Can music help students become better thinkers and writers? Over the past three years, the author has incorporated some basic music training techniques in her classrooms to help her teach the writing process to students who would otherwise click her off. The students have developed clearer thinking and organizational skills, and have increased their collaborative and communication abilities as a result. This article briefly overviews basic research on the effects of music listening, the role of music education in communication processes and participation in music activities, and offers practical advice for incorporating musical training exercises in the English composition classroom.