There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

This module explores the psychology of musical experience from a variety of perspectives: from that of trained and untrained listeners; from that of the performer, improviser, or composer; and from that of the educator. We discuss how we use music to construct meaning and social validation, and explore motivations for and implications of the inclusion of music in everyday life.The lecture content addresses a number of different topics including the expression of emotion and the construction of meaning through music, the basics of musical acoustics and their application in an empirical context, the developmental psychology of musical education, and the use of music to act as mood regulator, and structuring function both within personal and commercial contexts. You will reflect on your own musical background and preferences, and relate these to the topics and literature under discussion, and you will devise an experimental protocol to explore an element of the module with which you feel you connect.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Engage with, understand and interpret research findings and writings in music psychology.

LO2: Present cogent argument in discussion and debate on topics studied.

LO3: Develop familiarity with the language of psychological research methods and use this fluently in written form.

LO4: Make effective use of empirical observations to inform and direct interpretation of behaviour.

LO5: Exercise independent thought and critical thinking in the structuring of project design.

LO6: Undertake research and thereby gain focused knowledge on a specific area of investigation.