Create Digital Music Journals with Google Slides

In today's music classroom, reflection is more than a buzzword—it's a bridge between content and connection. One powerful way to foster student engagement, reflection, and ownership of learning is through digital music journals. And when it comes to digital tools that are accessible, flexible, and teacher-friendly, Google Slides is a top contender.

Whether you teach upper elementary, middle school, or need a low-prep way to integrate SEL and assessment into your music lessons, creating digital music journals can be a game-changer.

In this post, I'll walk you through exactly how to create and use digital music journals in Google Slides, what to include, and how to make it work for your teaching style. You'll also get a look at a ready-to-go resource I created to save you time and energy.

What Is a Digital Music Journal?

A digital music journal is an interactive slide deck where students document their musical experiences, reflections, goals, and learning. It's a flexible, creative, and reusable tool you can tailor to any grade level or music curriculum.

Digital journals can be used weekly, bi-weekly, or after major lessons or units. They provide a space for students to reflect, respond to prompts, set goals, and showcase their growth.

Why Use Digital Music Journals in the Music Classroom?

Here are just a few reasons music teachers love using digital journals:

• Builds student reflection skills
• Encourages student voice and creativity
• Provides insight into student understanding
• Supports SEL (social-emotional learning)
• Offers simple assessment opportunities
• Works great for both in-person and distance learning

And because they're made in Google Slides, they're easy to share, edit, and reuse.

What to Include in a Digital Music Journal

There's no one-size-fits-all, but here are common (and effective) elements to include:

• Weekly Reflection Prompts
  • What did I learn this week?
  • What was the most fun/interesting?
  • What would I like to get better at?
  • What question do I still have?
• Listening Log
  • Track songs listened to in class
  • Note the genre, instruments, or artist
  • Respond with mood, reaction, or musical elements
• Musical Goals Tracker
  • Set personal goals ("Clap 4-beat rhythms," "Sing on pitch")
  • Check-ins on progress
• Creativity Corner
  • Add images of compositions
  • Insert performance videos or screenshots
  • Draw symbols or write lyrics
• Exit Tickets or Quick Checks
  • Answer short questions about a lesson or unit
  • Use checklists, short answer, or multiple choice
• Optional Tech-Friendly Additions
  • Voice recordings
  • GIF reactions or emoji reflections
  • Hyperlinks to student-created work
    
    

How to Set It Up in Google Slides (Step-by-Step)

1. Create a Slide Deck

Start a new Google Slides presentation. Name it something like "My Music Journal - Term 1."

2. Design a Cover Page

Include the student's name, class, and term. Add visuals, color, and space for personalization.

3. Add a Journal Entry Template

Create 1–2 slides students will use each week. Include your prompts and space to type or insert images/videos.

4. Duplicate the Entry Slide(s)

Copy the entry template slide as many times as needed (weekly, biweekly, or per lesson).

5. Share with Students

• In Google Classroom, assign as "Make a Copy for Each Student"
• Or use a force-copy link if sharing manually

6. Optional: Add Instructions in Speaker Notes

Use the Notes section to include directions, reminders, or assessment criteria.

7. Collect & Review

Set aside time weekly or monthly to read journals, leave comments, or highlight student work.

Tips for Success with Digital Music Journals

• Model it first: Show students exactly how to complete an entry.
• Use it consistently: Make journaling a regular part of your music routine.
• Encourage creativity: Let students decorate their journal cover and add photos, stickers, or colors.
• Keep prompts short: Aim for 2–3 minutes per entry.
• Don't over-grade: Use journals as formative check-ins or SEL reflections.
• Go multimedia: Let students insert audio, links, or even short Flip videos.
  
  

Try My Ready-to-Go Digital Music Journal

To make this even easier for you, I created a Digital Music Journal for Google Slides that you can use right away with your students.

It includes:

• Editable cover page
• 10+ pre-made weekly entry templates
• Listening logs
• Goal-setting pages
• Exit ticket prompts
• A teacher guide for use and customization

It's designed for Grades 4–8, works in any music classroom, and is perfect for both in-person and remote learning.

CLICK HERE for a closer look!

Want a sample? Let me know—I'm happy to share one journal slide so you can try it out!

Final Thoughts

Digital music journals are a meaningful, low-prep way to build connection, reflection, and creativity into your classroom routine.

Whether you're encouraging students to track their musical growth or providing a quiet moment to check in after a lesson, these journals give students a voice.

Plus, using Google Slides makes it simple to manage and fun for students to personalize.

Ready to try it out? Create your own using the steps above, or save time and grab my pre-made journal for a quick-start option.

Let's help students reflect, grow, and make music meaningful—one slide at a time.

Looking for more time-saving, engaging resources?

Check out MTR's collection of music teaching materials - SHOP the MTR Store or our store on TpT.

Would you like more music teaching strategies? Check out these related posts to keep your lessons fresh and interactive! 

Blog Post: Best Warm-Up Routines for the Music Classroom

Blog Post: Benefits of Body Percussion Activities

Blog Post: Music Trivia Showdown

Blog Post: Musical Elements in Peter and the Wolf

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