Music Studies

The minor Music Studies offers you a different way of thinking about music. Music is more than just a form of art, more than just entertainment.

What roles does music play within our society? How does current society influence music? And vice versa: how does music influence, for instance, politics, media and technology? Music, sound design and sound art are omnipresent in our daily environment. How are music and sound used, how do they influence us?

Why do we dance to music? Can music cure us when we are ill? What is the function of technology in listening to, discovering and creating music?

Practice and theory meet in Music Studies. You are not required to be able to play an instrument to take this minor. If you are curious about the interaction between music and society, if you want to know more about music, sound art or cultural sciences, this minor is also for you. You study and reflect on the various roles, positions and functions of music using theories from sociology, psychology and philosophy, among other things.

Cultural philosophy is also studied, investigating artistic, socio-political and even ethical aspects of music. We gain insight into the history and current developments of music and sound art. The definitions of 'popular' and 'global' in relation to music are examined, as well as music and cognition, the role of the internet, artificial intelligence (AI) and electronic music.

After having taken this minor you will have gained a broad insight into what music is and into the influence that music, human beings and society have on each other.

• Extent: 30 EC (spread over 2 semesters)
• Intended for: This minor targets all bachelor students with a keen interest in music.

Students who practice, study, perform and/or actively listen to and enjoy music, will be able to gain an understanding of what music is and of the ways in which it functions in present day society. The creative industries encompass a wide range of jobs involving music performance, music education, music journalism, music production, music curatorship, event organisation, sound technology, musicology, cultural policies, publishing, authorship and copyright. In these dynamic fields there is a growing demand for academic graduates who are able to work on complex, multidisciplinary challenges.

This minor therefore aims to be a valuable extension of students’ job prospects.

This minor programme can also be followed for 15 EC. Register for this minor and contact the minor coordinator.