Welcome to the USC Center for Music, Brain and Society!
The Center for Music, Brain, and Society at USC’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is dedicated to serving as a collaborative nucleus for USC faculty deeply committed to exploring music on both neurobiological and societal levels.
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Mission Statement
Our primary mission is to advance the application of the knowledge we gain from research in music science to promote human well-being and societal flourishing. Our center assembles a diverse and accomplished group of experts from various disciplines within the University. This collective includes faculty members from Psychology, Biological Sciences, Psychiatry, Public Policy, Philosophy, Otolaryngology, Engineering, and Music, who all share a commitment to scientific excellence and the pursuit of innovative breakthroughs. Our ongoing efforts also involve developing cross-disciplinary teaching for both undergraduate and graduate students, while also serving as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, therapists, clinicians, and policymakers.
The Importance of Music Science.
What is it?
Music science is a diverse and interdisciplinary field that draws from various academic disciplines, including musicology, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, sociology, and more. Researchers in this field aim to deepen our understanding of music and its profound impact on human life, health, culture, and society.
Why does it matter?
Music is a unique part of what it means to be human, and the scientific study of music offers insights into cultural practices, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and empathy. Its therapeutic applications are vast, offering treatment pathways for emotional and psychological healing, and it also plays a key role in education by enriching learning experiences and fostering emotional and social development.
How does it relate to society?
Music science is inherently interdisciplinary, designed to dismantle the barriers that traditionally separate different fields of study. It recognizes the value of diverse approaches and seeks to integrate theories and data from various disciplines to not only advance our scientific understanding of music and its application on human life as an art form but also underscores its significance as a powerful tool for human development and connection.
Interested in joining CMBS?
If you’d like to become a member of the USC Center for Music, Brain and Society please fill out our membership interest form.
CMBS News and Announcements
Congratulations to Oneka LaBennett! She has been shortlisted for the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature! GLOBAL GUYANA is one of 5 books shortlisted for the nonfiction prize. The OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature is an annual award for literary books by Caribbean writers, first presented in 2011.
