfect for maintaining a positive and energetic classroom atmosphere, keeping students engaged and focused.
Relatable Lyrics: The song's lyrics about friendship and connection resonate with students, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Familiar Melody: Its widely popular and recognizable melody makes it easy for students to sing along, potentially enhancing participation and memory.
11Butter
BTS
2021
12Levitating
Dua Lipa
2020
Future Nostalgia
13Safe And Sound
Capital Cities
2013
In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery (Deluxe Edition)
14As It Was
Harry Styles
2022
Harry's House
15Heat Waves
Glass Animals
2020
16Don't Start Now
Dua Lipa
2019
Future Nostalgia
17Good Feeling
Flo Rida
2011
Wild Ones
18Riptide
Vance Joy
2013
Dream Your Life Away (Special Edition)
19Shut Up and Dance
WALK THE MOON
2015
TALKING IS HARD
20Better When I'm Dancin'
Meghan Trainor
2015
Timeless
21Rain On Me
Lady Gaga,Ariana Grande
2020
On The 6
22Sucker
Jonas Brothers
2019
Happiness Begins
23Some Nights
fun.
2012
Some Nights
24Cha Cha Slide
DJ Casper
1996
25Three Little Birds
The Wailers,Bob Marley
1977
26No Excuses
Meghan Trainor
2018
27When Can I See You Again?
Owl City
2012
28Golden Hour
JVKE
2023
29Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
2014
1989