The Music Advantage

Groundbreaking music educator Dr Anita Collins draws on the latest international neurological research to reveal the extraordinary and often surprising benefits of learning music for children from newborns to teenagers.

Brain research has revealed something extraordinary: learning music and listening to music can grow and repair our brains at any age.

Simply clapping in time can assist a young child who is struggling with reading. Learning an instrument can help children of all ages dramatically improve their ability to focus on school work, enhance their memory and improve behaviour. Playing in an orchestra develops children's social skills. Learning music can give every child an advantage, whether they are not coping at school or are doing well already.

Dr Anita Collins has visited the labs of leading neuromusical researchers around the world and trialled their techniques herself. With real examples from home and school along with practical strategies,The Music Advantage shows how parents and teachers can support children's development with music from birth to the teenage years.

'Dr Collins' exuberance and infectious enthusiasm shine through as she persuasively argues for the importance of music in every child's education.'
- Professor Alan Harvey, author of Music, Evolution and the Harmony of Souls

'Dr Anita Collins' insights highlight the irreplaceable role music plays in the full education of a child.'
- Benjamin Northey, Principal Conductor in Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

About the Author

Anita Collins PhD is an award-winning music teacher and researcher in brain development and music learning. She wrote one of the most-watched TED Education films ever made and appeared on the ABC TV series, Don't Stop the Music. Anita is music teacher and conductor at Canberra Grammar School, and Associate Fellow of Music, Mind and Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne.