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.
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.
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.
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.
Could 'musical medicine' influence healthy aging?
Imagine a world where music serves as a powerful tool for healthy aging. Dr. Psyche Loui at Northeastern University explores how music strengthens brain connections, enhancing memory and emotions.
A 90-minute habit that can boost your brain and mental health!
Dr. Seinfeld's research involving participants aged 60 to 85 found that those who took piano lessons showed remarkable improvements in executive functions, attention, and inhibitory control.
Unlocking learning potential through music
Neuroscientist Nina Kraus notes that playing an instrument is one of the richest brain activities, leading to better language and reading skills.
How Music Primes the Brain for Learning
This article delves into the transformative impact of music education, particularly for underserved students, and a strategic tool for addressing academic challenges, boosting attendance, language skills, and social integration.
The Key to Healthy Ageing
New research suggests that playing instruments and singing may support brain health as we age. A study found that engaging in musical activities, especially playing keyboard instruments, correlates with improved memory and cognitive function later in life.
The Cognitive Symphony of the Brisbane City Pops Orchestra
This article dives into the history and enduring vitality of the Brisbane City Pops Orchestra who have recently celebrated their milestone 50th-anniversary performance. The orchestra boasts a diverse ensemble of musicians spanning generations, including members who have been involved since the beginning.
The late-life cognitive benefits of early musical training
This study found that people who learned for more than 10 years didn’t have any differences compared with the control group, but they did find the late-life cognitive benefits of early musical training…
Make your brain more efficient
How efficiently is your brain working today? Music learning trains the brain to use fewer brain resources when compared with non-musically trained people (and in this case those who are also bilingual).
Make the power of music learning visible — now in French
16 French-translated digital posters that show students, parents and school communities that an instrument is more than what you see — it’s also a powerful tool for learning and the brain.
The “This Is Not Just…” French Digital Posters take everyday musical instruments and reveal what’s really happening when students learn to play them.
From the violin and piano to the saxophone and beyond, each poster helps communicate the wider value of music learning in a simple, eye-catching way.
This French edition has also been redesigned from our original black-background series with a lighter, more printer-friendly format, making it easier to print and display in your music room, classroom or school.
WHAT YOU GET
16 French-translated “This Is Not Just…” Digital Posters
Featuring a variety of musical instruments
Updated printer-friendly design
A4 size
Ready to instantly download, print and display
HOW TEACHERS USE THEM
Display them in music rooms, classrooms, studios and hallways
Help students recognise what they’re developing while learning an instrument
Start conversations about the wider benefits of music learning
Share them with parents and school leaders as an easy-to-understand advocacy tool
Use them throughout French-speaking and bilingual school communities
WHY IT WORKS
To someone looking in from the outside, a violin may simply look like a violin, or a piano like a piano.
These posters help reveal what else is happening through music learning, giving teachers a simple visual way to communicate its value beyond musical performance.
They’re designed to make people stop, look and think:
“This is not just an instrument.”
CREATED IN COLLABORATION
These posters were created in collaboration with Erica Rothschild, a French-Canadian music teacher from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who came to us with the idea of bringing the “This Is Not Just…” series to a French-speaking audience.
A huge merci to Erica for helping us translate, refine and bring these posters to life, making them available for more music educators, students and school communities to enjoy.
We’re so grateful to Erica for helping us make the power of music learning visible to an even wider community.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How many posters are included? 16 digital posters.
What language are they in? All posters are translated into French.
What size are they? A4.
Are they printer-friendly? Yes. This edition has been updated from the original black-background design to a lighter, more printer-friendly format.
Is this a physical product? No. This is an instant digital download that you can print yourself.
Who are they for? Music teachers, French-speaking educators and schools wanting to advocate for the wider value of music learning.
Where can I use them? Music rooms, classrooms, studios, hallways and community spaces.
Add to cart NOW. Instantly download, print and make the power of music learning visible in French.
BBB+ gives music teachers everything they need to make the case for music all year round:
A new advocacy toolkit every month
A library of 500+ tools and resources
Exclusive student exercises and advocacy materials
Member discounts
See what members get HERE