I've just returned from an inspiring presentation on 'Brain-Based Learning', which Trevor Hawes - a leading UK expert on teaching and the learning brain - gave to a group of instrumental teachers, primary class teachers and others, hosted by Doncaster Music Service in partnership with Music Leader.

Good primary teachers throughout the UK are already accommodating different learning styles. When Trevor explained the brain's ideal conditions for learning and what inhibits learning, it became clear that the current organisation of teaching time, space and focus is often unhelpful for a significant number of children. Armed also with an understanding of how each individual has different strengths and therefore different learning needs, it was easy to understand why new approaches which respond to this understanding are more likely to achieve success for more pupils.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who is using this kind of thinking in their teaching - either in classroom music or in instrumental lessons. What does a brain-based approach in music education look like? Please respond here or post in the Forums.