The Importance and Power of Music in our Society from Coursera

Music plays an important role in our daily lives and is woven into the fabric of society. We listen to music while alone or in company, in a dance club or at home, through simple headphones or via high-end speakers, as background or as foreground, after we get up or before we go to bed. Music accompanies us when we are traveling, doing sports, shopping, working or relaxing. This omnipresence of music raises several questions: how does music affect our lives? What is the relation between the society we live in and the role, function, and position of music within that society? How is music influenced by and does music influence social, political, economic, technological, and multiple other developments?

Do these questions trigger you? Music and Society provides a thorough introduction to the various ways in which music and society are connected through engaging lectures, insightful interviews, challenging assignments, interesting readings, and of course a lot of musical examples. The course aims at increasing your insights on where, how and why we listen to music, how music contributes to shaping our identity, how music forms, expresses, and subverts political ideas, and how music affects our norms and values.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course

Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about the various roles, functions, and positions music can have in our contemporary society. Before you start this course we invite you to first go through the introduction and introduce yourself in the forum to meet your fellow learners. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know in the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck and we hope you will enjoy studying in this course!

Music and Atmosphere

What do you think about background music? Does it disturb you or does it create a nice atmosphere? Do you think there is too much music played all day long? And why do people play music? In this first module we will basically discuss and reflect on three interrelated items: (1) How and why music is omnipresent in our contemporary society; (2) Music's influence on the specific atmosphere of a space; (3) How music affects and is affected by other societal developments.

Music and Identity

How does music affect identity and how does identity influence music? Is music only an expression of personal taste or is there more to say about this relation? In this module we will discuss and explore the relation between music and identity. We'll do this by discussing (1) how music influences personal identity and (2) how music influences collective identity and (3) how the 'structure of society' influences music as well as identity.

Music and Politics

In this module we will investigate and discuss the relation between music and politics: how music affects politics and how it is affected by politics. Music may support political organizations and governmental institutions, it has the power to discipline the behavior of groups and individuals, but it can also act as a form of protest against a political status quo or dominant (political) discourses.

Music and Ethics

In this module we will explore the relation between music and ethics. Music influences behavior and certain judgments of behavior are ethical judgments. We will explore the relation between aesthetic good and ethical good music. We will discuss how hospitality can evoke a fruitful attitude towards music. We will discuss the role of music in human flourishing.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches about the role of music in society, which is relevant to a variety of disciplines

Provides a comprehensive study of music and society, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals alike

Taught by experienced instructors who are recognized for their work in the field

Reviews summary

Transformative music course

Learners say that this course provides transformative knowledge on music's societal impact. Students describe engaging assignments, such as interviews and challenging exercises. It's a well-prepared course with clear narration. Many learners found that taking it broadened their perspectives regarding music appreciation.

The course videos have clear and easy-to-understand explanations.

"A very well-prepared, cleanly narrated course with exquisite examples."

Students say this course broadened their perspectives on music.

"This course turned out to be so much more than I expected!"

"I really liked the course, it broadened my perspective with regard to music appreciation and that was exactly what I was looking for."

The course features engaging assignments like interviews and interactive exercises.

"Interesting lectures, fascinating interviews and challenging exercises!"

"It is unique that they show the place of music and art in social life from a professional point of view."

Many learners found this course transformative.

"This course is an excelent introduction to topics related to the interaction of music and society. Highly recommended."

"This course turned out to be so much more than I expected!"

"Thank you for creating it and sharing it with the public! It was a real pleasure going through this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Importance and Power of Music in our Society with these activities:

Practice hearing different instruments

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Prepare yourself for lessons where you'll need to identify instruments.

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Listen to a recording featuring multiple instruments.
If possible, isolate the different sounds by listening on headphones.
Try to identify the instruments you are hearing.

Review musical terms

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Increase your familiarity so that you can better understand sheet music and hold more informed conversations about music.

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Find helpful videos or articles online.
Take notes on the most important terms.

Practice rhythm

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Develop your ability to keep time, an essential skill for playing music.

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Find a metronome online or on your phone.
Set the tempo to a comfortable speed.
Tap or clap along with the metronome.

Five other activities

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Read about the history of music

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Deepen your appreciation for music by understanding its evolution and development.

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Find a book or article that covers the history of music.
Read and take notes on the key events and trends in music history.

Make a playlist that reflects your musical interests

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Discover more music and share your tastes with others by creating a curated playlist.

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Choose a streaming service or platform.
Start a new playlist and give it a descriptive title.
Add songs that represent your current musical interests.
Consider sharing your playlist with friends or on social media.

Attend a live music performance

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Enhance your appreciation for the power and beauty of live music.

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Find a local concert or music event.
Purchase tickets and attend the performance.

Join a music appreciation group

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Develop a deeper understanding of music by connecting with other passionate individuals.

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Look for local groups or online communities dedicated to music.
Attend meetings and participate in discussions.

Compose a simple melody

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Develop your practical abilities by creating a simple musical piece.

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Choose a basic chord progression.
Experiment with different notes to create a melody.
Use a music notation program to write down your melody.

Career center

Learners who complete The Importance and Power of Music in our Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. They work with musicians, singers, and engineers to create high-quality recordings. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Producers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry and the role of music in society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Director

Music Directors oversee the musical direction of orchestras, bands, and choirs. They select repertoire, conduct rehearsals, and perform concerts. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Directors as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Educator

Music Educators teach music in schools and other educational settings. They develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide feedback. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Educators as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and its impact on human behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Music Librarian

Music Librarians manage and organize music collections in libraries. They help patrons find the music they need and provide reference services. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Librarians as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Critic

Music Critics write reviews and articles about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They provide their opinions on new releases, performances, and trends in the music industry. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Critics as it provides a solid foundation in the role of music in society and the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with disabilities, illnesses, and injuries. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Therapists as it provides a solid foundation in the role of music in society and its impact on human behavior.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They interview musicians, review concerts and albums, and write feature articles about the music industry. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Journalists as it provides a solid foundation in the role of music in society and the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

Music Teacher

Music Teachers lead instruction in music. They teach music theory, composition, performance, and music history. They also develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide feedback. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Teachers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society, which can help them to better understand the needs of their students and to develop effective lesson plans.

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Music Historian

Music Historians study the history of music. They research and write about music from all periods and cultures. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Historians as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

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Music Archivist

Music Archivists preserve and catalog music collections. They work with libraries, museums, and other institutions to ensure that music is preserved for future generations. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Archivists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

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Music Agent

Music Agents represent musicians and other music professionals. They negotiate contracts, book gigs, and promote their clients' careers. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Agents as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

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Music Publisher

Music Publishers acquire and publish musical works. They work with songwriters, composers, and lyricists to protect their copyrights and promote their work. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Publishers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

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Music Promoter

Music Promoters organize and promote concerts, tours, and other music events. They work with artists, venues, and sponsors to create successful events. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Promoters as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

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Music Executive

Music Executives oversee the operations of record labels and other music companies. They develop and implement strategies for artist development, marketing, and distribution. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Executives as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Executive

Music Distributor

Music Distributors distribute music to retailers and other outlets. They work with record labels and artists to ensure that music is available to consumers. This course may be useful for those who wish to become Music Distributors as it provides a comprehensive overview of the role of music in society and the music industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Distributor