Frequently asked questions

1. I have a question on music cognition. Do you know where I can find the answer?

A comprehensive blog on music cognition can be found at the blog Music Matters. You might find your question (partly) answered there by using the search option to explore various topics in depth.

For concise introductions to music cognition, consider starting with:

• Music Cognition: The Basics, by Henkjan Honing (2021) A clear and accessible overview that explains the cognitive foundations of music perception and appreciation.

• Music, Thought, and Feeling: Understanding the Psychology of Music (2nd edition), by William Forde Thompson (2014) A well-structured introduction covering the psychological processes involved in music cognition.

For more detailed and comprehensive resources, see:

• Foundations in Music Psychology: Theory and Research, edited by Peter Jason Rentfrow and Daniel J. Levitin (2019) A landmark volume offering a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of the latest theory and research in music perception and cognition.
• The Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology (2nd edition), edited by Susan Hallam, Ian Cross, and Michael Thaut (2016) An extensive collection of scholarly articles covering a wide range of topics in music psychology and cognition.

2. Can I do a course in music cognition, cognitive and/or computational musicology at the UvA?

The short answer is ‘yes’. See the UvA Studiegids for a complete overview. Courses change slightly every year. N.B. Search for “Music Cognition”, “Cognitive Musicology”, “Computational Musicology”, “AI and music”, or simply “Music”. For questions related to the courses mentioned in the Studiegids, please contact the staff mentioned in there.

3. Can I do an online course in music cognition at the UvA?

There are several lectures available on Youtube: a series of five lectures (in Dutch) at Universiteit van Nederland, several one hour lectures recorded at Paradiso, Amsterdam, Montréal, Canada and TU Delft, NL, and many podcasts.

4. Can I do an internship at MCG?

We only have limited space for internships each year. See Internships for an overview. N.B. From 2026 onward no internships are announced on this website anymore. Please contact the staff directly instead.

5. Can I do a master project under the guidance of MCG?

We only have limited space for master projects each year. See Master projects for an overview. N.B. From 2026 onward no master projects are announced on this website anymore. Please contact the staff directly instead.

6. How can I apply for a PhD/postdoc position at MCG?

Most PhD and Postdoc positions are part of a funded research project; These come available only once every so often. See Vacancies for an overview. N.B. From 2026 onward no positions are announced on this website anymore. Please contact the staff directly instead.

7. Where can I find information about the research of MCG?

See Research and Publications.

8. Where can I find information about researchers that are part of the MCG?

See People.

9. I am a journalist and have a question related to a recent study. Who can I contact best?

Feel free to email us.

10. I would like to invite an MCG member for an interview. Who can I contact best?

Feel free to email us.

11. I would like to invite an MCG member for a lecture/presentation. Who can I contact best?

Feel free to email us. For public lectures of Henkjan Honing, please contact Athenas Sprekersbureau.