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.
Pitch patterns help us understand music and emotion in speech
Pitch pattern recognition is vital for both music comprehension and understanding the prosody of speech, which signals emotion and intent. But what happens when you can’t hear pitch patterns – do you enjoy music less and hear less emotion in speech?
The evidence behind everything you teach, in one book
From Dr Anita Collins, music educator and creator of the TED-Ed video watched 17+ million times, translating the world's neuroscience research into the case for music education and the strategies to bring it into your teaching.
You already know music changes your students. The Music Advantage gives you the research that proves it. Because Anita explains the science through real-life stories, it reads like a good conversation rather than a textbook. Use it to advocate for your program, win over parents and leadership, and sharpen what you do in the classroom.
WHAT YOU GET
The complete book, 260 pages
Easy to read: the neuroscience explained through real classroom and family stories
Practical strategies you can apply across any age you teach, from birth to the teenage years
CHOOSE YOUR EDITION
Global edition: for readers outside the US
US edition: US terminology and examples
Signed copy: personally signed by Dr Anita Collins [while stocks last]
HOW TEACHERS USE IT
Advocacy: make the evidence-based case to school leadership for funding and keeping your program
Parent conversations: answer "is it really worth it?" with authority at enrolment and parent nights
In the classroom: practical strategies, from clapping to help a struggling reader, to ensemble play for concentration and social skills
Professional development: deepen your grasp of the "why" behind your teaching, or read it as a department
WHY IT WORKS
Written by Dr Anita Collins and grounded in research from leading neuromusical scientists worldwide, so when you make the case for music you are standing on the science, not opinion. And the real-life stories mean you will actually enjoy reading it.
"This book is my bible. I have so many highlights and pages flagged that I can use with parents and for quotes in emails." Kirsten, Music Teacher.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Which edition should I choose? Global for outside the US, US edition for US spelling and examples.
Is it a hard read? Not at all. Anita uses real-life stories to make the science clear and enjoyable.
What ages does it cover? Birth to the 18 years, useful whatever level you teach.
Add to cart NOW. Put the evidence for music behind your program today.
KEEP THE ADVOCACY GOING
BBB+ gives music teachers everything they need to make the case for music all year round:
A new advocacy toolkit every month
A library of 500+ tools and resources
Exclusive student exercises and advocacy materials
Member discounts
Make the case for music in the early years, at a glance
A ready-to-share digital campaign that turns the research behind early childhood music learning into nine professional visuals, so parents and leaders see music as essential to school readiness and brain development.
Looking for a clear, compelling way to show how music learning strengthens early childhood development? This campaign helps educators, early learning centres, school leaders and music teachers communicate the research behind music in the early years. Nine research-driven visuals make it easy to advocate for music as a foundational tool for school readiness and early brain development, covering language development, numeracy growth, self-regulation, executive functioning and neural development, so your community understands that music is not an extra, it is essential.
WHAT YOU GET
An instant digital download, ready to share straight away, including:
9 high-impact digital images: each presents a powerful early learning research statistic connected to music learning, making complex neuroscience simple and persuasive.
3 pages of accompanying research notes (new): the neuroscience behind each visual, a simple "how to explain it to parents" section, and the original research source for further reading.
Optimised resolution: sized at 810px by 810px, clear and professional across every digital platform.
Instant download: immediate access on purchase, with no editing or design work required.
WHAT IT HELPS YOU DO
Increase enrolments in your early years program
Build parent confidence in music learning
Strengthen leadership understanding of your program
Communicate the research with clear, credible language
HOW TO USE IT
Share the visuals across social media, newsletters, parent communications, enrolment campaigns and school presentations. Use the accompanying notes to explain the science with confidence in conversations with parents and staff.
WHY IT WORKS
When families and leaders understand how music supports early literacy, numeracy and self-regulation, participation becomes easier and support grows stronger. This campaign gives you the visuals and the evidence to lead the conversation.
"I have been surprised how much the numbers have mattered to parents. They remember them, even quote them back to me, and that’s when a great conversations begins.” Kate, Independent Early Childhood Owner and Director.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is it digital? Yes. Instant download, ready to share, with no editing or design work required.
What size are the images? 810px by 810px, sized for social media and digital platforms.
What is included? Nine research visuals plus three pages of accompanying research notes.
Where can I use them? Social media, newsletters, parent communications, enrolment campaigns and presentations.
Add to cart NOW. Start leading the conversation about music in the early years.
WANT EVEN MORE TOOLS LIKE THIS?
Join BBB+ Premium Annual and unlock instant access to over 500 expertly designed, evidence-based advocacy tools, including digital campaigns just like this one, plus a brand-new advocacy toolkit every month. Whether you are strengthening your early learning program or building whole-school understanding, BBB+ gives you the strategic advantage all year round.
Premium Annual is 50% off right now, CLICK HERE.
Explore BBB+ Premium Annual and start advocating with confidence
Turn parents into champions of your music program
A set of 14 ready-to-print handouts that give parents of 8 to 18 year olds the clear, credible case for music education, so they understand its value and get behind their child's musical journey.
Parents are your program's biggest ally, once they understand what music really gives their child. These handouts do that work for you. Written for music teachers to share with families, they set out the benefits of music education for 8 to 18 year olds, well beyond academic results, so parents recognise, support and champion their child's music learning.
WHAT YOU GET
An instant digital download, ready to print at home or a print shop, including:
14 A4 printable pages, each outlining a key point on how music education impacts students
Two versions: full colour and elegant black and white, to suit any printer or setting
Content that covers the full picture: academic performance, professional skills, qualities like teamwork, persistence and creativity, and stronger brain and cognitive function
WHAT IT HELPS YOU DO
Win parental support for your music program
Strengthen the home-school connection
Give parents clear, credible reasons to back music
Advocate for music's place in the curriculum
HOW TO USE IT
Hand them out at parent-teacher meetings, open house events and recitals, or send them home for students to share with their families. Print in colour for display, or black and white for everyday handouts.
WHY IT WORKS
Parents support what they understand. When families see the full value of music, from academic gains to teamwork, persistence and creativity, they become active champions of your program rather than passive observers.
"I gave these out as parents came into the introductory session for our string program, and I saw them all reading, then swapping with each other to get different information. I have never had such an engaged group of parents.” Malik, Primary School String Co-ordinator
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is it digital? Yes. Instant download, ready to print at home or a print shop.
How many pages? 14 A4 pages, supplied in both full colour and black and white.
What ages is it for? Parents of students aged 8 to 18.
Where do teachers use it? Parent-teacher meetings, open houses, recitals and as a take-home resource.
Add to cart NOW. Turn your parents into your program's biggest advocates.
KEEP THE ADVOCACY GOING
BBB+ gives music teachers everything they need to make the case for music all year round:
A new advocacy toolkit every month
A library of 500+ tools and resources
Exclusive student exercises and advocacy materials
Member discounts
End the clash between music and sport
A ready-to-use toolkit that helps you move beyond the music-versus-sport conflict and build pathways where students can succeed at both.
Music and sport are so often positioned in competition, but they do not have to be. With the right approach they work together to support student wellbeing, engagement and long-term development. This toolkit gives you practical, ready-to-use resources to navigate those conversations and build more balanced pathways for your students, so no one has to choose.
WHAT YOU GET
A complete digital toolkit you download and print, including:
17 "Wanna Be Like" printable posters: student-focused visuals that connect music learning with high-performing athletes and relatable role models.
10-page "Why Music and Sport Matters" book: research-informed messaging to communicate the value of both to students, parents and staff.
7-page "Making Music and Sport Work" book: practical strategies to help you support students managing both commitments.
15-page "Balancing Music and Sport" book: a deeper resource to guide conversations, expectations and long-term planning.
4 "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 it to guide conversations with students, parents and colleagues. Display the 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 do not have to choose. This toolkit helps you create clarity, alignment and understanding, so students stay engaged, supported and successful across both.
"I have this fight every year, and every year my music program loses out. Thank you so much for making this toolkit, this year I am going to be ready" Poppy, Head of Co-Curricular Music.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is it digital? Yes. Download and print the resources for your classroom and school.
What is included? Five printable resources: 21 posters across two sets and three books covering the why, the how and the planning.
Is it free with membership? Yes. BBB+ Premium Toolkit and Premium Annual members receive this toolkit, plus a brand-new one every month, straight to their inbox.
Add to cart NOW. Give your students a way to thrive in both music and sport.
LOVE THIS TOOLKIT? GET A BRAND-NEW ONE EVERY MONTH
This toolkit is $50 on its own. BBB+ Premium Toolkit and Premium Annual members receive a brand-new toolkit straight to their inbox free every month, plus access to over 500 evidence-based resources.
Join as a Premium Toolkit member for $60 a year, just $5 a month, and get a new toolkit every month plus the full resource library. That is less than the cost of two standalone toolkits for a whole year of support.
Want everything BBB+ offers? Premium Annual is 50% off right now.
Become a BBB+ Premium Toolkit member today CLICK HERE
Get 50% off Premium Annual CLICK HERE
Introducing the "This is Not..." Just a Piano Class Digital Posters.
A powerful digital download created especially for private and group piano educators, these digital posters help you reframe what a piano class truly represents, and spark deeper conversations with students, parents, and school leadership. They highlight the bigger picture of what’s really happening in your piano room every single week.
What’s Included?
Two high-impact digital posters.
Each design highlights a distinct and essential outcome of piano learning, reinforcing that piano lessons build far more than keyboard technique alone.
Details:
Optimised at 96 DPI for crisp, professional digital use across platforms.
Download, print, and share. Inspire your classroom or studio walls, display in waiting areas, or schedule into your next newsletter, parent email, or social media posts. Use these bold visuals to spark meaningful conversations about the true impact of piano education.
Looking for more instantly downloadable tools to help you advocate for music learning?
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 these products individually and saves you countless hours searching for the right tools. Get immediate access to this must-have membership and so much more, all in one smart investment!
Special Thanks
We extend our sincere thanks to Marie Lee, creator of the Group IlluminatED community of piano teachers and author of The Group Teaching Blueprint. Marie’s leadership in the group piano space and her commitment to regularly sharing our resources with her 500+ educator community have helped amplify this message. We’re grateful for her collaboration and shared passion for elevating piano education.
This toolkit is FREE with a BBB+ membership. Get 50% off your annual membership today.
The Student Retention Toolkit is your ready-to-use resource designed to help music educators strengthen student engagement and reduce attrition. Whether you’re noticing a dip in enthusiasm, looking to re-engage learners mid-year, or simply building a more supportive classroom culture, this toolkit provides you with a fresh collection of creative, research-informed tools to help keep students learning and growing through music.
What’s Included:
1 x BBB Game
A fun, student-friendly way to highlight progress, set learning goals and spark classroom discussion around musical growth.
2 x “This is not just…” Posters
Designed to reframe how students, staff and visitors see music learning, these posters communicate the deeper benefits of learning an instrument or voice.
2 x BBB Teaching Tools
Practical resources to strengthen classroom conversations and help students connect their learning with long-term personal growth.
1 x Staff Development Activity
A ready-to-use professional learning resource to help your whole team reflect on the role of music in student wellbeing and retention.
9 x Shareable Research Bites for Staff
Clear, bite-sized insights you can use in emails, on noticeboards, or at team meetings to build wider staff understanding of the power of music education.
2 x Thought-Provoking Readings
Carefully selected readings that deepen your own professional insight into student motivation and why students disengage—plus what you can do about it.
1 x Music Teacher Appreciation Poster
Because the work you do matters. Celebrate your own team and remind the school community just how vital music educators are.
How to Use It:
Use this toolkit throughout the year to boost student motivation and increase visibility of your program’s impact. Display posters in your rehearsal spaces, share research with colleagues in staff meetings or newsletters, run the development activity with your team, or use the game to spark student goal-setting at key moments. It’s also a powerful resource to use at the start of the year or during key transition points when dropout risks are highest.
Why It Works:
Students often disengage not because they’ve lost interest, but because they don’t see where their music learning is going or how it’s valued. This toolkit helps students, staff and families see the bigger picture—one where music education is central to personal growth, confidence and connection.
Equip your program with the Student Retention Toolkit and keep your students inspired, supported and showing up for music.
Love this toolkit? Get one every month with BBB+
If you found this resource valuable, imagine having one like it delivered to you every month. BBB+ members receive a brand-new digital advocacy toolkit monthly—plus full access to over 500 expert-designed, evidence-based resources for teaching and advocacy.
For less than the cost of two standalone toolkits, you can unlock an entire year of content and support for your music program.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ and start your membership today.
Introducing ‘Imagine a... Parent Handout Digital Download’.
Empower parents with the insights they need to fully appreciate the benefits of music education for their children with our ‘Imagine a... Parent Handout Digital Download’. These handouts are meticulously designed to help music teachers communicate the extensive advantages of learning music, not only within academic realms but also in personal and professional development.
What’s Included?
14 A4 Printable Pages: Each page is crafted to outline key points about how music education positively impacts students. The set includes both color and vibrant black and white options, ensuring they are suitable for different printing preferences.
Comprehensive Content: The handouts cover a range of topics to help parents see the bigger picture, including how music education contributes to:
Improved academic performance
Enhanced professional skills
Development of qualities valued in employees (such as teamwork, persistence, and creativity)
Increased brain function and cognitive capacity
Features:
Ready to Print: Designed for your convenience, these handouts are ready to print right from your own printer or at a professional print shop.
Engaging Design: The handouts are visually appealing, making the information accessible and engaging for parents.
Versatile Use: Ideal for parent-teacher meetings, open house events, music recitals, or as a take-home resource for students to share with their families.
Benefits:
Enhance Parental Support: By providing clear and concise information, these handouts help parents understand the value of sticking with music education and supporting their child’s musical journey.
Strengthen Home-School Connection: These handouts serve as a tool to bridge gaps between school music programs and home, fostering a stronger support system for students.
Promote Music Advocacy: Use these handouts to advocate for your music program, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of music education.
Equip yourself with "Printable Parent Handouts (Imagine)" to effectively communicate the significant impact of music education. Hand these out to help parents understand and support their children’s musical endeavors, ultimately enhancing the educational experience and fostering a supportive community around your music program.
Looking for more instantly downloadable tools to help you advocate for music learning?
Invest in a BBB+ membership today and unlock over 500+ evidence-based resources just like this one for as little as $8 per month, saving you thousands of dollars compared to purchasing these products individually, and saving you countless hours searching for the right tools. Get immediate access to this must-have membership and so much more, all in one smart investment!
Make the case for music, without saying a word
A set of classroom-ready posters that connect each instrument family to the cognitive, social and academic benefits of learning music, so the value of your program is visible to every student, parent and leader who walks past.
This is more than decoration. Each set turns your studio, classroom or foyer into everyday advocacy, translating the research behind music education into something people take in at a glance. Use them to start conversations, win support, and keep the case for music in front of the people who fund and shape your program.
WHAT YOU GET
5 posters per set, sized A3
A free bonus poster with every set
Printed on durable 200gsm stock with a glossy finish
Customisable wording: choose the message that suits your audience when you order
CHOOSE YOUR SET
String set: violins, cellos and more, and how they build focus, memory and emotional growth.
Wind set: flutes, clarinets and saxophones, and their impact on brain development.
Brass set: trumpets, trombones and tubas, and their role in discipline and teamwork.
Percussion set: drums and cymbals, and how they sharpen coordination and concentration.
Contemporary set: how making music builds persistence and resilience.
Early Childhood set: how early music supports neural development and motor skills.
Junior Musician set: how learning music strengthens cognitive connectivity.
Not sure where to start? Start with the set that suits the students you teach.
Want more than one? The Orchestra Set - "This is not..." Posters brings four sets together for $150, saving you $70 versus buying them separately at $55 each. CLICK HERE
HOW TEACHERS USE THEM
On the studio or classroom wall as everyday, passive advocacy
In the foyer, at concerts and on enrolment nights to make the case to parents
In a budget or funding submission, the evidence for leadership at a glance
As conversation starters with students, parents and school administrators
WHY IT WORKS
Decision-makers fund what they understand. These posters translate the research into a single glance, so you spend less time defending your program and more time teaching.
"These posters look so good we have framed them and put them all along the music corridor. Students stop to read them all the time." Jeremy, Secondary School Teacher.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How many posters are in a set? Five posters per set.
What size are they? A3.
Can I change the wording? Yes, choose the message that suits your audience when you order.
Which set should I start with? Start with the set that suits the students you teach. If you want more than one section, the Orchestra Set - "This is not..." Posters bundles four sets for $150 and saves you $70. CLICK HERE
Add to cart NOW. Start turning your walls into your strongest advocate for music.
KEEP THE ADVOCACY GOING
BBB+ gives music teachers everything they need to make the case for music all year round:
A new advocacy toolkit every month
A library of 500+ tools and resources
Exclusive student exercises and advocacy materials
Member discounts
See what members get HERE