Music and Language

Music and language: two sides of the human communication coin…
This is the start of a brilliant quote from the minds of Prof Nina Kraus and Dr Jessica Slater.
“… while language is effective for semantically precise communication, the great strength of music lies in its facilitation of social bonding and shared emotion. Both systems of communication are derived from the fundamental building blocks of sound, its inherent harmonic properties, and its temporal patterns. In many senses music and language are sewn from the same cloth, but their complementary strengths may have played distinct and important roles in the emergence of human cognition and learning.”
Their work, and the field of neuromusical research, is revealing not only the wonders of sound but how our brain uses them to grow and learn. Music and language, sewn from the same cloth.
The “Wanna Be Like…” poster series helps music teachers show students how learning an instrument connects to success beyond the music room. This blog introduces the series, invites teachers to contribute new role models, and offers a free download of five brand-new posters.
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 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.
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.
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?
BBB resources are now available in multiple languages—because every brain deserves the chance to learn music.
Melody isn’t just about pitch—it’s how we communicate emotion, intention, and meaning in music and speech alike.
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?
Free Easter campaign download with posters and social tiles to help students understand the value of music learning.
What if you could advocate for music education without adding more work to your already packed schedule?
Engaging in musical activities offers profound benefits for our brains, enhancing various cognitive functions and emotional well-being.
While there can only be one winner of the BBB Music Teacher Award, we also recognize the outstanding efforts of our 2025 Runner-Up, Ruby Mensforth—a teacher whose dedication to fostering a love of music has left a lasting impact on her students.
Playing an instrument or singing in a choir isn’t just fun—it’s great for brain health too. A recent study found that people with musical experience have stronger memory and thinking skills than those without.
For many music teachers, March means concert season, assessment planning, and advocating for the importance of music education as budgets and schedules for next year take shape.
We know that speaking up for music in schools can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.
If you've ever conducted or played in an ensemble, you’ve likely felt it—that moment when everything clicks, the music soars, and your group performs at a level beyond anything you thought possible.
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights the critical skills that will define the workforce of tomorrow.
A recent study in Ear and Hearing investigated how aging and hearing loss influence music perception, focusing on melody and timbre discrimination.