Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/music-as-biology

Introduction

### Course Review: Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why In a world where music transcends cultural boundaries, the course "Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why" on Coursera invites participants to delve deeply into the biological foundations of our musical preferences. This course is a fascinating intersection of music theory, biology, and psychology, promising an enriching exploration of how music affects our emotions and why certain tonal combinations resonate with us more than others. #### Overview of the Course The course offers a comprehensive examination of the elements that shape our musical experiences. It investigates the nuances of consonance and dissonance, the various scales we utilize, and how these factors elicit emotional responses. By employing a biological framework, the course analyzes data from speech and musical databases, ultimately leading to insights about the chromatic scale and human preferences in music. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Course Introduction:** The course begins with an essential overview, setting the stage for understanding music through a biologically informed lens. 2. **Sound Signals, Sound Stimuli, and the Human Auditory System:** This module offers a deep dive into the functioning of the human auditory system, explaining how sound signals are transformed into perceptible stimuli. 3. **The Perception of Sound Stimuli:** Here, learners will explore the qualities of sound that we perceive and how they differ from the original sound signals. 4. **Vocalization and Vocal Tones:** This section discusses the biological significance of vocal sounds and their integral role in both communication and music. 5. **Defining Music and Exploring Why We Like It:** You will uncover the tonal phenomena essential for any theory of music and examine various approaches to understanding why we are drawn to certain musical forms. 6. **Musical Scales:** This module addresses the reason behind the global preference for a limited number of musical scales, illuminated by biological principles. 7. **Music, Emotion, and Cultural Differences:** The course culminates in an examination of emotional conveyance through music, illustrating the connection between cultural speech and musical traditions. 8. **Additional Resources:** To support learning, the course provides extra demonstrations and insightful commentaries by Ruby Froom, paired with a glossary of terms and a bibliography for further study. #### Why You Should Join "Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why" is perfect for anyone intrigued by the science behind music. Whether you're a musician looking to deepen your understanding of musical structures or simply someone who enjoys the emotional power of music, this course offers something for everyone. The lectures are well-structured and engaging, making complex concepts accessible. Participants will benefit from interactive discussions and a rich array of multimedia resources that enhance the learning experience. Additionally, the blend of theory and practical examples ensures that the content is relevant and applicable to real-world situations. #### Conclusion In summary, this carefully curated course is not only enlightening but also enjoyable. It invites you to consider music in a light you might not have before, enriching your experience as a listener or creator. I wholeheartedly recommend "Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why" to anyone who wishes to explore the profound bond between music, biology, and emotion. Sign up today and embark on a journey that could change how you perceive music forever!

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Introduction to Music as Biology

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.