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Music as Biology

What We Like to Hear and Why

Dale Purves

The course will explore the tone combinations that humans consider consonant or dissonant, the scales we use, and the emotions music elicits, all of which provide a rich set of data for exploring music and auditory aesthetics in a biological framework. Analyses of speech and musical databases are consistent with the idea that the chromatic scale (the set of tones used by humans to create music), consonance and dissonance, worldwide preferences for a few dozen scales from the billions that are possible, and the emotions elicited by music in different cultures all stem from the relative similarity of musical tonalities and the characteristics of voiced (tonal) speech. Like the phenomenology of visual perception, these aspects of auditory perception appear to have arisen from the need to contend with sensory stimuli that are inherently unable to specify their physical sources, leading to the evolution of a common strategy to deal with this fundamental challenge.

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Syllabus

Course Introduction

Introduction to Music as Biology

Sound Signals, Sound Stimuli, and the Human Auditory System

An overview of the organization of the human auditory system, and how sound signals are transformed into sound stimuli.

The Perception of Sound Stimuli

An introduction to the sound qualities we perceive, and how and why these qualities differ from the information in sound signals.

Vocalization and Vocal Tones

A discussion of the nature of vocal sound signals, their biological importance and their role in understanding music.

Defining Music and Exploring Why We Like It

The tonal phenomena that need to be explained in any theory of music, and different approaches that have been take to provide answers.

Musical Scales

Why a small number of basic scales are used in music worldwide, and how a biological framework explains this and related puzzles.

Music, Emotion, and Cultural Differences

How emotion is conveyed by vocal similarity in music across cultures, and how the speech of a culture and its music are related. A summing up of the major points in the course follows.

Additional Resources

Additional demonstrations and commentaries by Ruby Froom on some of the musical issues considered in the course, as well as a glossary of terms and bibliography for references.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops an understanding of how music and auditory aesthetics relate to biology, focusing on tone combinations, scales, and emotions

Taught by Dale Purves, a renowned neuroscientist known for his research in visual perception and aesthetics

Multi-modal course offering a diverse mix of videos, readings, discussions, interactive materials, and hands-on labs

Requires a basic understanding of anatomy, sound, and perception

Covers a broad range of topics, including speech, vocal tones, musical scales, and emotions, providing a comprehensive exploration of music and auditory perception

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Reviews summary

Biology of music with enriching content

Learners say this course offers engaging lectures on the biological and neuroscientific aspects of music. It explores the human auditory system, harmonic series, and musical preferences. While the instructor is knowledgeable and engaging, some learners found the quizzes difficult and the organization of the course to be disorganized. Also, note that this is a neuroscience course, not a musical theory course.

Knowledgeable and engaging instructor

"The instructor is very narrative in his lecture style."

"He did a great job explaining difficult concepts until you GOT it, even without a scientific background."

Difficult and confusing quizzes

"I found them to be confusing in verbiage, often focusing on obscure points within the lectures, or using terminology not addressed in the lectures at all."

Disorganized and slow course structure

"Great topic, great information, poor structure design."

"I think it was done in a way to allow people with no music knowledge to take the course, but i also think that is ambitious to pretend that these people follow up from ground up until modes and scales in a 6 week course, and for those who already know the music theory, it gets slow and cumbersome."

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 as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why with these activities:

Review basic music theory concepts

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Refreshes foundational knowledge of music theory.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review the basics of music theory, including notes, scales, and chords.
Take practice tests or quizzes to assess your understanding.

Practice Reading Music

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Refreshes your ability to read musical notation, which is essential for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Find a simple piece of sheet music and read through it.
Use a metronome to practice playing the notes at a steady tempo.
Try to identify the key and time signature of the music.

Watch video tutorials on music theory and notation

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Provides additional clarification and reinforcement of the course material.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Find video tutorials on reputable websites or platforms.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key points.

Eight other activities

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Explore the Auditory System Tutorial

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Provides a deeper understanding of the human auditory system, which is crucial for comprehending the course material.

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Find an online tutorial on the auditory system.
Take notes on the different parts of the auditory system and their functions.
Watch videos or animations to visualize the auditory system in action.

Read 'The Science of Music' by John R. Pierce

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Provides a solid foundation in the scientific principles underlying music.

View The Science of Musical Sound on Amazon

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Read the book from cover to cover.
Take notes on the key concepts and ideas.
Discuss the book with other students or a tutor.

Practice identifying intervals and chords

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Strengthens the ability to recognize and identify musical elements by ear.

Browse courses on Ear Training

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Use an online ear training tool or app.
Practice regularly for at least 15 minutes a day.

Compose a short melody using the principles of consonance and dissonance

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Applies the concepts of consonance and dissonance to practical music-making.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review the principles of consonance and dissonance.
Choose a scale and key.
Compose a melody that incorporates both consonant and dissonant intervals.

Attend a music theory study group or join an online forum

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Fosters collaboration and allows for peer-to-peer learning.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Find a study group or forum that aligns with your learning goals.
Participate regularly and contribute to discussions.

Organize and review your notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Helps to solidify learning and prepare for assessments.

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Create a system for organizing your materials.
Review your materials regularly.
Identify any areas where you need additional clarification.

Read 'Music: A Mathematical Offering' by Dave Benson

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Explores the mathematical foundations of music.

View Music: A Mathematical Offering on Amazon

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Read the book from cover to cover.
Work through the exercises and problems.
Discuss the book with other students or a tutor.

Volunteer at a music festival or concert

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Provides hands-on experience in a musical setting.

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Find a music festival or concert that is seeking volunteers.
Apply for a volunteer position.
Attend the event and assist with tasks as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat speech and language disorders. They work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Music Journalist

Music journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They interview musicians, review concerts and albums, and write feature articles about music-related topics. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Journalists because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Journalists to better understand the reasons why people find certain types of music appealing, and it can help them to write more informed and insightful articles about music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

Sound Designer

Sound designers create and manipulate sound effects for a variety of media, including films, television shows, and video games. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Sound Designers because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Sound Designers to better understand the ways in which sound is perceived by the human ear, and it can help them to create sound effects that are realistic and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Music Director

Music directors oversee the musical activities of an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble. They select the music to be performed, and they lead the ensemble in rehearsals and performances. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Directors because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Directors to better understand the reasons why people find certain types of music appealing, and it can help them to choose and lead music that will be enjoyed by audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Audio Engineer

Audio engineers design, build, and maintain sound systems. They work in a variety of settings, including recording studios, concert halls, and theaters. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Audio Engineers because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Audio Engineers to better understand the ways in which sound is perceived by the human ear, and it can help them to design and build sound systems that produce high-quality sound.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Psychologist

Psychologist explore issues such as the brain, cognition, and personality. This course will cover the biology of music, how it is perceived, and the emotions it elicits. This course can help build a foundation in order to explore some of the ways in which music affects the brain, emotions, behavior and even health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Composer

Composers write music for a variety of purposes, including concerts, films, and television shows. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Composers because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Composers to better understand the reasons why people find certain types of music appealing, and it can help them to write music that is both enjoyable and meaningful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Musicologist

Musicologists study the history, theory, and practice of music. They analyze and interpret musical compositions, and they write about the history and development of music. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Musicologists because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Musicologists to better understand the origins of music and the reasons why humans find certain types of music appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musicologist

Music Producer

Music producers oversee the recording and production of music. They work with musicians and engineers to create the final product, and they make decisions about the sound and style of the music. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Producers because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Producers to better understand the reasons why people like certain types of music, and it can help them to make better decisions about the sound and style of their music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Librarian

Music librarians organize and manage music collections in libraries and archives. They help researchers and patrons to find the music they need, and they provide information about the history and development of music. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Librarians because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Librarians to better understand the reasons why people like certain types of music, and it can help them to provide more informed and helpful assistance to researchers and patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Critic

Music critics write reviews and articles about music performances and recordings. They evaluate the quality of music and they provide their opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of different musicians and composers. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Critics because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Critics to better understand the reasons why people like certain types of music, and it can help them to write more informed and insightful reviews.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Music Therapist

Music therapists use music to help people with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. They use music to improve communication, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Therapists because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Therapists to better understand the reasons why people find certain types of music appealing, and it can help them to use music more effectively in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Music Teacher

Music teachers teach music to students of all ages. They help students to learn how to play musical instruments, sing, and read music. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Teachers because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Teachers to better understand the reasons why people find certain types of music appealing, and it can help them to teach music in a more engaging and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Music Historian

Music historians study the history of music. They research and write about the development of music over time, and they analyze the music of different cultures and periods. Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why may be useful for Music Historians because it provides a biological framework for understanding music. This course can help Music Historians to better understand the origins of music and the reasons why humans find certain types of music appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Historian

Reading list

We've selected 18 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 as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why.

The Power of Music

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This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in music psychology, covering topics such as music perception, cognition, performance, and therapy.

Music as Biology

What We Like to Hear and Why

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Biology of music with enriching content

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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