Advancements in neuroscience and neuroimaging technologies over the last 20 years and global research have given us a more complete understanding of how music can affect the brain. For example, it proves the positive impact a formal music education has, not only on a student’s physical capacity and cognitive development, but also how it can benefit their academic abilities across a range of other subjects, namely English and Maths. I observed these benefits while studying for my masters in Education.
As part of a study I did at university, I selected a number of primary schools to assess if a formal music education had an impact upon student grades across their subjects. I discovered that every primary school that had a music teacher achieved higher grades on a consistent basis than those schools who did not.
As the brain is a complex organ, meaning it is difficult to know the precise reason for this trend, the evidence I collected suggests a positive relationship between a music education and academic success. Therefore, I feel confident that the Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme, co-designed by Juilliard and Nord Anglia Education curriculum and teaching specialists, will benefit our students and contribute to their academic, social and personal success.
The Juilliard Creative Classroom, an extraordinary online collection of educational resources that have been designed to enhance and supplement performing arts curricula, has a range of activities and learning experiences that help students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of music. Students as young as five are exposed to a wide range of genres, cultures and periods of history. Normally this type of focused learning is often seen much later, at an I/GCSE level, so exposure to this range of music at such a young age is truly inspiring.

The collaboration between Nord Anglia Education and The Juilliard School is incredible as it has led to the design and development of a truly unique set of world-class curricula and opportunities within our schools. Working with a team of some of the best music, dance and drama educators has been exhilarating for both students and staff. Each school has started their performing arts journey at different times, especially as new schools join NAE. We’re also provided with fantastic professional development (PD) opportunities and a network of support from all over the globe through Nord Anglia University (NAU), an online platform that provides professional development for teachers and staff at NAE. At these events teachers work together, reflect and brainstorm ideas to overcome challenges as well as celebrate each other’s success.
I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Nord Anglia Education family; it is an organisation that values the importance of the performing arts and sees it as a core part of its education offering. The company’s position as a leading provider of premium international education adds to the growing momentum of organisations that understand there is a need for creativity in the classroom. The performing arts not only have creativity at the core of every lesson, but they push students to question themselves, question others, change the way they think, take risks, be curious, want more, give more and have fun in their learning. It is why I believe the performing arts are integral to a student’s future and I feel confident that our collaboration with The Juilliard School has produced a performing arts education we can be extremely proud of.
Read more:
- Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme