OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
edX logo

Music For Wellness

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 13 ratings
see reviews
Suzanne Hanser and Annette Philip

You love music. You listen to music all the time. Maybe you sing, play an instrument, or compose music. You don’t need to have musical talent to use music to enhance your well being, and even your health.

Learn simple techniques to enrich your mind, body, and spirit through music. The methods can be applied in your daily life, particularly when you are feeling down or stressed out. Developed by a board-certified music therapist and a vocalist/pianist/composer/recording artist specializing in Indian music, these strategies combine science with the wisdom of Eastern philosophy.

Read more

You love music. You listen to music all the time. Maybe you sing, play an instrument, or compose music. You don’t need to have musical talent to use music to enhance your well being, and even your health.

Learn simple techniques to enrich your mind, body, and spirit through music. The methods can be applied in your daily life, particularly when you are feeling down or stressed out. Developed by a board-certified music therapist and a vocalist/pianist/composer/recording artist specializing in Indian music, these strategies combine science with the wisdom of Eastern philosophy.

In the course, discover how to unlock your creativity. You will learn not only how to listen to music in a new way, but also how to listen to the impact that music has on you. You will find out how to care for yourself by practicing coping techniques that are supported by music that is special to you.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The effects music has on the body and the brain
  • Strategies and techniques for regulating emotions and stress by integrating music with ancient practices such as mantra and pranayama
  • The scientific underpinnings that support the efficacy of ancient traditional practices used to promote wellness
  • How and why music can help you to live a happier, healthier life

Syllabus

Lesson 1: Expressing your creativity
Introduction on singing and songwriting techniques
Role of rhythm and chanting / engaging the body as an instrument (clapping, stomping, dancing)
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the intersection of music, wellness, and ancient Eastern practices, offering a unique perspective on holistic health
Suitable for individuals with or without musical talent, making it accessible to a wide range of learners
Taught by a board-certified music therapist and a vocalist/pianist/composer/recording artist, providing expertise in both music and healthcare
Practical techniques and strategies are emphasized, enabling learners to apply their knowledge immediately
Covers scientific underpinnings and ancient practices, offering a balanced approach to wellness
Emphasizes using music for self-care and stress reduction, highlighting its positive impact on mental well-being

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Music techniques for wellness and stress

According to learners, this course offers practical techniques for incorporating music into daily life for wellness and stress reduction. Many students appreciated the unique blend of scientific information and Eastern philosophical practices like mantra and pranayama. The course is seen as providing a new perspective on listening to music and building a deeper personal connection to it. While the course content is largely seen as positive and beneficial for personal growth, some reviewers found the included musical exercises like singing or songwriting awkward or too basic, and a few wished for greater depth in the scientific explanations.
Experiences varied with musical activities.
"I enjoyed the circle singing and creative exercises, they pushed me outside my comfort zone."
"Honestly, the singing and songwriting parts felt a bit awkward and not really for me."
"Some of the musical activities seemed very basic if you already have a music background."
"While some exercises were great, others felt less relevant to the wellness focus."
Integrates scientific basis with Eastern practices.
"The way the course combined the science behind music therapy with concepts like mantra was fascinating and unique."
"I appreciated learning the scientific underpinnings that support these ancient wellness practices."
"Mixing Western science with Eastern philosophy gave me a really holistic view of wellness."
"It was interesting to see how modern understanding validates traditional methods."
Helps build a deeper personal connection with music.
"This course changed the way I listen to music; I pay more attention to its impact on me."
"Finding my 'special music' and understanding why it resonates with me was a powerful exercise."
"I feel like I have a much deeper personal relationship with music now."
"It helped me realize the emotional power music holds in my life."
Offers useful techniques for daily application.
"I learned simple techniques I can use right away when feeling stressed or down."
"Developing my own personal playlist based on how music affects me was really helpful."
"The PMR and Pranayama exercises combined with music were very effective for relaxation."
"I found the strategies for incorporating music into my daily routine easy to implement."
Some wished for more in-depth content.
"I would have liked a deeper dive into the scientific explanations of music's effects."
"While the overview was good, I felt some topics, like specific music therapy techniques, could use more detail."
"It felt a bit introductory at times; I wanted more advanced information."
"Wish there was more substance on the neuroscience aspects discussed."

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 Music For Wellness with these activities:
Review Eastern Philosophy and Ancient Practices
Deepen your understanding of the ancient practices discussed in the course and their historical context.
Browse courses on Eastern Philosophy
Show steps
  • Research ancient philosophies and practices like yoga, meditation, and mantra.
  • Read texts or articles about their principles and applications.
  • Watch documentaries or attend online lectures to gain insights from experts.
Read 'The Power of Music' by Elena Mannes
Explore the scientific and emotional connections between music and well-being, gaining insights into its therapeutic applications.
View Soul Dog on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and engage with the author's perspectives.
  • Reflect on your personal experiences with music and its impact on your mood and emotions.
  • Identify key takeaways and how they align with the course's themes.
Review Music Theory
Review core music theory concepts to strengthen your understanding of musical expression and composition.
Browse courses on Harmony
Show steps
  • Revisit fundamental concepts like scales, chords, and intervals.
  • Practice recognizing and writing different types of chords and scales.
  • Analyze chord progressions and melodic patterns in familiar songs.
  • Compose short melodies or chord progressions to apply your knowledge.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Vocal Warm-Ups and Vocal Exercises
Regular vocal practice helps improve vocal range, control, and projection, enhancing your musical expression.
Browse courses on Singing
Show steps
  • Start with simple warm-ups like humming or lip trills.
  • Practice scales and arpeggios to improve vocal agility.
  • Sing exercises focusing on breath control and vocal projection.
Explore Music Production Software
Gain practical skills in using music production software to create and enhance your musical compositions.
Browse courses on Music Production
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the interface and basic functions of the software.
  • Follow online tutorials to learn specific techniques like recording, editing, and mixing.
  • Experiment with different plugins and effects to expand your sonic palette.
Personalize Your Music Playlist
Craft a personalized playlist that reflects your musical preferences and helps you achieve specific emotional or therapeutic goals.
Show steps
  • Identify the emotions and experiences you want to evoke through music.
  • Explore different music genres and search for songs that resonate with your desired mood or purpose.
  • Compile a playlist that includes a variety of songs that match your emotional targets.
Participate in Music-Making Sessions
Engage with other musicians or learners to share ideas, collaborate on musical projects, and gain feedback.
Show steps
  • Connect with other musicians or enthusiasts online or in your local community.
  • Participate in online or in-person music-making sessions.
  • Collaborate on songwriting, arranging, or performing.
Compose a Musical Piece Inspired by the Course
Apply your knowledge and skills to create an original musical piece that reflects your understanding of the therapeutic benefits of music.
Browse courses on Music Composition
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas and choose a theme or concept for your composition.
  • Experiment with different musical elements such as rhythm, harmony, and melodies.
  • Refine and polish your composition, paying attention to flow and emotional impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Music For Wellness will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Therapist
Music Therapists can help people with emotional and physical issues manage their stress and anxiety. Enrolling in the Music For Wellness course would help you better understand music’s effect on people, how to integrate ancient practices, and how to use music to help others.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist
Music Director
Music Directors select music for various events. This role may also lead and conduct musical ensembles. Taking the Music For Wellness course may help you better understand how music impacts people emotionally and how you can leverage this understanding when selecting music.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director
Music Teacher
Music Teachers teach music to students of all ages. They may teach in schools, private studios, or community centers. Enrolling in the Music For Wellness course can provide you with strategies for helping your students relax, manage stress, and express their creativity through music.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. They work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to create a final product. Taking the Music For Wellness course may give you insights into how music affects people emotionally. This understanding may help you make better decisions about the music you produce.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineers manage the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering music. They work in a variety of settings, such as recording studios, concert halls, and broadcast facilities. Understanding how music affects people can help you excel as an Audio Engineer and produce high-quality audio content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also work as critics, reviewers, or interviewers. Taking the Music For Wellness course can help you gain a deeper understanding of music and its impact on people. This knowledge can make your writing more informed and engaging.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist
Musician
Musicians perform music for a variety of audiences. They may play in bands, orchestras, or as soloists. Enrolling in the Music For Wellness course might help you better understand the impact your music has on your audience and improve your performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Musician
Composer
Composers create original music. They may work in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and pop. Taking the Music For Wellness course can aid you in comprehending the emotional effects of music and how to evoke specific feelings in your compositions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Composer
Sound Designer
Sound Designers create sound effects and music for video games, movies, and other forms of media. Enrolling in the Music For Wellness course may allow you to better grasp the emotional impact of sound and how to use it effectively in your work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer
Music Librarian
Music Librarians manage and organize music collections in libraries and archives. They may also work with patrons to find and access music resources. Taking the Music For Wellness course may give you a wider understanding of music and its impact on people. This knowledge can be beneficial in helping patrons find the music they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian
Music Administrator
Music Administrators manage the business and operational aspects of music organizations. They may work for orchestras, opera companies, or music festivals. Enrolling in the Music For Wellness course might provide you a deeper grasp of music’s impact on people and how to utilize that knowledge in your administrative role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Administrator
Music Promoter
Music Promoters promote and organize concerts and other music events. They may work for venues, record labels, or music agencies. Taking the Music For Wellness course may aid you in comprehending the emotional impact of music and how to utilize that understanding when promoting music events.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Promoter
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music in schools and other educational settings. They may specialize in a particular instrument or genre. Enrolling in the Music For Wellness course could help you better understand the impact of music on students and how to incorporate wellness practices into your teaching.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator
Music Therapist Intern
Music Therapist Interns work under the supervision of a licensed Music Therapist. They provide music therapy services to clients in a variety of settings. Enrolling in the Music For Wellness course while completing your internship can give you a strong foundation in the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist Intern
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to regain their independence. They may use a variety of techniques, including music therapy. Taking the Music For Wellness course may provide you with valuable insights into the use of music in occupational therapy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Music For Wellness.
Cover image
Healing at the Speed of Sound
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the healing power of music. It includes case studies and stories from people who have used music to improve their health and well-being.
Healing at the Speed of Sound: How What We Hear...
Paperback
$$
Healing at the Speed of Sound: How What We Hear...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Music and Mind
Save
Provides a fascinating look at the relationship between music and the brain. It explores how music can affect our emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and...
Hardcover
$$
Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Music Instinct
Save
Explores the origins of music and its role in human evolution. It provides a fascinating look at why music is so important to us.
The Music Instinct: How Music Works and Why We...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Musicophilia
Save
Explores the fascinating relationship between music and the brain through the stories of people who have experienced musical delusions, amusia, and other musical disorders.
Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, Revised...
Paperback
$$
(Português) Alucinações musicais [Musicophilia ]: Relatos sobre...
Audible Audiobook
$
Musicophilia
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Healing at the Speed of Sound Deluxe
Save
Provides a personal and inspiring look at the power of music to heal and transform lives.
Healing at the Speed of Sound Deluxe
Paperback
Check
Healing at the Speed of Sound Deluxe
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Music
Save
Explores the so-called "Mozart effect" and the power of music to enhance cognitive function.
The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to...
Paperback
$$
Music and Miracles: A Companion to Music :...
Paperback
$$
The Roar of Silence: Healing Powers of Breath, Tone...
Paperback
$$
Music: Physician for Times to Come
Paperback
$$
The Mozart Effect for Children: Awakening Your...
Paperback
$$
Creating Inner Harmony: Using Your Voice and Music...
Kindle Edition
$
Bringing Music to Life
Hardcover
$$
Heal Yourself with Sound and Music: The Collectors...
Audio CD
$$
Music for Babies: Nighty Night
Audio CD
$$$$
Music: Physician for Times to Come
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Music, Encounter, Togetherness
Save
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to the study of music.
Music, Encounter, Togetherness
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Incidental Music, Part 3
Save
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the study of music, covering a wide range of topics from history to theory to performance.
John Eccles Incidental Music: Plays R-W,...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Norton Anthology of Western Music
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Western music.
Norton Anthology of Western Music
Spiral-bound
$$$
Norton Anthology of Western Music
Spiral-bound
$$$
A History of Western Music, 10e with media access...
Spiral-bound
$$$$
Cover image
Evidence-Based Practices for Social Workers
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the study of music theory.
Evidence-Based Practices for Social Workers: An...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Evidence-Based Practice for Social Workers, Second...
Paperback
$$$$
Evidence-Based Practices for Social Workers: An...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Music, Modern Culture, and the Critical Ear
Save
This history provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Western music.
Music, Modern Culture, and the Critical Ear
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Mozart
Save
This dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of the study of music.
Mozart: The Early Years 1756-1781
Paperback
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Music For Wellness.
Mindfulness and Well-being: Living with Balance and Ease
Most relevant
The Growth Mindset
Most relevant
Mind of the Universe: Science in Progress
Most relevant
The Place of Music in 21st Century Education
Most relevant
How to use Canva hidden features
Most relevant
National Academy of Sports Medicine Nutrition Essentials
Most relevant
Mindfulness and Well-being: Foundations
Most relevant
Hospitality Luxury Brand Management
Most relevant
Social Pedagogy across Europe
Most relevant

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections
Free audit track for open learning access
14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates
Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)
Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Berklee College of Music
Instructors
Suzanne Hanser
Annette Philip
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the intersection of music, wellness, and ancient Eastern practices, offering a unique perspective on holistic health
Suitable for individuals with or without musical talent, making it accessible to a wide range of learners
Taught by a board-certified music therapist and a vocalist/pianist/composer/recording artist, providing expertise in both music and healthcare
Practical techniques and strategies are emphasized, enabling learners to apply their knowledge immediately
Covers scientific underpinnings and ancient practices, offering a balanced approach to wellness
Emphasizes using music for self-care and stress reduction, highlighting its positive impact on mental well-being
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Music For Wellness.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser