When families and students think of quitting, they’re often making short-term decisions to reduce busy activities or budgets. It’s all too often that piano lessons will be easily nominated as something to drop out of! So what can we teachers say when faced with a conversation with a student who is about to quit piano lessons?

Dr Anita Collins is an expert in the field of research about the neuroscience of how music study positively impacts brain health. She joined the podcast in this archive show to talk about what we can learn from brain science research and how it affects decisions like quitting piano.

We discuss fascinating insights into why students quit, the value of music education, motivation and practice. She not only shares this wisdom with fellow music educators, but with parents and also with students. Allowing students and their parents to understand why they’re having a tough time, can help them to stick it out.

Take a listen to today’s podcast to arm yourself with the science to stop students quitting.

Transcript of the show

If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below.

Links Mentioned

* Bigger, Better Brains website

Dr Collins’ latest book The Music Advantage: How Music Helps Your Child Develop, Learn, and Thrive

About our Guest

Dr Anita Collins is an award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. Anita is best known for her role as on-screen expert and campaign lead for the Don’t Stop the Music documentary that aired on the ABC in late 2018, as well as prominent TED talks videos.

She is recognised for her unique work in translating scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists to the everyday parent, teacher and student. Anita is currently an expert education advisor for professional orchestras, public, independent and catholic school authorities, Australian and international media production companies, research expert for university, advocacy and non-for-profit organisations and a founding director of the Rewire Foundation.

Find out about Dr Collins’ latest projects, including her upcoming book release, at AnitaCollinsMusic.com

Thank you for tuning in!

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When families and students think of quitting, they’re often making short-term decisions to reduce busy activities or budgets. It’s all too often that piano lessons will be easily nominated as something to drop out of! So what can we teachers say when faced with a conversation with a student who is about to quit piano lessons?

Dr Anita Collins is an expert in the field of research about the neuroscience of how music study positively impacts brain health. She joined the podcast in this archive show to talk about what we can learn from brain science research and how it affects decisions like quitting piano.

We discuss fascinating insights into why students quit, the value of music education, motivation and practice. She not only shares this wisdom with fellow music educators, but with parents and also with students.