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.
What happens when one twin practises and the other doesn’t?
Talk about a great experiment. Researchers in Sweden surveyed 83 sets of monozygotic (identical) twins to find 10 pairs who fit the following criteria – only one sibling in each pair currently played a keyboard instrument (piano, organ, keyboard) and within the pair, a difference in total hours of music practice was at least 1000 hours.
Music Learning Helps Learning Difficulties
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.
Why studying music and the brain is so fascinating, and so difficult
Studying how the brain processes music and how music changes the brain has fascinated neuroscientists for almost 30 years. But these two types of studies, how the brain processes music and how music changes the brain, are also very difficult.
What makes a musical prodigy?
Is it nature or nurture? Is it biological, magic or a quirk?
It is never too late to start learning piano
Research into music learning has found that, while it is a great activity for physical, cognitive, emotional and social development during childhood, it can be just as impactful to learn a musical instrument when we are adults.
Challenge your brain with different music!
This study looks at how our brains engaged with familiar and unfamiliar music. Turns out our brains sustains engagement with music that is unfamiliar.
Music is a neurobiological reward!
The reward network in our brains is one of the most fascinating areas of the brain. It is often the underlying network that propels our behaviour as well as override our good judgement. It is also one of the key networks in learning.
Music synchronises our brain!
There is a theory called the theory of familiarity in music. It is, as described at the end of this article, the idea of an inverted U.
Being musical is part of our human design
In today’s world, filled with myriad parenting methods and high-tech toys that promise to enhance infant development, it is easy to overlook how fundamental the time-honoured practice of music is for all children—starting pre-birth.
Everything in moderation, including syncopation and harmony
This new research looks at the emotive factors in music and uses an idea called the “inverted U”.
Where does perfect pitch come from?
There is a great deal of debate around this question. In the research, the term Absolute Pitch (AP) is used for the more common term of perfect pitch. This recent study points to a stronger genetic link than previously thought.
I got rhy-thm?
Do you know someone who seems to have rhythm coming out of every part or pore and other people who couldn’t walk to a beat if their life depended on 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.