42565 - Psychology of Music (1)

Learning outcomes

After having attended this course students will learn:

• the main empirical researches concerning mental processes in listening to music, musical performance and musical composition;
• the main problems concerning musical education and learning, the main aspects concerning the relationship between music and emotion especially considering the studies on the influence of music on individual well-being and considering music therapy models and techniques, too;
• the most recent researches on psychology of music with reference to their theoretical background as well as to their practical applications.

Course contents

This course is going to teach the relationship between music and cognitive processes in musical performance, composition and listening. Main theories concerning musical learning will also be presented. The relationship between music and emotional expression is going to be examined especially in the context of music therapy. The theoretical basis and practical applications of which can be associated with emotional regulation processes.

In order to understand better a part of this course, students who are not familiar with musical language are suggested to follow one of the basic music learning courses organized by our University (http://www.dar.unibo.it/it/attivita-didattica/supporti-alla-didattica/index.html ).

Cognitive processes in musical performance, composition and listening. Music education psychological aspects. Music and emotion. Music therapy: theories, clinical and social projects.

Readings/Bibliography

1) Sloboda, J.A., La mente musicale. Bologna: Il Mulino, 1988.

2)Manarolo, G. (a cura di), Manuale di musicoterapia, Teoria, metodi e strumenti per la formazione, Carocci: Bologna, 2020.

Suggested optional reading Caterina, R. Che cosa sono le artiterapie, Carocci: Bologna, 2005.

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures. Ppt presentation and Group discussions. 

Assessment methods

In standard examinations students will be asked to write short essays on 3 open questions (75 minutes will be given, no possibility to use books or reports during the task) concerning the books which have been mentioned as suggested readings. Achieving an organic vision of the issues dealt with, the possession of expressive mastery and a specific language, the originality of reflection as well as the familiarity with the tools of analysis of psychology of music will be evaluated with excellent marks. Mostly mechanical or mnemonic knowledge of the subject, unmanaged synthesis and analysis skills, or a correct but not always appropriate language, as well as a scholastic domain of psychology of music not going further from what has already been discussed during the lessons, will lead to good or fair evaluations. Lack of training or inappropriate language, as well as a lack of knowledge of the tools of psychology of music will lead to an evaluation that will stand on the threshold of sufficiency. Lack of training, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliography and inability to analyse the psychology of music can only be evaluated negatively. Final evaluation will refer to the mean of the single answer evaluations. Special criteria will be adopted in case of missing answers.

Students are requested to apply for test using "almaesami" on line system.

Students who regularly attend the class may have the regular 3 open questions as described above based on what has been discussed during class. As alternative students who regurarly attend the class may ask, accordind to the possibilities, for an oral examination based on what has been discussed during class.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations. Musical examples.

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Caterina