General News
16 August, 2023
Music to boost learning – forum this week
LOCAL educators concerned about the lack of music education in south west primary schools will host a special two-day forum on music learning and the brain this week.
LOCAL educators concerned about the lack of music education in south west primary schools will host a special two-day forum on music learning and the brain this week.
The event, hosted by the South West Music Education Centre, will be presented by Dr Anita Collins at Deakin University Warrnambool Campus this week on Thursday (today) and Friday, August 17 and 18.
Dr Collins is an award winning and internationally recognised music educator, researcher, author, TED talk and ABC presenter and founder of Bigger Better Brains website.
Dr Collins will be speaking at the free forum with school leadership teams, teachers, early childhood educators, music and performing arts teachers and youth and family services staff about the latest brain research.
South West Music Education Centre co-director and spokesperson Hannah O’Niell said research shows music education improves children’s brain development by exercising and building neural pathways, as well as enhancing their wellbeing and social skills and increasing school engagement and educational attainment.
“Recent neuroscience research shows children’s brain development is significantly enhanced by targeted music activities for as little as 15 minutes a day,” she said.
“We are excited to have such an expert as Dr Collins to come to Warrnambool to explain the current research and how including music activities in the school day can fuel school improvement and engagement.”
The South West Music Education Centre was formed in 2021 by local music educators who were frustrated and concerned about the lack of classroom and instrumental music education and instruction in south west primary schools.
“We don’t want south west students to miss out anymore,” Ms O’Neill said.
“The science shows music education develops thinking and learning skills, lifts literacy and numeracy standards and builds social inclusion and enhances wellbeing.
“It has been shown that early exposure to music activities activates social, behavioural and academic benefits that continue throughout a child’s education, which is why it is so important for children to learn music in primary school or earlier.
“We hope that lots of educators, wellbeing teams, youth and family services’ workers and the general public will take this unique opportunity to come along and hear Dr Collins speak. We have sessions for everyone.”
Community members are invited to find out more about music learning and the brain by attending a community forum with Dr Collins on Thursday, August 17 at 6pm to 7pm in Building B at Deakin University.
Dr Collins will also officially launch the South West Music Education Centre, along with the Future Music South West Steering Committee.
Bookings for each event can be made online at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1094385.