Learning a new language offers many challenges and teachers use many strategies to help students achieve mastery. One strategy utilizes music to incorporate vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar to English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons. Active use of the music helps any age student enjoy the learning process and retain new vocabulary. It is very effective with adult learners who have difficulty learning a new language.

Singing
Teach the students all the lyrics of an English song and have them sing along to the music. Make sure all of the words in the song correspond to the vocabulary level of the students, or just slightly above that level. Choose music the students enjoy listening to and lyrics they can connect to. Verify that the grammar follows acceptable structure. Consider using songs written in the native language and songs written in English so students develop fluency in transitioning from one language to the other. Use native singers to ensure students learn correct pronunciation.

Translation
Challenge the adult students to translate a familiar song in their native language into English. Students also translate English songs into their native tongue. Additionally, students could translate every other verse into English or their native language, depending on which language the author wrote the lyrics. These activities increase the vocabulary of the English language learner through practical use. Students can also identify lyrics that improve singability by not following appropriate grammar rules and rewrite the lyrics in correct grammar. A final strategy challenges adult students to write original lyrics in both languages to an unfamiliar piece of music.

Art and Music
Invite the adult ESL students to act out the lyrics of a song or write a story about the actions in the song. They can illustrate the music through drawing or painting. Interpretive dance offers another medium to communicate the message of the music through art. Have students explain the art projects to the class, thereby stretch the vocabulary from that found in the music to the language of feelings and expressions.

Whole Body Movement
Incorporate the whole body into learning the lyrics and melody of the English song. Dance to the music using traditional native steps or wave flowing fabric banners in time to the melody. Allow students who play an instrument to add their talents to the music. Sign the words to the song in American Sign Language or invite them to create their own gestures to communicate the meaning.