Jazz it up, Teacher! Music Club promotes pronunciation, fluency and off-beat engagement in an ELT classroom

In a time when students are looking for value for money and English language providers are competing against cheaper options offshore, what can regular teachers be doing to energetically 'value-add' to their regular programs in a stimulating and pedagogically rewarding way? Through quality assurance processes at a university English language centre, data have emerged regarding student perceptions of their own improvement in pronunciation and fluency through voluntary participation in a music club run during class time. The aims of the club are simple: to improve students' pronunciation and fluency and to foster a sense of community by increasing contact with other students through a variety of music-based activities. Results have shown encouraging links between student enjoyment of learning through music-based activities and student perceptions of their own language development, and before-and-after surveys show Music Club to be a highlight of students' learning, not only improving pronunciation and fluency but also addressing sociocultural needs.