Research Updates
Here at Bigger Better Brains we believe that through educating yourself, you can then educate and affect positive change in your community.
With all of the research in the field of neuromusical science, our BBB Research section serves as a content hub for you. We regularly share findings and break down the latest research to educate and inspire discussion. We hope you enjoy this page on our website and share BBB news with your colleagues, parents and students.
Learning Music Helps Maths, Here’s Why
Music doesn’t just support maths, it shapes how students approach learning. By building positive attitudes, focus, and working memory, early music learning helps create the conditions for success.
To put the music on, to not put music on, that is the question?
A lot of the headlines point to the connection between listening to music and lessening productivity. The important detail to notice is which particular type of activity the participants were less productive in..
Music learning improves grades in Maths, English and Science … but why?
An extensive study has been released which found that students who studied music in primary school and into high school were almost one year ahead of their non-musically trained peers in their Maths, Science and English performance.
Does the way we teach music matter to brain development?
Well of course it does! This is a great study, not just because it is about jazz learning and improvisation, but also because it is asking the very important question – is all music learning beneficial for brain development or only some types of music learning.
Music gives children an educational advantage
Music-making and music sharing is such a vital and natural part of children’s play and this study shows that.
A French horn playing economist: how did learning an instrument help him think big?
Arthur (Brooks, leading US economist and social scientist) was once asked whether he’d learned anything as a serious musician that applied to his current work…
Should we be using music to enhance performance in exams?
Listening or playing music is often used by teenagers to assist in their study or to celebrate afterwards. But does it help them perform better in the exam itself?
Why pay $50 for one toolkit when you can access them all for just $5/month?
Not Sure How Healthy Your Music Program Really Is?
The Vitals Check Toolkit helps you take a step back and assess the overall health of your music program. Identify strengths, uncover warning signs and gain a clearer understanding of what's working, what's at risk and where to focus your attention next.
Designed around a practical health-check framework, this toolkit provides the tools, reflection activities and reporting resources needed to move from assumptions to informed action.
What’s Included
3 x Professional Learning Activities
Structured reflection activities designed to help you analyse results, identify priorities and plan next steps.8-Page Music Program Health Check
A practical assessment tool to evaluate key areas of your music program and identify healthy signs and warning signs.9-Page Music Program Vitals Check
A deeper diagnostic tool exploring the core indicators that contribute to a thriving and sustainable music program.4-Page Music Program Results Summary
A guided framework to help interpret findings, identify patterns and document priorities for future action.6 x Music Learning Helps Careers Posters
Research-informed advocacy posters that help communicate the broader value of music learning to students, parents and school communities.
What It Helps You Do
Assess the overall health of your music program
Identify strengths worth celebrating
Spot warning signs before they become bigger challenges
Prioritise areas for improvement
Support planning and decision-making with evidence
Strengthen advocacy and communication around your program
How to Use It
Use this toolkit to guide conversations with students, parents, and colleagues. Display posters in your classroom and around the school to spark thinking, and use the books to support discussions, planning, and decision-making.
Why It Works
The most successful music programs don't just work hard, they regularly check their health. The Vitals Check Toolkit provides a structured way to reflect, review and respond, helping you make informed decisions that support the long-term growth, sustainability and impact of your music program.
Love this toolkit? Get one every month with BBB+
If this toolkit is valuable to you, imagine receiving one like it every month. BBB+ members receive a brand-new advocacy toolkit monthly, plus access to over 500 evidence-based resources designed to strengthen music programs.
For less than the cost of two standalone toolkits, you can unlock a full year of strategic support for your music program.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ and start your membership today.
A practical, research-informed digital book designed to support discussions, planning, reflection, and decision-making around music and sport in schools. This resource helps educators, coaches, school leaders, and parents better understand how students can successfully participate in both, while reducing unnecessary conflict and competing demands.
Combining research, advocacy, and practical strategies, it helps build stronger communication, greater alignment, and a more balanced approach to supporting student participation across music and sport.
What’s Included:
10 Page x Why Music & Sport Matter Book
Clear, research-informed messaging that helps communicate the value of both music and sport to students, parents, staff, and school leaders.
7 Page x Making Music & Sport Work Book
Practical strategies schools can use to better support students balancing music and sport commitments.
15 Page x Balancing Music & Sport Book
A deeper resource designed to guide conversations, set expectations, and support long-term planning between families, schools, music programs, and sporting commitments.
How to Use:
Reduce conflict between music and sport commitments
Support students to succeed in both areas
Strengthen communication with parents and staff
Build a more balanced and supportive school culture
Create stronger advocacy for music learning
Why It Works:
Use these books as practical guides for discussions, planning, reflection, and decision-making around music and sport in schools. Draw on the research, messaging, conversation starters, and strategies to explore challenges, reflect on current practices, guide school-based discussions, and develop more balanced approaches that support student participation, wellbeing, and success across both areas.
Looking for more instantly downloadable tools to support your advocacy and teaching?
Invest in a BBB+ membership today and unlock over 500+ evidence-based resources just like this one for as little as $8 per month. BBB+ saves you thousands of dollars compared to purchasing individually—and countless hours searching for the right tools. Get immediate access to everything you need in one smart, time-saving investment.
This toolkit is FREE with a BBB+ membership. Get 50% off your annual membership today.
The Quick Wins Toolkit is your ready-to-use advocacy resource designed to help music educators create immediate impact across their entire school community. Whether you are looking to strengthen parent understanding, engage students, educate school leaders or align staff messaging, this toolkit gives you practical, easy-to-implement resources that help you advocate effectively without adding extra workload.
Built around small actions that create meaningful change, this toolkit helps you turn everyday conversations into opportunities to strengthen support for music learning.
What’s Included
For Parents
6 x BBB Parent Handouts
Clear, engaging handouts designed to help parents understand the academic, cognitive and personal benefits of music learning and why supporting their child’s musical journey matters.
For Students
1 x BBB Student Worksheet, Music is a Full Brain Workout
A student-friendly activity that helps learners understand how music engages multiple areas of the brain and supports learning across subjects.1 x BBB Student Worksheet, Change My Mood with Music
An engaging worksheet designed to help students explore the connection between music, emotions and self-regulation.
For Leaders
2 Page x BBB Leader Advocacy, Music Learning Helps Literacy & Numeracy
A concise, research-informed resource that connects music learning directly to school priorities and academic achievement.3 Page x BBB Leader Education, Music is Cognitive Enhancement
A leadership-focused advocacy resource explaining how music strengthens executive function, memory, focus and broader cognitive development.
For Teachers
1 x BBB Staff Advocacy, Music Learning & Executive Function Video
A ready-to-use professional learning video designed to help staff better understand the relationship between music learning and executive functioning skills.9 Page x BBB Teacher Education, Music Learning is the Sweet Spot
A practical resource exploring why music learning supports multiple aspects of student development simultaneously.9 Page x BBB Teacher Advocacy, Master the Art of Advocacy
A step-by-step guide to help music educators strengthen their advocacy messaging and communicate more confidently across their school community.
What It Helps You Do
Strengthen parent understanding of music learning
Build student engagement and self-awareness
Build student engagement and self-awareness
Build student engagement and self-awareness
Create quick advocacy wins with minimal preparation
Create quick advocacy wins with minimal preparation
How to Use It
Use this toolkit throughout the school year to create consistent advocacy touchpoints across your community. Share parent handouts during concerts and information evenings, use student worksheets in lessons, include leadership resources in meetings and strategic conversations, and use the staff materials during professional learning sessions. These resources are designed to help you make advocacy visible, practical and achievable.
Why It Works
Strong advocacy doesn’t always require large campaigns. Small, strategic moments of communication can gradually shift understanding and build long-term support. This toolkit helps you create those moments consistently, making advocacy feel manageable while strengthening how music learning is understood across your school community.
Equip your program with the Quick Wins Toolkit and start creating simple advocacy moments that lead to meaningful change.
Love this toolkit? Get one every month with BBB+
If this toolkit is valuable to you, imagine receiving one like it every month. BBB+ members receive a brand-new advocacy toolkit monthly, plus access to over 500 evidence-based resources designed to strengthen music programs.
For less than the cost of two standalone toolkits, you can unlock a full year of strategic support for your music program.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ and start your membership today.
40% OFF (Ends June 19, 2026) Discount applied at checkout
Learn how to share the importance of your music program in a way that finally lands.
Build powerful advocacy from the inside out. The Music Advocacy Method Course helps school and music program communities craft research-informed messaging that resonates with students, parents, colleagues, school leaders, funders and policy makers. Whether you’re looking to grow enrolments, boost recognition, or build a stronger support base, this course gives you the structure, guidance and tools you need to speak with clarity and confidence.
What’s Included
3 x 30‑minute Webinars and 3 x 30‑minute Live Chats with Dr Anita Collins
Learn directly from world-renowned music education advocate Dr Anita Collins as she guides you through each stage of building an impactful advocacy campaign tailored to your own school or program.
Weekly Exercises Based on the BBB+ Advocacy Method
Hands-on tasks designed to help you identify misconceptions, map your key audiences and craft messages that work.
Downloadable Workbook and Planning Templates
Structured resources to guide your thinking, shape your language and develop your strategy.
Access to Webinar Recordings for 3 Months
Revisit each session in your own time to reinforce your learning and refresh your message development.
3 Months of Premium BBB+ Membership
Gain full access to the entire BBB+ library of over 500 evidence-informed advocacy tools and resources to support your work during and after the course.
Certificate of Completion
Document your professional learning and add to your teaching portfolio.
Return Access at a Discounted Rate
Completed the course but want to run a new campaign next year? Come back for just $50, saving you time and money.
What You Will Learn
Use the course content and templates to identify misconceptions about music learning in your context, understand what drives them, and reshape the conversation. Build your messaging for a range of uses, from concerts and parent nights to emails, newsletters, staff briefings and school marketing materials. Whether you’re presenting in person or posting online, your messages will be grounded in evidence and tailored to connect.
Why the Method Works
People may support music learning in theory, but rarely understand its full impact. This course helps you move beyond assumptions by providing the latest research and practical tools to communicate clearly and persuasively. When communities understand the true value of music learning, they become your greatest advocates.
Who Would Benefit from the Course
Classroom and ensemble music teachers
Instrumental teachers
School music coordinators and department heads
Studio and small business music program owners
Leaders of school or community music programs
Anyone seeking to strengthen support for music learning in their community
The Music Advocacy Method Course empowers you to lead with research, speak with clarity and inspire meaningful change for your program and your students. This course is delivered in English only.
This toolkit is FREE with a BBB+ membership. Get 50% off your annual membership today.
Struggling to manage the clash between music and sport?
This toolkit is designed to help you move beyond conflict and instead create a shared understanding where both can thrive. Music and sport are often positioned in competition, but they don’t have to be. With the right approach, they can work together to support student wellbeing, engagement, and long-term development.
This toolkit gives you practical, ready-to-use tools to help you navigate these conversations and build more balanced pathways for your students.
What’s Included
17 x Wanna Be Like Printable Posters
Engaging, student-focused visuals that connect music learning with high-performing athletes and relatable role models.10 page x Why Music & Sport Matters Book
Clear, research-informed messaging to help communicate the value of both music and sport to students, parents, and staff.7 page x Making Music & Sport Work Book
Practical strategies to help schools support students managing both commitments.15 page x Balancing Music & Sport Book
A deeper resource to guide conversations, expectations, and long-term planning.4 x Imagine an Athlete Printable Posters
Thought-provoking visuals that challenge assumptions and broaden how students see identity and success.
What It Helps You Do
Reduce conflict between music and sport commitments
Support students to succeed in both areas
Strengthen communication with parents and staff
Build a more balanced and supportive school culture
How to Use It
Use this toolkit to guide conversations with students, parents, and colleagues. Display posters in your classroom and around the school to spark thinking, and use the books to support discussions, planning, and decision-making.
Why It Works
When music and sport are no longer seen as competing priorities, students don’t have to choose.
This toolkit helps you create clarity, alignment, and understanding—so students can stay engaged, supported, and successful across both.
Love this toolkit? Get one every month with BBB+
If this toolkit is valuable to you, imagine receiving one like it every month. BBB+ members receive a brand-new advocacy toolkit monthly, plus access to over 500 evidence-based resources designed to strengthen music programs.
For less than the cost of two standalone toolkits, you can unlock a full year of strategic support for your music program.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ and start your membership today.
Educate Up, Strengthen Conversations, Build Greater Support
The 10 Practical Ways to Educate Up digital download is a ready-to-use advocacy resource designed to help music educators and program leaders communicate the true value of music learning with clarity and confidence. Whether you are advocating for stronger leadership support, greater visibility, or deeper understanding of your program, this practical resource provides simple, actionable strategies that help you influence conversations and shape perceptions.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to defend your program, this resource helps you proactively educate school leaders through everyday interactions, building understanding over time and positioning music learning as an essential part of student development.
What’s Included
1 x High-Impact Digital Download
A professionally designed advocacy resource featuring 10 practical and immediately actionable strategies to help you strengthen conversations with leadership and educate up more effectively.Research-Informed Advocacy Strategies
Each strategy is designed to help you turn everyday moments, meetings and interactions into opportunities to demonstrate the deeper impact of music education.Professional Quality Design
Optimised at 96 DPI for crisp, professional digital use across multiple platforms and devices.
How to Use It
Download, print and display this resource in your office, staffroom or planning spaces to keep advocacy front of mind. Use it during leadership meetings, planning sessions, team discussions or professional learning conversations. It also works as a shared reference point for music teams looking to align their messaging and strengthen communication across the school community.
This resource is especially useful during budgeting discussions, strategic planning periods and moments where leadership understanding directly impacts program decisions.
Why It Works
Leadership support grows when communication is clear, strategic and consistent. This resource helps music educators move beyond reactive advocacy by providing practical ways to educate leadership about the broader cognitive, academic and wellbeing benefits of music learning. Small conversations, repeated consistently, can shape big decisions over time.
Equip your team with 10 Practical Ways to Educate Up and start building stronger leadership understanding and long-term support for your music program.
Love this toolkit? Get one every month with BBB+
If this toolkit is valuable to you, imagine receiving one like it every month. BBB+ members receive a brand-new advocacy toolkit monthly, plus access to over 500 evidence-based resources designed to strengthen music programs.
For less than the cost of two standalone toolkits, you can unlock a full year of strategic support for your music program.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ and start your membership today.
Practical Strategies to Increase Concert Attendance (Digital Book)
A practical, results-driven digital book designed for music educators and program leaders, this resource helps you transform your concerts into must-attend events. It provides clear, actionable strategies to boost attendance, strengthen family engagement, and communicate the true value of music learning.
What’s Included:
6 High-Impact Concert Strategies
Each section focuses on a key stage of the concert journey, from first rehearsal to final follow-up, helping you create meaningful experiences that draw families in and keep them coming back.
Step-by-Step, Practical Approach
Includes checklists, engagement ideas, and communication strategies you can apply immediately to improve turnout, visibility, and overall concert impact.
How to Use:
Perfect for staffrooms, offices, and team planning sessions. Use with your music team to refine your concert approach, share ideas, and align on strategies that increase attendance and deepen community connection.
Why It Works:
When concerts are designed with the audience experience in mind, attendance grows naturally. This resource helps you make learning visible, engage families before and after performances, and position your concerts as essential moments in the school community.
Turn your concerts into powerful advocacy moments that celebrate learning, build connection, and elevate your music program.
Looking for more instantly downloadable tools to support your advocacy and teaching?
Invest in a BBB+ membership today and unlock over 500+ evidence-based resources just like this one for as little as $8 per month. BBB+ saves you thousands of dollars compared to purchasing individually—and countless hours searching for the right tools. Get immediate access to everything you need in one smart, time-saving investment.
Perform at Your Best. Protect Your Energy. Maximise Your Impact.
Why do some music teachers thrive while others constantly feel like they’re running on empty?
The Peak Performance Toolkit helps you understand one of the greatest strengths of music educators, the powerful cognitive skills developed through learning music, and how to use those strengths without pushing them beyond their limits. Rather than focusing on wellbeing alone, this toolkit explores how music teachers can maximise their professional performance by recognising when their natural cognitive advantages are working for them, and when they may be contributing to overload.
Grounded in the latest research on executive functions, attention, planning, cognitive flexibility and working memory, this toolkit gives you practical tools to help you perform at your professional best.
What’s Included
10 Page Peak Performance Assessment
A structured self-assessment designed to help you identify how effectively you are using your cognitive strengths, where overload may be developing, and which areas deserve your attention.
25 Page Peak Performance Workbook
A comprehensive workbook packed with practical strategies, reflection activities and evidence-informed guidance to help you maximise your performance while protecting your cognitive capacity.
8 x Peak Performance Posters
Research-informed posters that reinforce the key concepts from the toolkit and provide practical reminders you can display in your office, staffroom or classroom.
6 x Music Teacher Appreciation Posters
A collection of inspiring posters celebrating the professionalism, expertise and impact of music educators, helping create a positive culture within your music department.
What It Helps You Do
Understand the cognitive strengths developed through music learning
Recognise the early signs of cognitive overload before performance declines
Improve attention, planning, working memory and cognitive flexibility
Maximise your professional effectiveness without relying on longer hours
Build sustainable work habits that support long-term success
Create a culture of high performance within your music team
How to Use It
Complete the Peak Performance Assessment to identify your current strengths and areas for growth, then work through the workbook at your own pace. Display the posters as visual reminders of key strategies, and use the appreciation posters to celebrate your team and reinforce a culture of professional excellence. The toolkit is equally valuable for individual reflection or as part of department professional learning.
Why It Works
Music teachers often possess extraordinary cognitive strengths that allow them to manage complexity, multitask and solve problems with remarkable efficiency. The challenge is that these same strengths can mask overload until performance begins to decline. The Peak Performance Toolkit helps you understand how your brain works, recognise your natural tendencies, and develop practical strategies that allow you to perform at your highest level, more consistently and more sustainably.
Equip yourself with the Peak Performance Toolkit and discover how understanding your cognitive strengths can transform the way you teach, lead and perform professionally.
Love this toolkit? Get one every month with BBB+
If this toolkit is valuable to you, imagine receiving one like it every month. BBB+ members receive a brand-new advocacy toolkit monthly, plus access to over 500 evidence-based resources designed to strengthen music programs.
For less than the cost of two standalone toolkits, you can unlock a full year of strategic support for your music program.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ and start your membership today.