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? What’s 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. This unit will help you 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, as well as issues pertinent to health and wellbeing of musicians.

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.