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.
Is your music class rhythm-focused, or rhythm-flexible?
Even toddlers can groove to the beat—this study reveals that young children naturally adapt their movements to changing rhythms, especially when music is playful and fun.
Music Isn’t a Break from Learning—It’s the Launchpad
Music isn’t just an artform—it’s a brain booster. This post explores how music primes the brain for learning by enhancing focus, memory, and emotional connection. For music teachers, it’s a reminder that every lesson is more than musical—it’s neurological.
What if the key to music practice isn’t discipline, but autonomy?
Practice works best when it feels like play.
This article explores what really motivates kids to practise music—highlighting the power of choice, enjoyment, and small wins over pressure or routine. A must-read for music educators rethinking how we support practice.
The Biggest Mistakes We Make With Parents
What if perfect pitch isn’t a rare gift you’re born with, but a skill your brain can grow—shaped not by fate, but by how you listen, learn, and tune in over time?
Do we teach melody as deeply as we teach meaning?
Melody isn’t just about pitch—it’s how we communicate emotion, intention, and meaning in music and speech alike.
Is “perfect pitch” really just about practise?
What if perfect pitch isn’t a rare gift you’re born with, but a skill your brain can grow—shaped not by fate, but by how you listen, learn, and tune in over time?
The Future of Work: Why Music Learning Prepares Students for Tomorrow’s Jobs
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights the critical skills that will define the workforce of tomorrow.
Aging Ears: How Hearing Loss Impacts Music Perception
A recent study in Ear and Hearing investigated how aging and hearing loss influence music perception, focusing on melody and timbre discrimination.
How Music Unites Us: The Heartbeat Connection
A recent study from Waseda University has uncovered that when individuals listen to music, their heart rates synchronize, reflecting a unified physiological response.
Top 7 questions asked by students
Founder of Bigger Better Brains, Dr Anita Collins, receives hundreds of emails from students around the world asking questions about neuromusical research. So she decided to record a short video about the most asked questions she has received.
Playing music when you're older could come with brain benefits
Imagine a world without music. There are no high school marching bands, no commercial jingles, and no need for Grammy Awards. It’s a rather dreary thought, yes?
Music Education vs. Brain Training Programs
Recent research has revealed that brain training programs for children do not lead to significant improvements in real-world cognitive functions.
