Amy's Academics

01/31/2026

01/18/2026

An amazing, FREE opportunity for my homeschool families!
Starts tomorrow!
https://embracinghomeschool.com/shiela-catanzarite/?affiliate=shielacat

01/04/2026

Learning to play an instrument as a child is more than a hobby, it shapes the brain. Research shows that early musical engagement strengthens memory, attention, and problem solving skills while promoting long term neural connectivity that supports overall cognitive health well into adulthood.

When children practice music, multiple brain regions work together simultaneously. Fine motor skills, auditory processing, visual coordination, and memory circuits all activate during practice. This simultaneous stimulation encourages stronger neural networks, improving communication between different brain areas and boosting overall cognitive flexibility.

Biologically, music engages both hemispheres of the brain, supporting balanced development. The structured, repetitive patterns of rhythm and melody enhance executive function and attention span. Over time, these adaptations can improve learning abilities in academic and everyday contexts.

Longitudinal studies suggest that children who play instruments have better cognitive performance later in life and may experience slower age related cognitive decline. The benefits extend beyond technical skill, influencing emotional regulation, creativity, and problem solving.

This research does not require perfection or professional level training. Regular, enjoyable engagement is enough to stimulate growth and support brain development. Group lessons, private practice, or simply exploring music at home can provide meaningful impact.

Understanding the connection between music and brain development empowers caregivers and educators to support early creative engagement. Encouraging musical play provides a foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and cognitive health, quietly shaping the brain in powerful, lasting ways.

11/22/2025

The University of Illinois is so lucky to have Dr. McKenna teaching the SHS students in language, literacy, and writing, and I am so honored to be collaborating in research with her!
Congratulations on a well-deserved award!!!

11/05/2025

11/04/2025

What's in the SHS Fall Newsletter? Interviews with new faculty, pioneering research stories, and plenty of developments throughout the department: go.ahs.illinois.edu/SHSfall25

Read all about the Department of Speech & Hearing Science at Illinois and share!

11/03/2025

It is February 2015, and I am at a national conference listening to a panel present the results of their research on improving reading comprehension. Several members of the panel, like myself and a few others in the room, are funded by the Institute of Education Sciences as part of the Reading for U...

10/29/2025

📣 Calling all school and district SLPs!
We’re just 20 responses away from our survey goal! 🎯
Click here to take our 15-minute survey and contribute to developing stages for SLP engagement with MTSS: https://tinyurl.com/slpmtssstages
Findings will be shared at ASHA 2025, and you can receive a copy of the results. Thanks for participating and for tagging a colleague to join in!

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

10/25/2025

We’re having an incredible time in Atlanta at the IDA Conference! Come visit us at our IDA poster session, where we’re sharing our collaborative research with Dr. Meaghan McKenna and the University of Illinois. We’re having a great time connecting with others who are passionate about dyslexia and learning new ways to support our readers.

10/25/2025

Check out our conversation on The Dyslexia Duo podcast!

10/25/2025

A great opportunity to participate in research!