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.
A couple of reasons why every child should have access to music education
In this study, released by Florida International University, they found that group music classes affected overall competence, confidence, caring, character and connection.
What is working memory and how might music learning help?
This article is a great explanation of working memory and the different ways it is affected by disorders such as dyslexia, auditory processing disorder and ADHD.
Background music – good or bad for productivity?
As always it is all about context and what you trying the measure. This study found that background music for musicians leads to greater productivity, than non-musicians.
Music learning can change the educational life for disadvantaged students
Music has been used as an intervention around the world to help students, and inevitably whole communities, who are living in challenging circumstances.
The chicken and working memory egg
Musicians have been found to have a higher capacity for something called speech-in-noise. This is the ability to hear and understand speech in a noisy environment.
Is music talent set or grown?
Our traditional ideas about musical talent are being challenged by neuromusical research. Through studying musicians Neuroscientists and psychologists are working with a theory that we are born with predispositions for many things.
Effective working memory leads to effective and efficient learning
Working memory is our temporary storage unit for information. It is the folder we put our daily timetable in, what we need to take with us to work or school.
I succeeded as an entrepreneur because of my music degree
“I succeeded as an entrepreneur not despite the fact that I had a music degree, but precisely because of it.” This statement came from Panos Panay, the founding managing director of the Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship at Berklee College of Music.
Do teenagers know best when it comes to using music to enhance study?
Here is a question we get from parents all the time – should I let my teenager listen to music while they study?
Strings for the win!
This study followed the students for two years and measured how the different types of music learning impacted on several executive function skills.
Musical training linked to improved attention and working memory
“Musical training can improve attention and working memory, which are executive functions that are important for daily life and are correlated with general better outcomes during lifespan.”
A school transformed itself by giving every student a violin
This is where the power of the story is. It is not simply that music learning has transformed a school and its students; it is HOW it has done it.
FINAL Course for 2026 - Oct 26 to Nov 13
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.