Science and research at the Motion-Emotion Lab of the Centre for Music Physiology

Science and research at the Department of Music Physiology has a strong interdisciplinary focus and is dedicated to the diverse aspects of music-making in the interaction between humans and instruments. The focus is on empirical studies on physiological, psychological, medical and acoustic issues, which form the basis for innovative research projects and practical studies.


Lecturer / Supervisors:

  •     Associate Professor Dr. Matthias Bertsch

  •     Univ.-Ass. Dr. Alexandra Türk-Espitalier MSc, Dipl. mus., Dipl. mus. päd.


Research areas:

  •     Ergonomics: Development of optimal performance conditions and identification of stress factors.

  •     Musicians' medicine: Investigation of typical symptoms in musicians and development of suitable therapeutic approaches.

  •     Stage fright and performance anxiety: research into emotional reactions and prevention techniques to support stage performances.

  •     Instrument optimization: Physiological and ergonomic adaptations of musical instruments.

  •     Performance and acoustic studies: Analysis of how musicians influence the sound of their instruments.

  •     Sensorimotor skills: Investigation of the interplay of sensory and motor performance when making music.


Study and research at the Motion-Emotion Lab:

Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses and conduct research in the context of the Motion-Emotion Lab. Electives are available for all fields of study. There is also the opportunity to write academic theses such as bachelor's theses, diploma theses, master's theses or dissertations.


Interested?

Would you like to write an academic thesis in one of these exciting subject areas? Contact our teaching staff for support in finding a topic and supervising your thesis!


Further offers:

  •     Research projects at the Lab: Overview of current and completed projects.

  •     Completed theses: Scientific theses completed by students under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Matthias Bertsch and under the supervision of Dr. Alexandra Türk-Espitalier.

  •     Open Science Seminar: An interdisciplinary seminar of the ÖGfMM Science Working Group, led by Dr. Matthias Bertsch and Dr. Christoph Reuter (University of Vienna, Musicology).