In brief
- This course will provide insight into neurosciences, brain anatomy, brain pathology, the impact of music on the nervous system and human functioning. We will explore the neuroscientific foundations of music and its use in clinical and non-clinical settings.
- For credentialed music therapists
- Entirely thaught in English language
- A course certificate over 84 hours is provided after completion of the course and its assignments. This course is accreditted by the Dutch Registration for Arts Therapies
- Provided by Dr. Artur Jaschke (professor for music based interventions ArtEZ) and Camila Pfeiffer (head of Master’s program in Music Therapy ArtEZ)
Course description
After completing this course you will have acquired the basic knowledge in the neurologic and neuroscientific foundations of music and music therapy and its relevance for the clinical application of music-based interventions. You will be able to critically analyze the benefits and challenges of neurosciences to the field of music therapy and provide theoretical and scientific focundations for your clinical approach. The course is taught entirely in English language.
Course content
This course will provide insight into neurosciences, brain anatomy, brain pathology, the impact of music on the nervous system and human functioning. We will explore the neuroscientific foundations of music and its use in clinical and non-clinical settings. You will exchange and reflect about the impact of pathology on human communication, cognition, movement, social behavior and emotions. You will learn about connections between music and the human nervous system and examples of the application of music to improve functions and health.
Through synchronic online classes, forum discussions, mini tests, quizzes, reading of research literature and reflection, you will be able to relate the neuroscientific findings to own clinical practice. The course is organized in ten topics:
- Embedding Neurosciences in the Music Therapy Profession
- Music and Neurosciences
- Music Processing in the Brain
- An Introduction to Human Brain Anatomy
- Music(therapy), Language and Communication
- Music(therapy) and Cognitive Functions
- Music(therapy) and Movement
- Music(therapy) and Disorders of Consciousness
- Music(therapy) and Pain Management
- Music and the Emotional Brain
Instructional mode
Biweekly online meetings Fridays from 13.00 -14.00 | December 2025 to March 2026.
- Access to an asynchronic syllabus
- Online, synchronic webinars
- Discussion forums
- Quizzes and written assignments
Assignments
To complete this course, you will need to complete five assignments on topics of your choice and mini quizzes.
Reading material
Handouts, literature, and online resources.
Certification
After completion of this course, the ArtEZ University of the Arts will issue a course certificate on your name. This course was accreditted by the Dutch Registration Board of Arts Therapies for 24 European credit points, which entails an equivalent of 672 hours of theory and practice.