Music Learning Helps Learning Difficulties

Neural DevelopmentDyslexia, Autism & ADHD

22 Oct

The connections between music learning and learning difficulties such as ADHD, as well as the research around these areas is a highly requested topic at BBB. We are always looking for ways to enhance your knowledge of the topics you are most interested in, so we are excited to announce the release of our ‘Music Learning Helps Learning Difficulties’ series.

The ‘Music Learning Helps Learning Difficulties’ series consists of three information documents to provide you with the research behind how music learning helps a particular area of learning. The series includes the following topics:

How Music Learning Helps ADHD
How Music Learning Helps Autism
How Music Learning Helps Dyslexia

Each area of learning contains an Infographic, a Research Summary and a PowerPoint with extensive notes to help you present confidently. Each document presents the research in different and engaging ways for you to use with your different audiences. We’ve added some previews here for you to see.

To introduce this series, we have released a professional reading titled ADHD and Music Learning, where we discuss the study of ADHD and music learning and discuss an interesting paper on the connections between the two. Here is a preview!

Music Learning Helps Learning Difficulties Series

Our infographics act as a great visual to remind your students, parents or school leaders of the important role music learning plays in benefiting other areas of learning. BBB Members can download this infographic for free to print or use in digital media. We have paired these with the PowerPoints and research summaries so that you can maintain that consistent message and look, delivered in different ways.

Here is a sneak peak at one of our ‘Music Learning Helps Learning Difficulties’ infographics.

Research Summaries

Some school leaders don’t have time for a powerpoint presentation and may need a quick and comprehensive summary of the benefits your music program is offering to students of your school. The research summary is the perfect resource for you. Written by Dr Anita Collins, these research summaries breakdown and explain the neuroscience behind the different benefits of music learning for learning difficulties. You can also include these in newsletters or other communication mediums with your parents.

More to read

Advocacy, Communication

Are We Too Busy Doing to Tell the Story of What We Do?

Advocacy, Communication

This blog invites music educators to slow down just enough to notice and name the everyday moments that show the power of music learning. From quick chats with parents to check-ins with students or school leaders, these small interactions are golden opportunities to advocate for music education.

Advocacy, Communication

Advocacy, Listening, Communication

Advocacy starts with the student

Advocacy, Listening, Communication

In our drive to advocate for music education, it’s easy to focus on public performances, programs, or policies. But real advocacy often begins in quiet moments with students, their stories, and their shifting motivations. This blog explores how listening, noticing, and building trust can turn everyday teaching into powerful, student-centered advocacy.

Advocacy, Listening, Communication

Advocacy, Communication, Music Learning

How Can We Make Music Advocacy a Daily Habit, Not Just an Event?

Advocacy, Communication, Music Learning

What if music advocacy wasn’t an event, but a habit?
In the bustle of rehearsals, lessons, and emails, advocacy often gets pushed to the margins. But what if we made it part of our everyday teaching language? This post shares four simple ways to weave music advocacy into daily practice, from quick phrases and bold visuals to shared reflections with colleagues. Small actions, repeated often, can shift how music learning is seen and valued.

Advocacy, Communication, Music Learning

Advocacy, Music Learning, Community

Friends Who Play Together, Stay Together

Advocacy, Music Learning, Community

Making music together does more than build skills—it builds friendships.
Research shows ensemble experiences activate empathy and connection, helping students feel they belong. From choirs to community bands, music is where friendships grow.

Advocacy, Music Learning, Community

Music Learning

Support Student Curiosity Anytime, Anywhere.

Music Learning

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.

Music Learning

Dyslexia, Autism & ADHD, Productivity

Can the right music help students with ADHD focus better?

Dyslexia, Autism & ADHD, Productivity

We often assume background music helps students concentrate—but new research suggests it’s not one-size-fits-all, especially for learners with ADHD. This study explores how different sounds—classical, preferred music, binaural beats, and medication—affect focus. The takeaway? Familiar, enjoyable music may support attention better than trendy brain hacks. What could this mean for your classroom or studio?

Dyslexia, Autism & ADHD, Productivity

Music Learning, Neural Development, Dyslexia, Autism & ADHD

How Music Learning Supports Sound Processing in Neurodivergent Learners

Music Learning, Neural Development, Dyslexia, Autism & ADHD

What if music could help neurodivergent students focus, listen, and communicate more easily? Music learning strengthens how the brain processes sound, supports attention and memory, and helps students filter speech in noisy settings. For learners with ADHD, autism, or sensory challenges, it offers a structured, motivating way to build essential skills.

Music Learning, Neural Development, Dyslexia, Autism & ADHD

Music Learning, Language & Literacy, Executive Function

When Music Makes the Grades

Music Learning, Language & Literacy, Executive Function

A 2020 study from Brazil found that kids aged 8–12 who joined twice-weekly group music sessions outperformed their peers in reading, writing, and math. They also showed better attention and memory. Led by Projeto Guri, the program proves what many music educators feel: consistent, inclusive music-making fuels broader learning.

Music Learning, Language & Literacy, Executive Function

Music Learning, Early Childhood, Neural Development

The Brain Behind the Beat: What Musical Anhedonia Teaches Us

Music Learning, Early Childhood, Neural Development

Some students don’t light up when the music soars—and it’s not about effort or attitude. Neuroscience is uncovering how individual brain wiring can shape emotional responses to music, including a rare condition called specific musical anhedonia. As educators, this challenges us to broaden our lens: what if joy in music doesn’t look the same for everyone?

Music Learning, Early Childhood, Neural Development

Music Learning, Productivity

Don’t Let the Break Break the Habit: Holiday Music Learning Strategies

Music Learning, Productivity

Holidays don’t have to mean a full stop to music learning. This blog explores how short, simple strategies—like mental practice, travel-friendly plans, and encouraging messages—can help students stay connected over the break. Plus, find tools and inspiration to support motivation and communication all season long.

Music Learning, Productivity

Advocacy, Communication

What’s getting in the way of recruitment in 2025?

Advocacy, Communication

Recruitment in 2025 is about more than filling seats—it’s about consistently advocating for music learning as essential to student growth and wellbeing. Families want to see the long-term value, and students need connection and purpose. Ongoing, intentional messaging leads to stronger recruitment, stability, and lasting impact.

Advocacy, Communication

Advocacy

Show them who they can be

Advocacy

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.

Advocacy

Music Learning

Is your music class rhythm-focused, or rhythm-flexible?

Music Learning

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 Learning

Music Learning, Neural Development, Memory

Music Isn’t a Break from Learning—It’s the Launchpad

Music Learning, Neural Development, Memory

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.

Music Learning, Neural Development, Memory

Fireworks, Advocacy

You Already Know How to Advocate

Fireworks, Advocacy

What if the skills you use to lead a classroom were the exact same ones you need to advocate for your music program?

Fireworks, Advocacy

Music Learning, Parents

What if the key to music practice isn’t discipline, but autonomy?

Music Learning, Parents

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.

Music Learning, Parents

Music Learning, Advocacy

The Biggest Mistakes We Make With Parents

Music Learning, Advocacy

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?

Music Learning, Advocacy