The Music Advantage

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An expert in cognitive development and music education reveals the remarkable and surprising benefits that playing–or even appreciating–music offers to children.

The latest cognitive research has revealed something extraordinary: learning music and listening to music can grow and repair our brains at any age. Here, Dr. Anita Collins explains how music has the potential to positively benefit almost all aspects of a child’s development, whether it’s through formal education or mindful appreciation; simply clapping in time can assist a young child who is struggling with reading.

It turns out that playing music is the cognitive equivalent of a full-body workout. Dr. Collins lays out the groundbreaking research that shows how playing an instrument can improve language abilities, social skills, concentration, impulse control, emotional development, working memory, and planning and strategy competence, from infancy through adolescence. She also provides real-life stories to show the difference that music learning can make, as well as practical strategies for parents and educators to encourage a love of music in their kids.”Easy to digest and packed full of fascinating observations, this will leave parents and educators eager to incorporate music into their child’s life.”—Publishers Weekly

“As it states in this wonderful book, ‘Music is the gift that keeps on giving.’ It’s true! I’ve not only witnessed it, I’ve experienced it since birth. But I’ve never seen it laid out so simply and thoroughly. All kids benefit from music. The Music Advantage not only shows you how, it shows you why. This book is important for our future.”—Victor L. Wooten, author of The Music Lesson

“A must-read for every parent and teacher.”—John Powell, author of How Music Works

“The Music Advantage is the book I always wanted to exist, and now it does! It reveals new insights, showing the power and magic that music has on the neurological wellbeing and development of children, and all of us.”—Stephon Alexander, Ph.D., author of The Jazz of Physics and Professor of Physics, Brown University

“Dr. Anita Collins’ insights, based on extensive practical research, highlight the irreplaceable role music plays in the full education of a child. The Music Advantage is essential reading for parents, educators and policy designers.”—Benjamin Northey, Principal Conductor in Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

“The Music Advantage is fascinating. This book helps parents to understand how valuable learning music is to a child’s development, starting in preschool up until their first job interview.”—Allie Ticktin, MA, OTD, OTR/L; founder of Play 2 Progress

“Dr. Collins’ exuberance and enthusiasm shine through as she persuasively argues for the importance of music in every child’s education.”—Alan Harvey, author of Music, Evolution, and the Harmony of Souls

“Drawing from her dialogue with scientists, music teachers, and her own relationship to music, Anita Collins makes an argument for music education told through stories we can see ourselves in.”—Nina Kraus, Ph.D., Hugh Knowles Professor of Communication Sciences, Neurobiology, and Otolaryngology, Northwestern University

“Two decades of neuroscientific and psychological research into the effects of learning music on our brains are condensed into a highly readable, fascinating, and important book. Important because the overwhelming evidence is that music education will benefit every child—and thus it should be part of their overall education.”—Loudmouth magazine

“Shows the value of music education on brain development and includes practical tips for harnessing melody and rhythm to increase learning in all areas.”—Library Journal

“A grand volume that avails us to yet another level of groundbreaking research highlighting the extraordinary benefits music offers to the positive growth and development of every child. Dr. Collins, you have proven once-and-for-all that one person makes a difference. Thank you.”—Tim Lautzenheiser, Vice President of Education, Conn-Selmer, Inc.Dr. Anita Collins is an award-winning educator, researcher, and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. She is internationally recognized for her unique work in translating the scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists to parents, teachers, and students. Her film “How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain” is one of the most viewed TED-Ed talks of all time. Dr. Collins was the lead onscreen expert in the ABC TV series “Don’t Stop the Music” and is Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Canberra and Associate Fellow of Music, Mind and Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne.US

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