Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/music-as-biology
Have you ever wondered why certain melodies resonate with you or why particular chords evoke specific emotions? The Coursera course titled ‘Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why’ invites learners on a fascinating journey through the intersection of music and biology, unraveling the phonetic and emotional intricacies that bind them together.
This course, designed for anyone intrigued by the science of sound and music, takes a deep dive into the tonal combinations humans perceive as consonant or dissonant. As you progress through the syllabus, you’ll engage with a wealth of knowledge, beginning with an overview of the human auditory system in the ‘Sound Signals, Sound Stimuli, and the Human Auditory System’ module. Here, learners will explore how sound signals morph into stimuli and how our brains decode these signals.
The course continues with an insightful discussion on the perception of sound stimuli, examining why we hear certain qualities in music that extend beyond the mere physics of sound waves. Key aspects like vocalization and vocal tones are well-covered; learners will gain an appreciation of how vocal signals serve not only a communicative purpose but also a biological one, reflecting our evolutionary history.
‘Defining Music and Exploring Why We Like It’ is a highlight of the syllabus, where learners engage in discussions about the fundamental aspects of music theory and the psychological underpinnings of musical preferences. Further, the module on ‘Musical Scales’ will provide insights into why a select few scales dominate the music of cultures worldwide, backed by biological explanations that reveal the shared human experience in musical expression.
Lastly, the course examines the relationship between music, emotion, and culture. The ‘Music, Emotion, and Cultural Differences’ segment deftly illustrates how emotional expression transcends geographical boundaries, rooted in both cultural and biological narratives.
The additional resources provided by Ruby Froom enrich the course even further, offering commentaries and a glossary of terms that make complex concepts accessible, enhancing the learning experience.
Overall, ‘Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why’ is a thought-provoking course that combines science and art, upheld by engaging content and expert insights. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of music not just as an art form, but as an integral part of our biology.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/music-as-biology