Pre-school children who can keep a beat are more likely to be better readers and talkers

This research on why beat synchronisation and language processing and reading skills are connected can only strengthen music education teaching and advocacy.

Can a rhythmic intervention support reading development in poor readers?

Professor Susan Hallam’s research found that regular beat-based music making sessions can improve the reading skills of 11-12 year-olds.

Study shows strong links between music and academic achievement

A School of Music professor set out to disprove the idea of a link between a students’ musical and mathematical achievement. But the results of his study proved otherwise.

Children who regularly play a musical instrument have better memory and attention span

Neuroscientists in Chile have found new evidence that learning to play a musical instrument may be good for the brain.

Australian primary school transformed by music

Small, rural primary school at Yahl in South Australia transformed by music.

Music students score higher in maths, science, and English than non-music student peers

Research by the University of British Colombia, Canada, shows that high school students who take music courses score significantly higher in other subjects than their non-musical peers.

Music programme improves IQ, reading and concentration for children from disadvantaged backgrounds

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a classic music training programme (Démos) on the cognitive development of children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Early years music can help close the attainment gap for young people with complex needs

The recently launched ‘Sounds of Intent in the Early Years’ research report provides powerful evidence that every child should have the right to access music.

Music for Education & Wellbeing Podcast: Dr Anita Collins on music & the brain

A new podcast by Anita Holford, co-editor of Music Education Works, features Australian music educator and researcher, Dr Anita Collins. You may know Anita from her TED Ed lesson, How playing an instrument benefits your brain, and her TEDx talk, What if every child had access to music education from birth? And more recently, she’s starred in the Australian version of a British TV show, ‘Don’t Stop the Music’.

Don’t stop the music – Australian TV series featuring Anita Collins

‘Don’t Stop the Music’ an Australian TV series looks at the value of music education with Dr Anita Collins, and follows the progress of Guy Sebastian and James Morrison as they mentor disadvantaged children in Perth, Australia.

Clapping in time may boost literacy in children learning to read

A study by researchers at Northwestern University suggests that rhythm training may boost literacy, because it engages sensory-motor systems that are important in the processes

How beatboxing can help young people with speech problems

Beatboxing can help young people overcome speech problems, and some neuroscientists think it could help to unlock the brain’s potential.