Expert Advisor and Program Designer

Anita Collins played a significant role at St Marys North Public School through her involvement in the ACO Foundations program, developed and run by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. This groundbreaking music education initiative aims to harness the power of music learning to enhance the developmental and educational outcomes of children, particularly in low socio-economic status schools.

Anita contributed her expertise as a neuromusical educator to the program, basing its pedagogical model on her research. This research demonstrates that learning a musical instrument before the age of seven can lead to permanent beneficial changes in brain structure and function.

Anita co-authored a report on the impact of the program and continues to be involved in the project. The success of this program highlights the transformative power of music education in enhancing the learning and well-being of students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.