Music as a Gateway to Learning

UM English Lab. – Making Education More Engaging Through Western Music

Universal Music LLC

UM English Lab. is a new educational support platform by Universal Music that turns the emotional impact of music into an entry point for learning. The program offers students the chance to discover the fun of learning English through Western music, transforming entertainment into education.

ISSUE 課題

  • Declining engagement with Western music among younger generations:：Compared to J-POP and K-POP, Western music is losing ground as a “first musical encounter” for youth in Japan.
  • Limited promotional exposure： Since the pandemic, fewer live tours and media appearances have reduced opportunities to connect audiences with the value of international artists and their music.
  • Challenge for music companies to explore new roles： Universal Music seeks to go beyond entertainment and contribute to a richer society by engaging with the next generation in meaningful ways.

STRATEGY 戦略

A new approach that bridges entertainment and education Utilizing Universal’s catalog of Western music, UM English Lab. creates experiences for younger generations that combine musical enjoyment with educational value.

  •  Reframe Western music as a gateway to learning language, culture, and expression
  •  Introduce new educational use cases of music in classroom settings
  •  Provide free supplemental teaching materials to ease the workload of educators
  •  Implement emotionally driven learning experiences to foster non-cognitive skills such as empathy, self-expression, and cultural understanding
  • Build a sustainable entertainment × education model

＜Objective＞

  •  Inspire intrinsic motivation in English learning
  • Rediscover the social and cultural value of Western music
  •  Provide practical support to address classroom challenges like lack of materials and teacher workload
  •  Nurture non-cognitive skills: empathy, self-expression, cultural literacy

＜Approach＞

  • Design the intersection between English education and Western music
  •  Develop plug-and-play supplemental materials for teachers
  •  Use the official website and social media to provide ongoing support through ideas, lesson examples, and links to non-cognitive education
  • Implement trial classes and apply feedback from teachers to refine materials continuously

PLANNING 企画

“Opening up learning, beyond the boundaries of subjects”

  • UM English Lab. proposes an integrated educational model that connects language, arts, and expression.
    Rather than focusing only on grammar and vocabulary, it provides a cultural encounter through content.It also encourages cross-curricular use by linking English with other subject areas for a more holistic approach.

CREATIVE クリエイティブ

Turning music into a teaching tool and learning into an experience

  •  Educational Materials：Supplemental resources that link English with culture and self-expression
  • Media Content：Expert interviews
  • Articles combining insights on English education, music, and non-cognitive learning
  • Programs co-developed with schools and educational institutions

ROLL 担当領域

  • Comprehensive project branding
  • Marketing strategy and content planning
  • Educational material design and development
  • Website: planning / production / operation
  • Web editorial: writing / editing
  • Collaboration with schools and municipalities
  • Social media: content planning / editing / management
  • PR events: planning and execution
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