Words Grown Minds Podcast

Anita said she would have been happy to keep talking with Kate Ellis and Amelia Mulcahy for a week. The conversation was full of warmth, laughter and thoughtful questions as they explored everything from early childhood and parenting to why singing should be a natural part of family life.

In a recent episode of the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast, Kate and Amelia spoke with Dr Anita Collins, neuroscientist, award-winning music educator and author of The Music Advantage, about the remarkable connection between music and early childhood development.

Drawing on her expertise in neuroscience and education, Anita explains how music supports language development, cognitive growth, emotional regulation and learning readiness in young children. The conversation also explores practical ways families can bring music into everyday life, even for parents who feel they “can’t sing” or aren’t musical themselves.

Warm, accessible and inspiring, this episode highlights why music learning is one of the most valuable experiences we can offer children. Parents, educators and caregivers will come away with simple ideas and a deeper understanding of how music helps children thrive.