Mission statement of the former Centre for Systematic Musicology

• The perception of pitch, consonance and tonality in Western music, with implications for music theory;
• Neurological foundations of musicality (musical abilities, their experience-dependent plasticity, their development in children, transfer effects);
• The psychology of musical interaction and creativity with a focus on embodiment, embedding, enactment and extension in cognition with implications for music education and development; and
• Cross-cultural perspectives on music therapy and music medicine: healing, rituals, altered states of consciousness.

Deep interdisciplinarity

To shed light on such complex issues, we specialised in interdisciplinarity between epistemologically distant disciplines. Our researchers strived for a balance between the humanities (e.g. anthropology, history, philosophy), natural sciences (psychology, physics, biology, computer science), and practically orientated disciplines (performance, composition, therapy, education, medicine). We actively promoted deep interdisciplinarity through the Conference on Interdisciplinary Musicology (CIM) and the Journal of Interdisciplinary Music Studies (JIMS), both of which were founded and run by the centre.

Future orientation 

"We work for tomorrow": Our research has had an impact on the future not only in areas such as musical neuroscience, music cognition, and cognitive ethnomusicology, but also in related disciplines such as music education, music theory, and music therapy. Beyond musical issues, we considered the future of intercultural interaction and the future of the global ecosphere.

Digitalization. Digital methods were central to our research work. We conducted statistical analyses of historical music databases to gain new insights into music theory and music cognition. We used computerized neurological measurement instruments (EEG, imaging techniques) to investigate the neurobiology of music cognition. We developed and organised globally accessible, low-carbon, semi-virtual conference formats that take advantage of emerging audiovisual communication technologies.

International visibility. Our research results were mainly published in English and in reputable international peer-reviewed journals. We promoted the German language in our interactions with media, students and colleagues in research and administration.

Collegiality. We fostered and cultivated a friendly, collegial working environment. Our common goal was academic quality as controlled by international experts. Our staff were selected with these goals in mind. Important information was made available to all members of the centre. Different opinions and approaches were respected. Students were informed about conferences, job offers and other opportunities for career development.