The Power of Music: Why it Matters in Your Life

Overview

Imagine a world without music. No music on the radio, no concerts, no musical instruments. No background music in films and television. No music at our festivals, wedding celebrations, funerals, in our religious ceremonies, or our sporting events.

Even to conceive of such a world requires an enormous leap of the imagination. Music is all around us, intimately woven into the fabric of our lives and there is no known society on earth that has not developed some form of it. We make a special effort to go and hear music in live concerts and we play it on our devices, at home and on the move. We are surrounded by music in shops, gyms and waiting rooms, the music being chosen by others in order to influence our mood and behaviour. The use of music in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is now an important area of research.

In this day school, drawing on the latest research in the psychology and neuroscience of music, we explore some of the properties of music that might hold the key to its power over our minds, our bodies, our social lives and even our souls.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 8 January 2025.

Programme details

9.45am:
Registration at Ewert House reception

10am:
Music and your body

11.15am:
Tea/coffee break

11.45am:
Music and your mind

1pm:
Lunch break

2pm:
Music and your social life

3.15pm:
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm:
Music and your soul

5pm:
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee (includes tea/coffee) £120.00
Baguette Lunch £7.30

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Mr Jonathan Darnborough

Jonathan Darnborough is Director of Studies in Music and Departmental Lecturer in Music at Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. He is a composer and pianist and has worked in continuing education throughout his career. He was a prize-winner in the 1992 Franco-Italian Piano Competition in Paris and he has performed throughout Britain, as well as in Europe, the USA and Indonesia.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation