Dr. Anita Collins joins me this week from Canberra, Australia. We had lively and informative discussion about the intersection of music education and neuroscience, as well as the connection between language and music.

Anita and I discussed the cognitive benefits of music education, emphasizing the importance of music for all students’ cognitive development, not just those interested in a music career. More importantly, we went into aspects of this topic that are often unknown to the general public, as well as music educators themselves. We also discussed the myths and misconceptions surrounding the topic, and the importance of flexibility in our profession in terms of “favorite methods.” Lastly, we discussed the potential benefits of research on how children learn through music, the importance of rhythm and beat in music education, and Anita’s organization, “Bigger Better Brains” efforts to advocate for music education, and how they can help YOU advocate in your community.

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Dr. Anita Collins is a distinguished educator and author,
celebrated for her impactful work in brain development and
music education. Her seminal work, “The Music Advantage,”
offers comprehensive guidance for parents and teachers on
the role of musical learning in enhancing the developmental
stages of children across all ages.

She is also the founder of Bigger Better Brains, a worldwide platform dedicated to advancing the understanding of music education through neuroscience. The initiative focuses on three core missions: to educate music educators globally on the brain science underpinning music learning, to empower them to disseminate this knowledge within their communities, and to enlighten parents, school leaders, and educational policymakers about the profound benefits of music education.

Anita’s global influence is noteworthy, particularly for her leadership in spearheading initiatives and releasing critical reports in Australia over the past five years. These efforts have markedly improved music education provision. Her influence has expanded to the UK and Ireland, where she collaborates with leading organizations to enhance the status and availability of music education for all.

Music Reading Rope

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