Incompetech

According to Gardner the earliest intelligence to emerge is musical (Hill-Clarke, 2004). "Learning through music can build listening skills, enhance abstract thinking, improve memory, and encourage the use of compound words, rhymes, and images"(Hill-Clarke, 2004, p.92).

Depending on the mood you wish to create in your classroom, would influence your choice of music.  I hope to use music a lot in the classroom, as not only does it appeal to musical intelligences (Hill-Clarke & Robinson, 2004), but it can create an atmosphere or mood for any subject material.  I would use music as an introduction to a unit of work.  For example David Bowie's "Space Odyssey" for a unit on space exploration.  

I also believe that there is nothing better than a teacher who can play a musical instrument to students.  You don't need to be a maestro either just play familiar tunes, enjoy what you do, and encourage others to join in.  I believe that students should also be encouraged to display any talents they may possess in this area as well.  I have personally witnessed young children and students who love this type of interaction. 

Incompetech has a great variety of music tracks to choose from.  I have downloaded a piece of music by Bach being "prelude in C".  I believe this piece of music is calming and would be particularly useful to play when students have experienced a hectic day.  Students would be encouraged to stop whatever they are doing and place their heads on their desks and just listen to some relaxing, calming music.  Studies and research show that music reduces stress (Willis, 2007).

References

Hill-Clarke, K., & Robinson, N. (2004).  It's as easy as A-B-C and Do-re-mi.  Young Children, 59, 91-95.

Willis, J. (2007).  Cooperative learning is a brain turn-on.  Middle School Journal, 38, 4-13.