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.

Packed with BBB updates and our year in review, a new opinion piece written by Dr Anita Collins, a new community success story, and so much more. Fireworks will inspire and motivate you to advocate for music education.

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.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that individuals with a history of musical experience, regardless of proficiency or instrument played, exhibited better memory and executive function.

New research challenges traditional theories of infant language acquisition, suggesting that babies primarily learn language through rhythmic rather than phonetic information in their initial months.

Packed with BBB updates and our year in review, a new opinion piece written by Dr Anita Collins, a new research reflection, and so much more. Fireworks will inspire and motivate you to advocate for music education.

This video contains excerpts from an ARTSpeaks event held on November 8, 2021. In this video, neurobiologist Nina Kraus explores the impact that music learning has on young students in the areas of reading skills, sound processing, language abilities, and more.

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…

Researchers have tried to determine if certain genres of music are “better” than others for developing these vital life skills. This article highlights recent research into a genre you might not expect to have such positive impacts.

Imagine a music therapist and their patient wearing EEG caps. Imagine them working together and coming to a moment when the therapy was “working”. Imagine seeing the EEG signal suddenly change for the patient, and then seeing the same change in the therapist just afterwards.

We know that music listening and playing can change our mood. Sometimes it cheers us up, sometimes it makes it safe to feel sombre emotions, but did you ever wonder why? Now we know.

This is a brilliant article worth a full read, but here are some highlights for you from one of BBBs favourite researchers Professor Sarah Wilson from the University of Melbourne.