Ashland University Hosts Free Event on Music and Brain Research

Learn if music makes you smarter at this two-day residency with Dr. Laura A. Stambaugh.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ashland University's Department of Music is hosting a two-day residency with Dr. Laura A. Stambaugh, an expert in music cognition and the educational applications of brain research. The free event will feature several presentations, including "Does Music Make You Smarter?" and sessions on the relationship between music, memory, well-being, and the brain.

Why it matters

This event provides an opportunity for the local community to learn about the latest research on the cognitive benefits of music education and engagement. As music programs face cuts in many school districts, events like this can help raise awareness of the value of music for brain development and overall well-being.

The details

During the residency, Dr. Stambaugh will lead four sessions, including "The Myth of Music Memory," "Music and the Brain for Musicians," and "Music, Well-being, and the Brain." The highlight will be her presentation "Does Music Make You Smarter?" on February 19th at 7 p.m. Dr. Stambaugh is an assistant professor at Rhode Island College and the author of "Music and the Brain for Musicians: Understanding the Research and Getting Involved."

  • The residency will take place on February 19-20, 2026.
  • The "Does Music Make You Smarter?" presentation is scheduled for February 19th at 7 p.m.

The players

Laura A. Stambaugh, Ph.D.

An assistant professor at Rhode Island College who coordinates the music education area and has expertise in music cognition and the educational applications of brain research. She is the author of "Music and the Brain for Musicians: Understanding the Research and Getting Involved.".

Ron Blackley

The director of choral activities and professor of music at Ashland University, who is organizing the residency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This residency is sponsored by the Gretchen French Endowment at Ashland University.”

— Ron Blackley, Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music (Community Announcement)

The takeaway

This event highlights the growing body of research on the cognitive benefits of music education and engagement. As schools continue to face budget cuts that threaten music programs, events like this can help raise awareness of the value of music for brain development and overall well-being.