Studying music psychology
This page contains links to help anybody interested in studying music psychology. My experience is largely confined to the UK, but as I learn more about worldwide courses (I’m going to ask around!) I will add the details here. I got a lot of info from SEMPREs website too.
I have also written blogs that answer questions about studying music psychology and I have found an excellent list of syllabi from music psychology courses that has been provided by SMPC, as linked below:
1) How to prepare for a music psychology course
2) What kinds of things are taught in a music psychology course?
3) Possible career paths in music psychology
4) What is it like to be a music psychology lecturer?
————————————————————–
AT UNDERGRADUATE level there are no music psychology degrees, but many courses offer introductory modules, as follows:
1) The University of Sheffield: This University offers music psychology at all undergrad levels, and not just to its own honours students. It is one of seven ‘pathways’ that students can opt to follow so they can shape their music degree to suit their interests and future career aims.
In Year 1 students can take a 10 credit module called “Introduction to Music Psychology”. This module is open to students from other UG Year 1 programmes as well. At Years 2 and 3, 20 credit modules are offered in “Psychology of Musicians” and “Music Psychology in Everyday Life”
2) Goldsmiths, University of London runs an optional module in the third year of its psychology program called ‘Psychological Approaches to Music’, which is an excellent course which is run by the world expert Professor Pam Heaton.
3) Keele University has a number of options as part of its psychology degree including ‘Research in Music Psychology’, ‘Special Topics in Music Psychology’, ‘Music Technology’ and ‘Research in Music Psychology for MSc’. These courses are run by Dr Alex Lamont.
4) Musicology in Graz is a Bachelors and a Masters program that is offered jointly by the University of Graz (Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz) and the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz.. As well as the study of music this course offers modules in music psychology and acoustics, but be aware that the majority of this course is taught in German.
5) Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh has a psychology of music module in fourth year as part of their undergraduate (Applied) Psychology degree. It’s focused on the social and applied aspects of music psychology.
6) The University of Leeds: Level 2 BA Music students have the option of a 20 credit module entitled “Psychology of Listening and Performance”. Level 3 BA Music students have the option of the 40 credit module “Music Psychology”, and are also able to conduct a psychological study in the area of music for their 40 credit dissertation if they wish. (Thanks to Charlie Heslon for this info)
7) Bath Spa University: Bath Spa University offers a combined degree and has an option module in the third year of the music degree run by Prof Roger Heaton (20 credit) and a portion of the Music Analysis module (optional in second year, also 20 credits) is devoted to a range of music psychology topics (Thanks to Michael Longden for this info)
8) Manchester Metropolitan: Runs a combined undergraduate degree.
9) St Andrews: Psychology of Music module. This advanced level module aims to introduce students to psychological processes underlying music perception, cognition and performance. The relationship between musical phenomena and mental functions will be illustrated. The module will cover different aspects of music perception including psychoacoustics and sound perception, music cognition including music memory emotion and expectancies, skilled performance as well as abnormalities in music perception and performance. The module will be taught in the form of seminars including student presentations. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking and the ability to relate conceptual debates in psychology to issues in the real world. Prerequisites Available only to students in the second year of the Honours programme
10) The University of Uppsala in Sweden offers music psychology courses at undergraduate level in their excellent research group. It is possible to study music psychology (Musikpsykologi) at their psychology department, but precisely which courses are offered varies from year to year, depending on the resources. The default language is Swedish. For further information, please contact Patrik Juslin on patrik.juslin = at = psyk.uu.se
11) Chichester University (UK) offers a joint honours undergraduate degree in psychology and music and wellbeing. Info can be found here on the well established ‘What Uni?’
12) University of Kent (UK) offers a psychology of music optional module in the third year
————————————————————–
At MASTERS level your choice of dedicated courses increases considerably. There is enough choice now that you can afford to specialise depending on your interest, be it more in the study of music, cognition, acoustics or neuroscience, although most courses offer a mixture of all topics.
1) The Department of Music in the University of Sheffield (UK) offers MAs in Music Psychology in Education, Performance and Wellbeing. The team offers a distance-taught programme (i.e. remote learning) and a doctoral programme. Modules include ‘Music in Everyday Life’, ‘Psychology of Performance’ and ‘Research Methods in the Psychology of Music’. Contact Stephanie Pitts for details.
2) Goldsmiths run an MSc programme that focuses on both the biological and cognitive aspects of musical behaviour. The MSc is run by Dr Lauren Stewart and Dr Daniel Mullensiefen. The program is highly interdisciplinary and draws on expertise from leading figures in the field, in areas ranging from music cognition, cognitive neuroscience, and computational modelling.
3) The Schools of Human and Life Sciences (HALS) and Education at Roehampton University (UK) offer integrated MSc/MA and MA programmes in Applied Music Psychology and Applied Music Education, and MPhil/PhD degrees. The Masters courses cover a wide number of perspectives in music psychology, including developmental, social and cognitive.
4) The University of Edinburgh recently launched a masters in ‘Music in the Community’ which is run by Dr Katie Overy. This programme provides a context and support for advanced development in personal creativity and community music skills. It brings together practical work in the community with new and relevant research in the biological, psychological and social sciences.
5) The University of Leeds now offers a Taught Postgraduate music psychology programme: MMus Applied Psychology of Music (Thanks to Charlie Heslop for this info)
6) The Hochschule Luzern in Switzerland (my old work place – it is wonderful there!) offers a German-speaking Master of Arts in Music Research
It offers interdisciplinary, solid foundations in the field of practice-led music research including basic research competences (incl. scientific writing and media communication), quantitative and qualitative empirical methods, plus basics of human sciences (source critique, hermeneutic) and artistic & action research. Research topics span from music and wellbeing, to the study of creative processes, music and society, and musical cultural heritage.
7) The University of Florida runs a masters of music in Music Education and has made the following info graphic to attract your attention. More information can be obtained by visiting the course website.
8) The Royal College of Music runs a masters in Performance Science for people who are motivated to gain a scientific understanding of how music is performed, taught, created, and perceived, including performers and educators aiming to progress their current careers through continued professional development. For further details, please see the programme website www.rcm.ac.uk/msc or contact Professor Aaron Williamon, Head of the Centre for Performance Science at awilliamon@rcm.ac.uk.
9) The University of York runs an MA in Music that can be adapted into several ‘pathways’, including a focus on music psychology.The MA in Music (taught): Music Psychology pathway is designed to develop research skills and knowledge in the field of Music Psychology. It is targeted at students coming from Music, Psychology, or any other related areas like Education, Engineering or Computer Science. It will cover theoretical and empirical approaches to music performance, perception, and cognition. It is run in close collaboration with the York Music Psychology Group.
10) Since 2017, the UNED in Madrid (Spain) has taught a training programme in Psychology and Music. This programme offers three degrees that seek specialisation and professionalisation in this field.
University expert in psychology for musicians
This course is aimed at musicians, and other interested persons, who can prove that they have access to university. It can be taken in one academic year and has a course load of 35 credits (ECTS). Its aim is to provide psychological knowledge and basic tools useful in the professional activities of musicians (mainly music education and performance).
Master in Psychology for Musicians
This course is aimed at music professionals with a university degree (bachelor’s or master’s degree). It is recommended to be completed in two years and has a course load of 60 credits (ECTS). The aim is to provide psychological knowledge and advanced tools to improve professional performance in the fields in which these professionals work (music education, musical performance and creation).
Master’s degree in the psychology of music
This course is aimed exclusively at graduates in Psychology.
It is recommended to be taken over two years and has a course load of 60 credits (ECTS).
This course provides the psychological knowledge and specific tools that allow the Psychology professional to offer help to music professionals (music education, music performance and creation), as well as to other artistic performers (dance, theatre, circus, cinema…).
——————————————————————————————————–
Postgraduate Modules/Doctoral Programs – the following courses are not dedicated to studying music psychology but contain excellent specific modules that you can opt for as part of your wider study. Alternatively they offer doctoral programs thanks to the presence of leading music psychology academics on staff.
The University of Sheffield, offers PhDs in Music Psychlogy through the Music, Mind and Machine group. They offer a range of music psychology interests including music and education, and music and mind (Professor Nicola Dibben, Professor Stephanie Pitts and Dr Renee Timmers).
1) The Department of Music in the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) offers a doctoral programme in music psychology. The language of study is English. There are courses in ‘Music Perception’, ‘Music Performance’, ‘Ensemble Coordination’ and ‘Electroacoustic Music’ .
2) The Centre for Performance Science (CPS) at the Royal College of Music (UK) offers an MMus in Advanced Performance and a doctoral programme in Performance Science. This course comes very much from a musicians perspective and covers areas such as ‘Music psychology and physiology’, ‘Musicians’ health and wellbeing’, and ‘Acoustics and psychoacoustics’
3) The Department of Psychology in Keele University (United Kingdom) offers an MSc in applied psychological research methods which features modules in music psychology, and PhDs in music psychology. The language of study is English. Courses include ‘Development of Musical Skills and Understanding, ‘Social Psychology of Music’ and ‘Music Teaching and learning’.
4) Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester has MPhil and PhD programs in music that contain modules in Music Psychology – including both quantitative and qualitative research in the fields of expert music performance and training; music education and pedagogy; music and health.
5) The Faculty of Music in the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) offers an MPhil in Musicology and a Doctoral program that contains options for modules in ‘Music Perception’ and ‘Music and Cognitive Development’.
6) The Music Psychology Training unit (University of Jyväskylä, Finland) program consists of two master’s degree programmes
• Music, Mind & Technology
• Music Therapy
The degree programmes are taught in English, consist of 120 ECTS credits, require two academic years of full-time study, and are tuition free. The application period will be between December 1, 2015 and January 22, 2016:
MUSIC, MIND AND TECHNOLOGY (MMT) is an international master’s degree programme that aims to:
• Acquaint you with the main areas of contemporary research into music perception and cognition
• Familiarize you with the methods and equipment used in various applications of music technology
• Provide you with the skills needed for designing, executing and reporting empirical investigations
• Supply you with the knowledge and skills needed for PhD studies.
• Application guidelines for MMT can be found at: https://www.jyu.fi/en/
MUSIC THERAPY (MT) is an international master’s degree programme that aims to:
• Acquaint you with the main areas of contemporary music therapy and music psychotherapy research, theory and clinical practice – in particular on psychiatric and neurological perspectives
• Familiarize you with strategies, methods and equipment used in different clinical research designs
• Provide you with skills needed for designing, executing and reporting investigations
• Supply you with the knowledge and skills needed for PhD studies.
• Application guidelines for MT can be found at: https://www.jyu.fi/en/
120 Comments
James Walker
Hey!! Great page, really helped, I want to study music psychology at Uni, undergraduates, but can only find it at Keele, is there literally any more in the uk that you know of? Cause if I don’t get in there I’ll be in trouble! Thanks.
vicky
I know Roehampton have undergraduate modules for those interested in music psychology (I gave a seminar at the college for the masters course yesterday and there were undergraduates there taking part – and a lovely group they were too!). Also Prof Pam Heaton (a lovely lady) does a specialist 3rd year psychology module in music psychology, based at Goldsmiths where I work. That is very popular and very good preparation for the subject, if I do say so myself.
I am afraid at undergraduate level there is no 3 year course as yet available in the UK so it is all about hunting for these specialised modules. But a psychology degree is a great start off in this subject (it is how I got going!) and there are a growing number of specialised 3rd year modules, taught by the people who then go on to teach it at masters level – there will probably be even more masters courses by the time you are looking around for one! All the best with your studies, Vicky.
UPDATE: See the comment by Nikky Dibben below re. undergraduate modules at Sheffield and Leeds (7th March)
Katie
I’m literally in the exact same situation as James, only I would prefer to take a more musically based course, rather than psychology based one. Is it better to take a more Psychology based course though? Or doesn’t it matter? Thanks, Katie.
vicky
Hi Katie
If you want to study music psychology and eventually work as a music psychology researcher then you need some training in psychology. Otherwise you will not have the background knowledge you need to carry out research (that is to say experiments) of your own. Sorry, but there is no way around that!
If you are like me and you have a good psychology degree then by all means go for a more music based postgrad course, over one that specialises in neuroscience, therapy or social studies. In this case I recommend either Sheffield (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/music/prospective_pg/taught/mapsychmusic) or Roehampton (http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/applied-music-psychology/) as the UK masters courses that have the most music theory content. Good luck with your studies!
Caitlin
Hi! I’m an American student going into graduate school next fall at Goldsmiths, if everything works out properly (I’ve been accepted and I’m figuring out finances). My undergraduate degree is a double B.A. in music performance and cognitive science. Do you have any advice for students going into programs like this? What should we expect, what things should we make sure we know? Also to add to your list, there are a few North American schools with good graduate programs where you can study music cognition: Northwestern University has both a music cognition program in the music department and an Interdisciplinary Neuroscience program where students interested in music cognition often work in the Auditory Neuroscience Lab (with Nana Kraus). McGill in Canada also has a neuroscience program with several faculty members interested in music.
Thanks!
vicky
Hi Caitlin
Congratulations on getting a place at Goldsmiths! I am sure you would have a great time and I hope your finances and everything work themselves out.
I assume your question relates to what you might read up on before you come to do the MMB course at Goldsmiths? If so, then I recommend reading up on the latest music psychology research in papers – books are good but they often won’t contain the latest stuff for the reason that it takes a long time to turn a book around! (although for general background of the sort of stuff that will be covered on the course I can recommend Bill Thompsons book http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music,_Thought,_and_Feeling).
I suggest getting yourself on the Mariani Foundation email alert system (you will have to create a username and password with them first, but it is perfectly safe to do so)- they provide a great weekly email that summarises all the papers in music and neuroscience that come out so you don’t have to go hunting! http://www.fondazione-mariani.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=290&Itemid=488
Then check out the Psychology of Music websites new ‘online first’ section. This gives you a glance at new papers in the more general fields linked to cognitive, musicological and social studies in our discipline: http://pom.sagepub.com/
And you can always join our facebook group where we often post new article links or media coverage of interest. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Music-Mind-Brain-Goldsmiths/10150121042135716
Good luck with everything! And thanks from me and all my readers for the tips about American courses,
Vicky
anon
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Nikki Dibben
Anyone looking for a music degree that allows you to opt for a large proportion of music-psychology/music science modules, should also consider the University of Sheffield Department of Music. Our UG programme allows you a choice of modules at all 3 levels. The same is true of Leeds University music department I believe. It’s not necessary to take a Psychology degree to study the Psychology of Music – you get training in experimental design and analysis techniques whichever environment (psychology or music) you choose. Great website Vicky!
king
hi,
i have finished my first degree in music but want to study psychology for masters but am finding problem with what to do since most universities i have contacted dont have a conversion course from music into psychology. is it possible for me to study psychology directly for masters even though i did not take psychology for my first degree?
vicky
Good question. If you want to do a straight Psychology MSc in the UK you usually require a BSc in psychology, which is probably the difficulty you have been coming across. This is because the typical masters course makes certain assumptions about what you know, including statistics, experimental design and research ethics.
Another route to try might be MRes in Psychology, which is a masters by research rather than a taught course. You would have the freedom to even look at music issues in psychology if you liked. But make no mistake it would be difficult if you have no experience of psychology.
My advice if you fancy this route would be to try and take a short course in psychology and see if it is what you really want to spend your time (and money) on. You need to become familiar with scientific experimental design, statistics and at least some of the history of psychology, none of which would be covered in a standard music degree.
If you are interested in a masters degree in the Psychology of Music however, your route is far more free. I advise you contact Nikki Dibben at Sheffield to start with. She has a great masters course that a lot of BA musicians take, and really enjoy. Other psychology of music masters courses (including my own at Goldsmiths) will also make exceptions often for music students, so shop around! (see my links about masters courses on the page above)
all the best!
Sankeetha
Hi,
Firstly, you have a very useful and informative site and truly one-of-its-kind! I am a Biochemistry graduate with a thirst to study music psychology. I took some psychology modules during my degree and have the basic knowledge to understand the concepts and have been researching into possible routes to study music science/psychology.
I am not sure of the exact differences between the courses taught at Goldsmiths and Roehampton. Would you please be able to provide a short clarification? And do you think with my (minimal) backgound in psychology and no-link to music studies what so ever may be a stumbling block at all? Would I still be a suitable candiate for the courses?
Thank you
Sankeetha
vicky
Hi Sankeetha, I am really happy to hear of your interest in music psychology!
To put it very simply, Goldsmiths runs a course that is more focused on Neuroscience (including multiple neuroimaging techniques) and cognitive psychology, whereas Roehampton is more based on social and developmental psychology – that is a huge generalisation mind you, and there are many more subtle differences. I recommend you look though the course descriptions on the relevant websites to see the types of modules that are taught.
Goldsmiths:http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/msc-music-mind-brain/
Roehampton: http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/applied-music-psychology/
As part of both courses you will get training in statistics and psychology research design (so don’t worry about having minimal psychology background, as many of our students come with such a history). And for both you will complete an individual project of your own design for your dissertation. With this last point in mind it would be good to aim for a course where there is a member of staff who is an expert in the area which really interests you – so would be the area you might focus on for your dissertation. Just as an example, if you like musical memory, music/language comparisons, disorders of musical development, musical imagery or ‘earworms’, then come to me!
Having no background in music psychology studies is no issue at all, as you can always read up before you start your chosen course and I can recommend a couple of good books to start with if you are interested (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Music-Thought-Feeling-Understanding-Psychology/dp/0195377079/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302169124&sr=8-1 and http://www.amazon.co.uk/Music-mind-everyday-life-Clarke/dp/0198525575)
Good luck!
Vicky
Sankeetha
Hi,
Many thanks for your reply, advice and information! I am going to have look into the courses in more details and also have a look in the books you recommended. Hopefully I will find something suiteable for me, and which I will enjoy!
Thanks again for your guidance,
Sankeetha
Betty
Just thought I’d let you know that Heriot Watt university in Edinburgh has a psychology of music module in fourth year as part of their undergraduate (Applied) Psychology degree. It’s focused on the social and applied aspects of music psychology and was really interesting. You can also choose to do your research project in the area of music psychology.
I was wondering if you need any kind of musical background for the Goldsmiths/Roehampton Masters degrees? I (will very soon) have a (hopefully good) psychology degree but I’ve only just started piano lessons so I don’t really consider myself a musician just a massive music fan. Also, does the Goldsmiths masters course have any social/developmental aspects at all?
Sophie
Hi Vicky, excellent website! I’m currently in between studies. I graduated with a joint honours in biology and psychology from Newcastle and I’ve just completed a PGCert in education there too. The psychology of music has always been something I’ve been interested, especially the evolution of music and the way it affects cultures and individual emotions. I’m wondering are there any opportunities for distance learning as I can’t really move from the north east. I’ve seen the MA in music psychology in education but it doesn’t really appeal to me. Mainly because I’m neither a graduate musician or a hobby musician!
Gabbi Jordan at Newcastle taught an excellent module called art mind and brain in 3rd year if anyone’s interested!
thanks
Sophie
vicky
HI Betty
Many thanks for the info about Heriot Watt Uni.
You do need some basic musical knowledge to be able to get on with the music psychology masters at both Roehampton and Goldsmiths. Not a huge amount mind you, but you will be presented with musical stimuli (written) and quite a few musical terms/expressions. But if you have started piano lessons, assuming you are learning to read music, then you will be on your way to acquiring that knowledge. I would contact the course directors for more precise advise relating to your specific situation.
The Goldsmiths masters course covers development of musical abilities and aptitude from basic perception, through memory and all the way up the complex skills associated with musical expertise. We also have a world expert in developmental psychology in Professor Pam Heaton who lectures on developmental difficulties associated with Autism, Williams Syndrome and Aspergers Syndrome. We also cover aspects of the social psychology of music adross various lectures, invited speakers and tutorials. For more details of the program try this little article: http://www.doc.gold.ac.uk/~mas03dm/papers/Psychomusicology_StewartMullensiefen_MMBDescription_2010.pdf
vicky
Hi Sophie. Great to hear of your interest in music psycholgy! I assume you are refering to the Sheffield course? http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/music/prospective_pg/distance/psychology. Both Sheffield’s courses are great distance learning opportunities and I can recommend both the staff and the facilities most highly. I suggest getting in touch with either Stephanie Pitts or Nicola Dibben at Sheffield Music Dept to ask about the balance of the course for someone who is not a musician. It doesn’t hurt to ask right?! And it is worth it, as I don’t know of any other UK University that offers a distance learning music psychology based course I am afraid. I will suggest it here at Goldsmiths though for the future.
But if anyone else knows of any Distance Learning courses for UK music psychology students then do tell us about it here!
Zara
Thanks for all the comments – I have an undergraduate degree in Music, have worked in recruitment for 5 years and am studying alongside work for the 60 credits in Psychology so I can take the diploma or masters’ conversion course distance-learning or part-time psychology degree if I want to alongside pretty much full-time work, from 2011. I am, however, particularly interested in studying music psychology from autumn Sept 2011; what are my options? It sounds like Sheffield might be one option -are there any options? What kind of work might this lead to?
Many thanks!
Zara
vicky
Hi Zara
Good for you, it sounds like you are working well towards your goal. Sheffield is indeed one option, then there is (in the UK) Roehampton or Goldsmiths (where I work) – see the links in the article above to check out the individual courses in more detail. It never hurts to contact the course leaders as well to ask any questions you might have about what is on offer – they can give you quick and direct answers that can’t always be on websites. Don’t be shy – they are all really lovely people! Sheffield is the only one to offer distance learning at the moment though, if that is what you need.
Jobs – good question! The first and most obvious is a job in academia, either in research, teaching or, if you go on to get a PhD, a job as a lecturer. Then there are the more practical sides of contributing to a career in music teaching, music composition or music production (including radio and other audio media). There is a lot of interest nowerdays within the business world for music psychology, expecially in market research, advertising and occupational psychology – think how many work and business environments use music! You might chose to go on and specialise in music therapy, for which a masters in music psychology would give you a real leg up. You might really enjoy the training we offer in understanding hearing and chose to go on to look at a career connected with audiology. If you come to Goldsmiths you would receive training in all sorts of brain imaging techniques and that could spark your interest in a career in brain medicine or research. Really, I could go on and on! I should get together some kind of list of career ideas for the website at some point – thanks for the idea! But you can also talk to the course leaders about careers, they will be more than happy to advise you.
All the best,
Vicky
Samantha
This is a wonderful and informative article. I graduated with a 2:2 in Psychology in Central Lancashire back in September 2007 and have been working in the care setting since with people with special needs, some who are autistic. After discussions with my former music teacher (she’s taught me piano for about 9 years) and her experiences teaching autistic children piano I would really like to go do research into the psychology of music with autism. I’ve recently applied to Roehampton for their course of which I really hope to be accepted but a little apprehensive as I hear it’s a competitive area and it’s been nearly four years since my uni days.
rosie
Hi Vicky,
I have a music degree and am planning to apply to either goldsmiths or roehampton in the next coming couple of years.
in preparation, would an introductory course in psychology be the best idea idea? is it neccessary as i have no background in the sciences? if so, what kind of course would be best and are there any that you would reccommend?
Thank you !
rosie
vicky
Hi Rosie
I would definitely recommend taking a short course in psychology before taking on either of these masters. It is just too much to ask to get caught up to masters level of psychology methods in a few months if you are starting from scratch. There is a whole history of a new subject to learn as well! It’s just too much pressure. Whereas if you have a decent base, an idea of what goes on and how psychology is done, then you will put yourself in a much better position.
I cannot personally recommend any courses for you (as I have never done any), but I can tell you about courses in London (I assume you would prefer to stick to London given your choices for masters). I have heard good things about Birkbeck courses (http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/ce/psychology/index.html). I also teach for the Open University and I know they do a lot of flexible short courses (http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/psychology/courses/index.htm).
In both cases I would ring them up and tell them your situation, and seek out courses that will give you an overview of psychology methods (including statistics – this will be very important for you to start) and preferably something like cognitive psychology and/or neuroscience (as opposed to counselling or chilld development).
Good luck! I teach on the masters course at Goldsmiths, so I would love to see you there!
Vicky
Denver
I am looking for any information comparing social psychology and music psychology for a lecture recital. I have already considered the congruence principal, Induced Compliance Paradigm, Effort Justification Paradigm, the Hawthorne effect…
I am also interested in social incentives as a motivator for both audience response and performers preparations. I think the Induced Compliance Paradigm would be interesting when displaying a mathematical model of an ensemble’s musical expectations. i.e. A world-class ensemble would have a mean of about 3 or 4 missed notes per 1,500 and a stdev of +- 3, while an amateur group would see the mean shift left and also have a much greater spread of variance.
If you could point me to any specific source, or if you want to e-mail me for more information, I would be forever grateful.
Thank you
Zhu Ai
Hi,
May I know the difference between music therapy and music psychology?
& what steps would you recommend for me to take as it’s my final year of high school and I’d very much like to pursue music related course that’ll help people
Charlie
Just wanted to flag up to anyone who is interested (and especially to those looking for music psychology undergraduate study) – Leeds! The University of Leeds School of Music offers a module entitled “Introduction to the Sciences of Music” in the first year of undergraduate study; a component of this is music psychology (and also acoustics and psychoacoustics, which is just really interesting for potential music psychologists!), which you can continue to study throughout the three years of the BA Music.
I have just graduated from Leeds, and am staying on to take the MMus Applied Psychology of Music. During my final year as an undergraduate, 2/3 of my course were music psychology focused, as I took a 40 credit Music Psychology module and conducted a music psychology study for my 40 credit dissertation. Definitely well worth a look at Leeds if you’re interested in undergraduate level music psychology (though there are, of course, other non-psychology modules too!)
P.S. Vicky, very much enjoyed your session at the SEMPRE conference yesterday! 🙂
vicky
Hi Zhu. Music psychology is the study of how music affects the way we think and behave as humans. In all situations, from medical to everyday. A course in music psychology can be a great way to learn about the basics of how music affects us which you can then use as a foundation to help you train in any kind of care situation. Music therapy is training in how to use music in a therapy setting to provide relief from pain and discomfort, as well as to encourage healing and development/growth. It is along the lines of an alternative therapy course. So music psychology is more theoretical in practice and music therapy is more applied. Both should work together far more than they do, in my opinion! If you are really sure you want to go into therapy and care then I recommend focusing on the practical application but finding a course that covers a good amount of music psychology as well. Good luck!
vicky
Hi Denver. Your work sounds very interesting. I recommend as a starting point to contact the smart guys at IDyOM project http://www.idyom.org/ They are the experts in mathematical modelling of music expectation as far as I am concerned. Hope that helps! Vicky
diana
HI,
I am currently working as a paediatric occupational therapist and I am planning on specialising in ASD and behavioural difficulties (mega interest in child psychology). I really like the idea of music psychology especially as I am originally from a musician family and wanted to study music therapy at first but decided against it. Now I am a bit disappointed that I can’t use my musical skills in my current work place. I am trying to go private and I am looking for that extra bit of umph.. to offer to my clients. As I am working full time a full time course would be really tricky financially and time wise. Would you have any ideas how I could combine the two? And would studying music psychology qualify me to use it as an OT? (or do I need to study Music Therapy instead?). Is there a course that combines child psychology and music psychology? Questions over questions….
Geo
Hi Vicky, I am currently studying with the Open University; I have passed 3 music modules and am now trying to decide on a ‘minor’ subject. My aim is to try to do some post graduate study/research in ethnomusicology or similar. I have been looking at Philosophy and English as they are named degrees within the OU. I have always thought that psychology would make a good partner for music but the OU do not do a music psychology degree, If I wanted a psychology component in my degree I would have to do a music degree and just include psychology modules. What do you think should be my next step, does it matter what my degree is called? Is psychology the best choice for a music degree or would philosophy or English suffice? Sorry for the barrage of questions,
Regards, Geo
vicky
Hi Geo
The OU is very flexible as to the modules you take, as you have found out already. The key is selecting the courses that best teach you the skills you will need for your future planned career. It does not matter what these courses are called really; you will be able to describe the skills you have gained to potential future course directors or employer – which is more important than a label.
My advice it to contact directors of ethnomusicology courses and ask them which modules might serve you best in the future.
All the best, Vicky
vicky
Hi Diana
I admire your drive and I am sure that you will find a way to work your love of music into your child OT sessions. At the moment there is no such thing as a ‘registered music psychologist’ But a course in music psychology will give you a whole world of new information and ideas about how music effects us, in both body and mind, including how it effects children from birth all the way through to adulthood (in the case of most courses including ours at Goldsmiths – but check with each course to be sure). In this sense it would certainly ‘qualify’ you to use music in an informed way in your sessions. At the moment we have 2 music therapists on our masters course part time, as well as one physiotherapist and at least two other people who work with children with learning difficulties.
However, if it is professional registration with a health body that you need, then an accredited music therapy course is the way to go. That will not give you as much depth on the ideas and theory behind the effects of music on children (as compared to a psychology course) but it will teach you the practical skills. Try this site for more leads (UK based) http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=432
If you are really interested in ASD and autism you might like to check out the work of my friend and Goldsmiths colleague Pam Heaton: http://www.gold.ac.uk/psychology/staff/heaton/
All the best, Vicky
Geo
Hi Vicky, this is the best and clearest advice I have received! I really appreciate your input and will make good use of your advice. Your web pages are a great source of info, it’s good to be able to ask questions and get informed and helpful answers,
Thanks again, Geo
Mano
I am a medical doctor interested in music therapy(GUITAR playing) to apply to hospital patients in the ICU and coronary care units.This would mean patients who are mechanically ventilated and also in patients after a heart attack as in a cardiac rehabilitation programe. I plan to take a distant learning programme and looking through the website ,came across 2 such programmes. One was the Sheffield course and the other was the Irish Training &Educational Centre,ITEC.
I have no prior psychology degree, however, I have done piano courses uptill grade 7 under the UK Royal Colleges of Music Examination inthe past
Which is a suitable option for me? Kindly give your advise.
Thanks
vicky
Dear Mano
I think you are very wise to consider training in music therapy. According to my own research in this area there are large benefits to patients in ICU and HDU wards, as well as coronary care. You can read my report on the Cochrane review here: http://musicpsychology.co.uk/242/. The Sheffield course is more geared to music psychology rather than therapy – my suggestion in your case is to focus on training in music therapy specifically. I am not up to speed on such courses but you could contact Nordorff Robbins for advice http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/
Best, Vicky
Ben
Hi Vicky,
Great blog/site! I found it very helpful and interesting.
I was just wondering if you have any idea what percent of people that apply for a Masters receive funding. I can’t afford to self-fund but I am keen to do a Masters and possibly a PHD in a two years time (Not necessary in Music Psychology, although it’s certainly on the list). However, I have a few other job/study options that I could consider too. I worry that if I put all my eggs into the postgrad basket, how likely is it I am going to gain the necessary funding needed?
Cheers,
Ben
vicky
Hi Ben
Getting finding for a masters in the UK at the moment is harder than getting funding for a PhD (and event at isn’t easy!). If you are an international student then a lot of schools will offer fee discounts if you apply. And there are country specific funds such as the Fullbright foundation for US students. For UK students there are a few 1+3 grants from government bodies like the ESRC which sponser a connected masters and PhD program, but they need to be at approved centres and in approved subjects.
That just gives you an idea of the sort of thing you might encounter, but there are too many potential pots of specific money to list here, especially since you are not clear yet about what degree you would like to do. And often they change year on year. So you need to be proactive and investigate the options for each course you are considering. The course directors for each place will be able to point you in the direction of potential funding sources.
Good luck!
Vicky
theresa veltri
Hi Vicky, I was reading through some of the comments and wanted to thank you for the link to the Mariani Foundation. Im always looking for updates in music and neuroscience, so Im glad that I there is a site dedicated to just this!
AnnaLeah
Hi Vicky,
I’m in my second year of undergraduate studies (in the US), and I’m currently trying to decide which major would offer me the best foundation for graduate work in music psychology or music cognition. (Is there a difference between music psychology and music cognition?) I considered majoring in music, but I didn’t think that would provide me with the scientific background that I needed, so now I’m considering either psychology or neuroscience, but I worry that without an undergraduate music degree I will have a harder time getting into music psychology programs that may be offered through a “school of music.” Thoughts?
Thanks!
AnnaLeah
venus
Just the perfect site I’ve been looking for!
I have two degrees, one in AB Psychology and another in Bachelor of Music. I’ve been interested in Music Psychology and want to study online (if possible). It would also be great if I can avail of any scholarship for this course.
My husband and I have a small music studio of which I teach piano, voice and flute. I’ve had students with special needs and I’ve seen how music is able to connect me to them. It is such a wonderful and very rewarding experience. This makes me get more interested in taking the course.
Suggestions anyone?
Thanks
Rich
Vicky, thank you for the fantastic resource! I was hoping you might have some thoughts on my current situation!
I received BA and MMin music performance here in the united states. Aftet graduation I gota job as a military musician, which a I am still doing. Music education and how people aquire musical skills and the most effective ways to teach and learn these skills has been my main interest foras long as I can remember.
This year I began my Ed.D. inEducational Psychology online. I am enjoying the studies and, because I am in the military, the online mode of instruction works well for me.
Rich
My questions are: What are the career options for those interested inMusic Psychology? How will my background (after I finish my Ed.D) equip meto move into this field? What are the steps I can take on my own to supplement my ed. Psych. and music background and become more employable later?
Robin
Hi!
I don’t know what to do.
I love Music and French but I think there are more opportunities in Psychology.
I would not like to be a social worker or anything like that. I would like to earn a good bit of money but mainly be happy.
I am very creative, love films, music, photography that sort of thing.
I would love to travel but also spend time with my family if possible.
Im scared and have the option of continuing my studies in either music and french or psychology.
Has anyone got any insight, please help!
vicky
Hi Anna
Thanks for your email. I am more used to the UK system but my understanding of the US school system is such that I would encourage you to take a science based major (either psychology or neuroscience) if you are hoping to go into music psychology. It will save you from having to do more hard work catching up on these subjects later in your studies. Music psychology tends to cover a slightly wider basis than music cognition (i.e. it covers things like music perception as well) but essentially they usually have the same core elements (although this can depend on the institution). Ask about the exact areas covered by each course to see if they match your interests. Lastly, I don’t have a music undergrad degree but had no trouble getting onto a music psychology masters that was based in a music department. The important thing is that you have training in music and that can be from private lessons as you learn an instrument (as was mine)
Good luck with your studies! Vicky
vicky
Hi Rich
Many thanks for your kind words about the website. If you are interested in music psychology then my recommendation would always be to take a course and learn about it! With your educational history I would think that you are at a stage where you can think about going in at masters level. Your task, like everyone who enters this field, is to learn how to combine your academic interests within the framework of this discipline; to learn where your specific interests lie and where you might pursue a future career. The only real way to make sure you select a pathway that is right for you in my opinion is to invest the time necessary to explore what is out there under the guidance of people who are at the forefront of research.
Career options are very varied. Most of my masters students go on to complete a PhD and head into academic research or teaching (or both!) Other paths chosen by my recent students have included music teaching, music therapy, music performance, music production, neuroscience, mental healthcare, and teaching children with special needs.
Hope that helps! Best, Vicky
Pingback:
Harriet cooper
Hi Vicky, thanks for your incredibly interesting site!
At the moment I’m studying my AS levels and have just come across music psychology. I’ve been torn between studying both subjects at university and this looks like a brilliant course! With the rise of dual honours courses, do you think studying both music and psychology and choosing the certain module in psychology in your 3rd year might be a good idea? Or would a straight psychology course be more useful?
Also, what career prospects are there with an education in music psychology?
Thanks very much,
Harriet.
vicky
Dear Harriet
It is not necessary to complete a joint honors degree to join a masters degree in music psychology (at the moment anyway) but that does not mean it is not a good idea. To be honest the best prepared students tend to come from a psychology background as they are equipped with the background in skills which are quite hard (but not impossible) to catch up on such as statistics, neuroscience and empirical research.
At Goldsmiths we accept students who come from an exclusive music education background but they have to do a bit of preparation before joining the course to catch up in the areas above, otherwise it can be quite overwhelming. My advice would be to follow the course you really want to complete at the end of the day but if you prefer music then perhaps chose a place where you can complete psychology modules which would be a good preparation for a masters in music psychology and remove some of the pressure to catch up on these things on your own later. This might be helped by choosing a place which also runs a music psychology masters such as Goldsmiths, Leeds or Edinburgh.
There are many career options for someone with music psychology as it prepares you with skills in many different areas. I am going to write a blog on this one day as I answer this question all the time! But to give you an idea, our MMB students have gone onto PhDs in various areas, commercial research, music education, music therapy (although note that a music psychology course does not qualify you as a music therapist), specialist education, journalism, healthcare and the recording industry including as professional musicians. And the students that come from professions (e.g. education, social and physiotherapy, social work) often return to their careers and incorporate their new knowledge into their job.
Hope that helps!
Vicky
Suzie
Hi Vicky,
Firstly, thanks so much for all the information and advice!
I’m tossing up between doing a masters of music therapy and a masters of music psychology. I have already completed an undergrad psychology degree, and my piano is at about grade 8, but I’m worried I won’t get into the music therapy course as I understand it is very competitive and usually you are required to have completed a music undergrad course. My question is this: how much of an overlap would there be between the two masters courses? I read earlier that a music psychology masters would give you a step up in terms of getting into a music therapy masters. But do you think there would be a lot of repetition (and essentially a waste of time and money) between the two?
Cheers,
Suzie
vicky
Hi Suzie
Some overlap, but not a great deal. Certainly on our masters we have 1-2 lectures on therapy and then we touch on it now and again when it is relevant to the subject. But we cover mostly how the brain processes music, how music affects behaviour and mental states, and how to study the role of music in our everyday lives. I’m afraid I don’t really know what a music therapy masters would cover but I assume it would be more practice based and rather more narrow in focus. But you would have to consult with someone who runs a music therapy masters to make sure. You might be interested to know we actually have music therapists on our course right now! That shows you that there is plenty to learn in music psychology outside of just therapy.
Best of luck with your decision. If you are interested in Goldsmiths at all and are passing through London feel free to email me and we can make an appointment to have a chat.
Vicky
S.
Dear Vicky,
Thank you for providing such an interesting website. I am a graduate who holds a B.A in Music and French and M.Sc in Music Technology. I would love to pursue a PhD but I am confused as to what to continue with due to my wide interest in so many areas. However, Music and Psychology do appeal to me quite a bit and I did study Psychology for a year as part of my B.A.
Is this course still available? Is there any way of doing it online or by correspondence and attending brief lectures. Due to work commitments, I am out of the country for the Autumn generally but I desperately want to further my education. Do you know if this is possible? If not, would I have any way of getting onto a PhD program in a similar subject area?
Many thanks,
S