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Music Psychology
Music psychologists explore the ways that music impacts our emotions, relationships, brain and bodies. We use a range of research approaches to explore the connection between music and individuals, groups and society in order to better understand how music can promote health and wellbeing.
Music Psychology at the Conservatorium
Discovering how people think, feel, behave and learn when engaging with music.
Our Music Psychology Laboratory undertakes research, learning and teaching around the key concept of what it is for individuals and societies to be musical, and the ways music forms an invaluable aspect of everyday life. Our researchers collaborate and engage with other disciplines and organisations in ways that foster exploration, innovation and experimentation.
We work in close association with our sister laboratory at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences – the Clinical Music Neuroscience Laboratory – and collaborate on projects within the Music Mind and Wellbeing Initiative (MMW) at the University of Melbourne.
The Music Psychology Laboratory provides an innovative and overarching framework within which is housed three key areas of music research, teaching and engagement:
Psychology of Music
Focuses on the role music plays in every society and culture, and how it is an important part of all aspects of life, including various social, recreational and cultural occasions. Utilising a range of methodologies, our research initiatives seek to understand the role and purpose of music for individuals and communities, and the ways people engage with music and use music to regulate their mood and emotions in ways that reinforce wellbeing.
Performance Science
Involves the interdisciplinary study of human performance within music. We draw on methodologies across various scientific disciplines to understand the fundamental skills, mechanisms and outcomes of music involvement that enhance the delivery of various forms of professional music performance and music creation.
Performance Teaching
Applies empirical evidence from music psychology related to skill acquisition, practice quality, and motivation, to explore targeted interventions that can be utilised by musicians and teachers and implemented within music education settings, both formal and informal.
Learn more about Masters in Music - Performance Teaching course
Music Psychology and Performance Science courses
How to Prepare for Peak Performance with Dr Margaret Osborne.
Our people
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I was really interested in the work Dr Margaret Osborne was doing at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, which seemed to be at the forefront of performance science research and everything seemed to evolve from there. My current research involves the development and assessment of an online performance skills curriculum for adolescent music students and teachers.
Anneliese GillMusic Psychology and Performance Science Research
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Conservatorium Events
Jazz & Improvisation Small Ensemble Series
Tuesday 15 Oct 2019 at 7:00pm
This two-night concert series features second and third year student ensembles from the Conservatorium’s Jazz & Improvisation program, performing original compositions and arrangements in small ensemble settings.
We strongly encourage booking in advance for all of our events. This guarantees your...
Jazz & Improvisation Small Ensemble Series
Tuesday 15 Oct 2019 at 7:00pm
This two-night concert series features second and third year student ensembles from the Conservatorium’s Jazz & Improvisation program, performing original compositions and arrangements in small ensemble settings.
We strongly encourage booking in advance for all of our events. This guarantees your...
Jazz & Improvisation Large Ensemble Series
Wednesday 16 Oct 2019 at 7:00pm
The Conservatorium’s Jazz & Improvisation program showcase their eclectic range of large ensembles, featuring staff and emerging contemporary improvisers.
We strongly encourage booking in advance for all of our events. This guarantees your seat, and allows us to communicate any unforeseen event s...
News
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14 October 2019
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music student Krishan Meepe says Ethnomusicology has given him the tools to unpack some of the complex intersections of music, and politics....
Meet Tilly Webb, Interactive Composition student at the University of Melbourne
3 October 2019
Now in her third year, musician Tilly Webb explains why she chose to study Interactive Composition, and how she learned to trust her gut....
Richard Tognetti: 'Creatives should be able to test the waters and pour in as much acid as they like'
13 September 2019
Richard Tognetti is Artistic Director and leader of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). Here, the violinist, composer and conductor reflects on the University of Melbourne...