The Psychology of Performing Arts: The Power of Music
How does music exert such extraordinary effects on our emotions? To what extent does it depend upon our nature (biological rhythms, instinctive reactions to certain sound patterns) and to what extent experience (e.g. conditioned associations, nostalgia)? Particular attention is given to the tension-reduction and optimal uncertainty theories of musical enjoyment. We will also consider whether there is any truth in the claim that listening to music can increase intelligence in the listener (the so-called 'Mozart Effect').
Professor Glenn D. Wilson is one of Britain's best-known psychologists. He has appeared on numerous television and radio programmes and has published more than 150 scientific articles and 33 books. He is an expert on individual differences; social and political attitudes; sexual behaviour, deviation and dysfunction; and psychology applied to the performing arts.
(from gresham.ac.uk)
| The Psychology of Performing Arts: The Power of Music |
| Related Links |
| The Music Instinct: Science and Song This film provides a ground-breaking exploration into how and why the human organism and the whole ebb and flow of the cosmos is moved by the undeniable effect of music. |
| How Music Works This is a four-part documentary series presented by Howard Goodall, looking at the four basic elements that make music work: melody, rhythm, harmony and bass. |
| Exploring the Impact of Music on Brain Function Dr. Aniruddh Patel's research focuses on how the brain processes music and language, focusing on what the similarities and differences between the two reveal about each other and about the brain itself. |
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