How Music Can Change Your Life from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

How can music influence the body to support fitness and rehabilitation?

Music has been used throughout history and across cultures to influence the body, but only in recent decades have researchers been able to examine how it is processed through the brain. These recent discoveries explain the relationship between features of music like rhythm, and improvements in physical health, particularly in rehabilitation. They also explain why people with Alzheimer’s disease remember all of the words to songs but can’t have a clear conversation. In this unit we hear and see how music has been used, often by qualified music therapists working in hospitals, to influence the body and support fitness and rehabilitation.

How can music motivate the mind to promote academic achievement?

How much music is included in schools varies significantly, between countries and even around the corner. Learning music can happen in classrooms and through individual lessons. It can also be used to promote wellbeing and foster inclusion of diverse students. Researchers have investigated whether learning music results in higher achievement in other cognitive, social and psychological domains. In this unit we showcase some of that research and carefully consider what kinds of musical experiences are needed to achieve the different goals.

How can music reflect the psyche to improve mental health?

Music can be a powerful way to explore and comprehend our deepest emotions. When used in psychoanalysis, this can lead to rich experiences that may even reveal aspects of our unconscious world that can be processed within the safety of the therapeutic relationship. Within the field of music therapy, practitioners often debate the relative merits of free improvisation on instruments in comparison to using the preferred songs of clients in therapy. Both afford opportunities to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our relationships to others, and music more generally can be used as a health resource that travels with us as we recover from being acutely unwell and continue the journey of life.

How can music foster intimacy to strengthen relationships?

Have you ever used music to try and improve a relationship in your life? Playing the right background music is one thing, but what about singing with another person, or improvising on musical instruments in responsive and caring ways. Listening is the key to intimacy in any relationship and music can be the perfect vehicle to explore listening in new ways. We explore intimacy between parents and infants, therapists and clients and the ways that music therapists engage in musicking with people to build relationships that help.

How can music enhance connectedness to support communities?

Is the power of music strongest when used by groups and communities? Music has often been used by groups of people to express their shared beliefs, but it can be just as powerful when we connect musically with people whose beliefs and backgrounds are different. When we sing in choirs and dance in groups, a sense of community can be fostered that transcends differences and highlights those things that we share. But music has also been used to encourage one group to fight against another group of people, so using music requires careful consideration of power and privilege to ensure that change is for the greater good.

How can music express culture and honour our diverse societies?

Each of us belongs to a range of culture and subcultures, including our ethnic heritage, our gender and sexuality, our abilities and ages. Many of us live in diverse neighbourhoods and cities where it is not enough to be culturally tolerant - we need to be culturally curious and engaged. Music is a powerful way of honouring diversity in culture and has been used to transcend differences and come together as many voices singing one song. We explore how important it is to be aware of our own power and privilege when musicking with people from cultures other than our own.

Course wrap-up

We finish up the course this week with some closing remarks and a final assignment for you to undertake. We've also included some bonus podcasts and an interview for those who are interested.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces six principles about music's influence on various aspects of health and wellbeing, enabling learners to understand its diverse applications

Provides a comprehensive exploration of music's role in various domains, including physical health, cognitive development, mental health, social bonding, community building, and cultural expression

Emphasizes the practical applications of music in supporting individuals, groups, and communities, making it relevant to those working in healthcare, education, and social services

Guided by Katrina Skewes McFerran, an experienced music therapist and researcher, ensuring the credibility and practical relevance of the course content

Requires no prior musical knowledge or experience, making it accessible to a wide range of learners interested in the therapeutic and social uses of music

Reviews summary

Music's transformative power

According to students, this course, entitled "How Music Can Change Your Life," emphasizes the multifaceted ways in which music positively impacts our lives. Learners say it is "very informative," "well structured," and "engaging." Many students comment on the high quality of the "guest speakers" and appreciate the variety of "materials," including "podcasts," that enhance their learning experience. Learners note the instructors' "comprehensiveness" in covering topics like music's role in "therapy", "education," and "personal growth," and they especially value the course's ability to "open your mind" to the possibilities of "applying care through music."

Instructors are knowledgeable and provide valuable insights.

"Excellent cursus, very interesting, fun and complete. I am proud and happy to complete it."

"Many guest speakers, as well as podcast hosts, also offered different voices in the discussion of the topic."

Course provides a variety of engaging learning materials.

"This course was well structured, informative and very interesting."

"If I was ever in doubt about how music can help my clients, this course erased my doubts."

"The course offers several ways to relate to music! ♪♫"

Course offers many perspectives on music's positive influence.

"I appreciate how organized the course is, the comprehensiveness of the topics covered, and the variety of the materials."

"Excellent course on "How Music Can Change Your Life.""

"This course has changed my life perspective, I shall be revisiting the content studied again to reinforce and learn more out of 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 How Music Can Change Your Life with these activities:

Practice active listening skills

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Cultivate the ability to listen attentively and deeply to music, enhancing your appreciation of its nuances and impact.

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Listen to a piece of music without distractions
Focus on the different elements of the music, such as melody, harmony, and rhythm
Identify your emotional responses to the music

Review the fundamentals of music theory

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Review the concepts laid out in the course syllabus to lay a strong foundation and help engage with the course material.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review key concepts such as rhythm, melody, and harmony
Practice reading sheet music
Listen to different pieces of music and analyze their structure

Explore online resources for learning music theory and techniques

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Supplement your course lessons by seeking out additional online tutorials and resources, expanding your knowledge and skills in music theory and techniques.

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Identify reliable online resources that align with your learning goals
Follow tutorials and complete exercises regularly
Apply your new knowledge and skills in your musical practice

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Read 'This is Your Brain on Music' by Daniel J. Levitin

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Gain insights into the scientific evidence supporting the claims about the power of music presented in the course.

View I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and first chapter
Summarize the main arguments presented in each chapter
Identify and explain the implications of the research findings

Join a music listening group

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Engage with fellow music enthusiasts to share perspectives, broaden your musical horizons, and deepen your understanding of different genres and styles.

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Find or start a music listening group that aligns with your interests
Attend group meetings regularly
Participate in discussions, share your insights, and learn from others

Compile a resource list of music therapy organizations and professionals

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Contribute to the field by gathering and organizing information about music therapy resources, making it easily accessible for those seeking support.

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Research and identify reputable music therapy organizations and professionals
Collect contact information, website addresses, and brief descriptions of their services
Organize the information into a user-friendly format

Create a playlist that demonstrates the power of music

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Utilize your understanding of the course content to curate a playlist that exemplifies the diverse ways music can influence individuals and communities.

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Select music that represents different genres, cultures, and historical periods
Write brief descriptions of each song, explaining how it demonstrates a particular aspect of music's power
Share your playlist with others and discuss your choices

Design a music therapy program for a specific target group

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Apply the principles learned in the course to develop a practical intervention that leverages music to address the needs of a particular population.

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Identify the target group and their specific needs
Research evidence-based music therapy interventions for the target group
Design the program, including goals, objectives, and activities
Evaluate the program's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments

Career center

Learners who complete How Music Can Change Your Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in the principles of music therapy. This knowledge can help Music Therapists to develop effective treatment plans for their clients. Additionally, the course provides practical examples of how music can be used to address a variety of health conditions. This information can be helpful for Music Therapists who want to specialize in a particular area of practice.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers need to have a deep understanding of music theory and practice. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a comprehensive overview of how music works on the body, in the brain, and through the unconscious. This knowledge can help Music Teachers to better understand how to teach their students and to create effective lesson plans. Additionally, the course provides practical examples of how music can be used to support individuals, groups, and communities. This information can be helpful for Music Teachers who want to develop programs that use music to promote wellbeing and foster inclusion.

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Musician

Musicians perform music for audiences. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and practice. This knowledge can help Musicians to develop their skills and to create compelling performances. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Musicians who want to build successful careers.

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Composer

Composers create new music. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and composition techniques. This knowledge can help Composers to develop their skills and to create original works. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Composers who want to build successful careers.

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Music Educator

Music Educators teach music in schools and other educational settings. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and practice. This knowledge can help Music Educators to develop effective lesson plans and to create engaging learning experiences for their students. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Educators who want to develop programs that are relevant to their communities.

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Sound Engineer

Sound Engineers record and mix music. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and production techniques. This knowledge can help Sound Engineers to create high-quality recordings that meet the needs of their clients. Additionally, the course provides insights into the music industry. This information can be helpful for Sound Engineers who want to build successful careers.

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Music Producer

Music Producers are responsible for overseeing the recording and production of music. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and production techniques. This knowledge can help Music Producers to create high-quality recordings that meet the needs of their clients. Additionally, the course provides insights into the music industry. This information can be helpful for Music Producers who want to build successful careers.

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Music Promoter

Music Promoters promote music events. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in the music industry. This knowledge can help Music Promoters to develop effective marketing campaigns and to build relationships with artists and venues. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Promoters who want to develop programs that are relevant to their communities.

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Music Director

Music Directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a musical organization. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a broad understanding of the music industry. This knowledge can help Music Directors to make informed decisions about programming, budgeting, and marketing. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Directors who want to develop programs that are relevant to their communities.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians are responsible for organizing and maintaining music collections. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and history. This knowledge can help Music Librarians to catalog and classify music collections. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Librarians who want to develop programs that are relevant to their communities.

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Music Historian

Music Historians study the history of music. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and history. This knowledge can help Music Historians to understand the development of music over time and to write informed articles and books. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Historians who want to develop a unique perspective on the history of music.

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Music Archivist

Music Archivists are responsible for preserving and protecting music collections. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in music theory and history. This knowledge can help Music Archivists to understand the significance of music collections and to develop effective preservation strategies. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Archivists who want to develop programs that are relevant to their communities.

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Music Agent

Music Agents represent musicians and other music professionals. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a strong foundation in the music industry. This knowledge can help Music Agents to understand the needs of their clients and to negotiate contracts. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Agents who want to build successful careers.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a broad understanding of the music industry. This knowledge can help Music Journalists to write informed and engaging articles. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Journalists who want to develop a unique perspective on the music industry.

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Music Critic

Music Critics write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. The course 'How Music Can Change Your Life' provides a broad understanding of the music industry. This knowledge can help Music Critics to write informed and engaging articles. Additionally, the course provides insights into the role of music in society. This information can be helpful for Music Critics who want to develop a unique perspective on the music industry.

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