Music, Mind and Body unit (FXA300)

Introduction

Ever wonder why that tune gets stuck in your head, or when you listen to your favourite song your foot starts tapping, or why it's easier to remember the words of a song when you sing the tune? How do you choose the best music for a restaurant or in a dentist's surgery? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Music, Mind and Body. This unit explores the influence and impact of music and music-making on the human mind and body. You will develop an understanding of the way in which the brain perceives and processes music and learn about the development of musical taste, the effects of music on mood, creativity and improvisation, and the benefits of music listening and participation at all life stages. You will also learn about issues pertinent to health and wellbeing of amateur and professional musicians, including injury prevention. You will gain an understanding of research methods used to study music psychology, and critical thinking skills in evaluating research design. Music, Mind and Body will be valuable for all students interested in the use of music to enhance wellbeing. It will be of direct relevance for performing musicians, with strategies to broaden applications of music for a portfolio career or to help sustain a performing career. The unit will also be of interest to students from creative arts, humanities and social and health sciences pathways who are interested in incorporating music in their area of work, e.g. in rehabilitation, or in aged care, or in applied psychological and health science research.

Summary

Unit name	Music, Mind and Body
Unit code	FXA300
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Creative and Performing Arts
Discipline	Music
Coordinator	Associate Professor Anne-Marie Forbes
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and evaluate potential social benefits, risks and ethical considerations relating to the use of music in a variety of contexts
• Reflect critically on the effects of music on mind and body from youth to old age across a range of cultures applying humanities, social science and health science perspectives
• Critique and evaluate research methods and apply appropriate methods in design of a proposed experiment

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online learning materials with  Zoom webinars, tutorials and discussion boards (4hrs weekly) with additional self-directed learning
Assessment	Discussion Posts (10%)|Online quizzes (10%)|Case study (35%)|Proposal (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended	Hodges, D. and McPherson, G. (2025). Music in the human experience. 3rd ed. Routledge.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.