Location
About the event:
Scientific research by neuroscientists and psychologists proves that learning and playing music is good for your brain, whenever you start. But how can we use the science to persuade more people to take part, or to draw in the support our groups’ need? Our guest speaker Dr Anita Collins will talk about neuromusical research on the benefits for adult musicians, and how to use this information to boost our advocacy.
Do you know how playing an instrument benefits your brain? If you’ve watched a TEDtalk or read an article about this, the chances are it was created by Dr Anita Collins. The science is compelling, and Anita has gained an impressive reputation for not just spreading the word, but using these facts to make real impacts on music education. So what can Making Music member groups learn from Anita’s approach?
At this event, we’ll hear about the research that proves that learning and playing a musical instrument (and singing) has lifelong benefits for your brain health, and why we can say with confidence that musicians have ‘Bigger Better Brains’. Although Anita often presents on the child’s developing brain, she’ll talk about the adult learner at this event, and why it’s never too late to take up music and reap the many rewards.
In the second half of the morning’s talk, we’ll talk about how Anita helps people use research to advocate for the work they do, for many different purposes: from supporting grant applications to supporting learners to move through challenges by helping them understand what is happening in their brain. Her “Bigger Better Brains” project provides training, tools and support to talk about why music is a such a healthy activity for brains of any age, and can give all of us the confidence to advocate for music learning and our own groups’ activity.
Dr Anita Collins is a researcher and educator in the field of brain development and music learning, internationally recognised for her unique work in translating the scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists. Anita uses research to consult on and advocate for an updated understanding of music learning, including contributing to South Australia’s Music Education Strategy and advising numerous education and music organizations, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Her research has covered the lifelong benefits of music learning, including for those who learn as adults, and her experience as a conductor and musical director provides her with an understanding of leisure-time music environments as well as school classrooms.
More information on ‘Bigger Better Brains’ and a link to the TED Education video “How playing an instrument benefits your brain” (2014) Shaping the Future of Music Education — Bigger Better Brains
We’ll talk about:
This session will include topics:
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The scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists on music learning
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The lifelong benefits of music learning, no matter when you start
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How to use research to advocate for music learning
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Developing the skills and the confidence you need to advocate for music and your group
Cost: FREE for members and non-members
We will be using Zoom to host the event, and will send the joining link by email, two days and again two hours before the event is due to start.
Please read the event information below before reserving your place.
Registration for this event closes at 7am on 9/10/24.
Event information:
- This event includes a Powerpoint presentation
- Questions will be taken via the chat function at this event
- Audio or video content may be shared via screen sare
- Automated closed captions (subtitles) will be available at this event. If you require live captioning, please contact us to request this
Recording information:
We may decide to record this event, either for publishing on our website, or so that we can review it internally.
- We will announce at the beginning of the event if a recording is being made and what it will be used for
- We will usually record in speaker view, meaning only people who speak will be recorded
- If you speak, your image and voice will be captured in the recording
- Attendee names as displayed in a Zoom meeting will not be captured in the recording
- If you do not want your image to be captured, you may turn off your camera during the event. However, please be aware that if you do, your name will be displayed in place of your image, unless you have uploaded an image to your profile in Zoom
- Breakout rooms will not normally be recorded
- Your comments in the chat box will not form part of the recording
By booking a place and attending this event, you consent to being recorded in this way.
Inclusivity statement:
We aim to make our events as accessible as possible. If you have any particular accessibility requirements or if there is anything else we can do to help make the event a better experience for you, please let us know.
Cancellation policy:
Making Music reserves the right to cancel an event due to low attendance numbers, adverse weather conditions or other circumstances which make it no longer possible to run the event. If you have booked a place and Making Music cancels the event, we will offer you a full refund where applicable.
