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.
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How Music Learning Keeps Your Brain Sharp for Life
Engaging in musical activities offers profound benefits for our brains, enhancing various cognitive functions and emotional well-being.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Celebrating Ruby Mensforth, BBB Music Teacher Award Runner-Up 2025
While there can only be one winner of the BBB Music Teacher Award, we also recognize the outstanding efforts of our 2025 Runner-Up, Ruby Mensforth—a teacher whose dedication to fostering a love of music has left a lasting impact on her students.
How Playing Instruments and Singing May Boost Your Brain
Playing an instrument or singing in a choir isn’t just fun—it’s great for brain health too. A recent study found that people with musical experience have stronger memory and thinking skills than those without.
See, Know, Advocate: FREE Poster Digital Download
For many music teachers, March means concert season, assessment planning, and advocating for the importance of music education as budgets and schedules for next year take shape.
We know that speaking up for music in schools can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.
Unlocking Team Flow: The Hidden Power of Making Music Together
If you've ever conducted or played in an ensemble, you’ve likely felt it—that moment when everything clicks, the music soars, and your group performs at a level beyond anything you thought possible.
The Future of Work: Why Music Learning Prepares Students for Tomorrow’s Jobs
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights the critical skills that will define the workforce of tomorrow.
Aging Ears: How Hearing Loss Impacts Music Perception
A recent study in Ear and Hearing investigated how aging and hearing loss influence music perception, focusing on melody and timbre discrimination.
Prenatal Rhythm: How Fetal Brains Tune into Music
A new study in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that our brains start processing rhythm as early as 27 weeks into pregnancy.
2025 Celebrate To Advocate Calendar
The 2025 Celebrate to Advocate Calendar is your go-to guide for making advocacy effortless this year!
How Music Unites Us: The Heartbeat Connection
A recent study from Waseda University has uncovered that when individuals listen to music, their heart rates synchronize, reflecting a unified physiological response.
Music’s Secret Genetic Power: What It Means for Language and Learning
A groundbreaking study in Nature Human Behaviour has revealed a fascinating genetic connection between musical rhythm skills and language-related traits, including dyslexia.
Unlocking the Connection Between Music, Memory, and Learning
Recent research from the Georgia Institute of Technology has unveiled compelling insights into how music affects learning, memory, and emotions.
How Music Fuels Memory
A recent study from Aarhus University reveals that while older adults can remember familiar music as well as younger individuals, their brains engage differently during the process.
Advocacy in Action Quiz
Take our free, 60 second quiz and maximize your advocacy impact by discovering your advocacy style and knowledge gaps.
Holiday Cheer, BBB Style: Share the Joy and the Knowledge!
Thank you for a wonderful 2024! Here’s a little gift from BBBB to you.
Depressed? Classical music could be the unexpected remedy!
Music has always been a go-to for lifting our spirits, but did you know classical music might take it a step further by actually helping treat depression?
Top 7 questions asked by students
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.
The surprising link between music and cognitive health in older adults
Can music play a role in healthy aging? According to new research, the answer might be yes.
Can Music Sync Our Heartbeats? This Study Says Yes!
Imagine sitting in a concert hall, completely immersed in the music, when something incredible happens—you and the people around you begin to breathe and feel the same rhythm.
Trick or Treat! The Halloween Themed Digital Campaign
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Trick or Treat Digital Campaign for Halloween. Enter your email and receive the campaign now!
Tuning up our Brain for the Test
As a music teacher, how often have we heard the phrase, “I have to skip rehearsal, I have a test”? In my school, as in many schools, we have our only rehearsal time in the morning prior to school starting, and I hear this comment regularly through the school year.
Singing is not just singing, it is social glue
A new research project will investigate if singing together could be more than just a pleasant pastime; it might be a powerful tool for enhancing cooperation across various aspects of society, from classrooms to boardrooms.
‘If you’re aiming for this…’ Free Digital Download
Introducing our exciting new ‘If You’re Aiming for This…’ campaign, created to help you engage with your community like never before!
Pitch Perfect: Singing Earworms Reveals Surprising Trait
Many of us have experienced those catchy tunes that get stuck in our heads, but did you know that nearly 45% of people can sing these earworms in perfect pitch?
Singing Together: How choirs boost brain health and emotional well-being
Singing in a community choir is more than just a musical activity—it's a powerful therapeutic experience
Ebook: Music benefits every child!
There is a commonly held belief that learning music should only be for those students who are identified as talented or interested. Neuromusical research has shown that music learning can benefit all students in terms of cognitive development.
'Wanna Be Like...' Olympics Edition
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Olympics 'Wanna Be Like...' campaign, created to celebrate the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games!
Playing music when you're older could come with brain benefits
Imagine a world without music. There are no high school marching bands, no commercial jingles, and no need for Grammy Awards. It’s a rather dreary thought, yes?
Music Education vs. Brain Training Programs
Recent research has revealed that brain training programs for children do not lead to significant improvements in real-world cognitive functions.
