Teacher's Circle of Fifths Song Gets Students Singing

When Benjamin Kapilow needed to teach his students the Circle of Fifths, he didn't hand out worksheets. He wrote them a song instead.

The Circle of Fifths is a diagram that organizes the twelve chromatic pitches in Western music, helping musicians sight-read and understand how musical elements connect. But for most students, it's just another abstract concept to memorize without context.

Kapilow had a better idea. He created an original song that weaves together solfege patterns, minor syncopated rhythms, and references to the Circle of Fifths, giving his students a hands-on way to learn sight-reading skills through performance.

The video, now viral on Instagram, shows his entire music class grooving to the upbeat tune. What makes it special isn't just the impressive musicality but the care Kapilow took in assigning each student their moment to shine.

"I love that the teacher clearly knew their students and gave each student the line they thought they'd eat the hardest," one viewer commented. Another joked, "Is y'all's teacher Lin-Manuel Miranda?"

Kapilow regularly writes custom songs for his classes because it's fun, ensures no one already knows the music, and lets him test exactly what his students need to work on. "Then I can target what they need to work on in the song," he told Upworthy.

Why This Inspires

In an era when keeping students engaged feels harder than ever, Kapilow's approach reminds us that the oldest teaching tools still work best. Creative energy, personalized attention, and genuine joy can turn even dense music theory into something students actually want to learn.

Even viewers who admit they still don't understand the Circle of Fifths can't help but appreciate the vibe. "Still don't understand the circle of fifths, but this slaps lmao," one person wrote.

Teachers like Kapilow prove that when educators pour their creativity into their curriculum, learning becomes something students don't just tolerate but celebrate.