How Music Can Change Your Life from Coursera

Did you ever wonder how music works?

This course provides free video, audio and journal resources that explain six basic principles about how music can influence individual and community health and wellbeing. From biology and neuroscience, to psychotherapy and politics, the ways we engage with music can make all the difference. Music has always played an integral role in the lives of individuals and communities all around the globe. This course explores the ways that music can be used to achieve positive changes with a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable persons. Six different understandings will be explored, each with their own set of values and assumptions. The greatest thinkers in each approach believe that their way of explaining the power of music is right, but we will show that understanding music in its entirety delivers the best results in each unique circumstance. Once we understand the various ways that music can change the world, we can make informed decisions about how best to employ its extraordinary power.

Learners who engage in this MOOC can expect to both deepen and broaden their understanding of how music can be used with individuals, groups and communities. Specifically: • To distinguish between how music works on the body, in the brain, through the unconscious, for bonding, as political action and in reflecting culture, • To design practical programs that utilise music to support individuals, groups and communities based on examples shared in the ‘on-site’ case studies.

View the MOOC promotional video here: http://tinyurl.com/jnde3w3

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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 impact on life and wellbeing

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive exploration of how music can influence health, communities, and individual wellbeing. Students highlight its broad perspective, covering diverse areas from neuroscience to cultural expression. Many found the content insightful and the lectures clear and engaging, noting that it significantly deepened their understanding of music's power as a tool for change. The case studies and focus on vulnerable populations were particularly appreciated by some reviewers. While generally well-received, a few students felt the course remained too high-level or lacked scientific depth, suggesting it may be best suited as an introduction rather than for those seeking advanced practical techniques. Overall, it is seen as a well-structured course that prompts a new way of thinking about music's role in life.

Excellent overview, potentially high-level for some.

"A solid introduction to the topic."

"Good for a general overview."

"It's a great starting point if you're new to the topic."

"Experienced people might find it less challenging."

Course explores music's impacts across many domains.

"It opened my eyes to how music can impact health and community."

"Covered a broad range of areas, from neuroscience to politics."

"broadened my perspective on the many uses of music beyond just listening."

Lectures and materials are well-presented and valuable.

"Instructor was knowledgeable and passionate."

"Excellent resources provided."

"case studies were very helpful."

"Lectures were clear and engaging."

Provides significant insights into music's power.

"Fantastic course! Deepened my understanding significantly."

"This course changed the way I think about music."

"It opened my eyes to how music can impact health and community."

Some desired more scientific detail or practical methods.

"I was hoping for more practical application or deeper dives..."

"Didn't go into enough detail on the scientific aspects."

"Needed more concrete examples and data."

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Archivist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Agent

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Historian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Promoter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic