Turning Lessons Into Lyrics: How to Use AI Music to Teach
Sometimes the best way to make a concept stick is to make it sing.
Recently, I experimented with AI music generation as a way to teach social–emotional skills and ethical AI practices. The results surprised me — not because the songs were perfect (they weren’t), but because the process was so fast, simple, and fun that I can easily see teachers, counselors, and school psychologists using it in their own work.
How It Started
I wanted to test whether AI could make learning more memorable. I asked ChatGPT to help me brainstorm song ideas that could teach skills relevant to school psychology and education. We came up with several possibilities — from SEL raps to PD parodies — and then wrote complete lyrics for a few of them together.
Once the lyrics were ready, I opened Suno — an AI music generator that creates full songs (vocals, instruments, mixing) in under a minute. I pasted in the lyrics, chose a style, clicked Generate, and that was it.
No music background, no recording gear — just a browser and one click.
There are many other options too (like Udio, Beatoven, or Boomy), but Suno worked well for this demonstration.
The Songs I Created
1. “Breathe In, Count to Ten”
NY–style Hip-Hop for SEL
This one teaches emotional regulation through rhythm and rhyme. It’s catchy enough that students start repeating the calm-down steps without realizing they’re rehearsing coping skills.
2. “I Thought It Was Okay (’Cause I Took Out the Name)”
Country comedy song for professional development
This track uses humor to reinforce FERPA and HIPAA compliance. Here’s a taste of the chorus:
I thought it was okay, ’cause I took out the name,
Didn’t say their school or grade, figured it was all the same.
But that AI saw a pattern, and it knew right where they came—
Oh Lord, I thought it was okay… but the algorithm knew their name.
It’s a lighthearted way to open a PD session about data privacy.
People laugh, but they remember the rule: redaction isn’t protection.
3. “Remember the Rules (AI Mnemonics Jam)”
Pop-rock mnemonic for ethical AI use
This song builds a simple mnemonic — F-A-C-T-S (Fairness, Accountability, Consent, Transparency, Security) — to help educators recall core principles of responsible AI practice. It’s basically “Schoolhouse Rock” for the AI age.
Why This Works
Music activates memory.
Rhythm and rhyme help learners recall information long after a lesson ends.AI lowers the barrier.
You don’t need to compose, sing, or play instruments. The model does the heavy lifting.It’s fun and social.
Whether you’re teaching breathing skills or data ethics, songs lighten the mood and invite participation.
The Process in a Nutshell
Pick a concept you want people to remember.
Ask an AI writing tool (like ChatGPT) to help brainstorm song ideas and draft lyrics.
Choose a music generator (Suno, Udio, Beatoven, Boomy).
Paste in your lyrics, pick a style, and click “Generate.”
– Suno produced full songs for me in under a minute.Share or perform your song to reinforce learning — in class, in counseling, or at PD.
That’s all it takes.
Ready to Try It?
You don’t need to be musical. You just need an idea.
Want a transition jingle for your SEL group?
A mnemonic song for ethics or evaluation steps?
A humorous PD opener for your next staff meeting?
Give it a try and see what happens.
It’s fast, creative, and genuinely enjoyable — and it just might make your lessons unforgettable.
What kind of song would you create?