Advanced Music Cognition

GS-565

This course presents current research findings in the psychology of music cognition. Music processing in the human brain is studied including topics such as: neural architecture, sensory processing, learning, memory, development, categorization, communication, emotion, performance, and expertise. Research findings will be considered from the perspectives of psychology, neuroscience, and music theory. A running theme is the influence of culture, musical training, cognitive capacity, and personality on auditory processing in the central nervous system. Students who successfully complete Advanced Music Cognition will be capable of applying evidence-based reasoning to research findings and disseminating that reasoning in an oral presentation. Students will conduct literature searches, suggest hypotheses based on current knowledge, and outline experimental methods for addressing outstanding questions. This course will bring new insight to music professionals (e.g., educators, therapists, entrepreneurs, composers, and producers) seeking to understand music as an information-carrying stimulus and will prepare science majors for more advanced studies in psychology.

 
Credits
3
Prerequisites
Written approval of course chair
Required Of
None; elective course in all graduate programs
Electable By
All graduate students
Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
Location
Boston
Department
GRST
Course Chair
Robert C. Lagueux
Courses may not be offered at the listed locations or taught by the listed faculty for every semester. Consult my.berklee.edu to find course information for a specific semester.