1

COURSE PROGRAM
Instructor:

Prof. Simone Dalla Bella

Title:

Psychology of music

Hours:

30

Course description and objectives

The goal of these course is to provide a review of theories and methods in contemporary
Psychology of Music, in order to address the question How human mind can perceive
and perform music?. The topic will be presented from the perspective of cognitive
sciences (i.e., Music Cognition). The cognitive mechanisms underlying music perception,
memory, and performance will be illustrated by presenting empirical evidence from
laboratory experiments. When possible, the mental functions engaged in music
appreciation and performance will be linked to their brain substrates.
Specific goals:
1) Present a review of the major theories and methods in Music Cognition.
2) Describe the most relevant empirical evidence with regard to music perception
and performance.
3) Help students to develop a critical attitude toward to the results obtained in
experiments on music perception and performance.

Textbook
Tan, S-L., Pfordresher, P., & Harre, R. (2010). Psychology of Music: From Sound
to Significance. London: Routledge & Psychology Press.

In addition, the slides of the presented classes will be made available in PDF format.
Criteria for passing the course
Attendance is crucial for passing this class (students are expected not to miss more than 2
classes without justification). Participation is also worth 10% of the final mark.

Participation
Final exam (multiple-choice questions)
Absence (except the first 2)
Maximum n. of points

10%
90%
-2
100

Course schedule

Class 1

Introduction to Music Cognition

Class 2

Methods in Music Cognition.

Basic concepts in auditory perception
(e.g. Auditory scene analysis)

Class 3

Perception: timbre, consonance and dissonance,

Grouping principles

Class 4

Perception: pitch, musical scales

Class 5

Perception: rhythm and meter

Class 6

Memory: hierarchic organization of musical pitch and rhythm

Attention: effect of rhythm and meter on music perception/attention

Class 7

Performance: effect of musical education in piano performance and

vocal performance

Class 8

Music, the language of emotions

Class 9

Music perception and performance: developmental aspects

Class 10

Music and the brain

Exam