MOOC

MOOC Artistic Research in Music - an Introduction

Are you interested in artistic research but unsure where to start? Would you like to explore how artistic practice can generate new knowledge?

'Artistic Research in Music – an Introduction' is a free online course (MOOC – Massive Open Online Course) developed by Orpheus Instituut in collaboration with KU Leuven. Designed for musicians, composers, performers, educators, researchers, doctoral candidates and curious practitioners alike, the course offers an accessible yet in-depth introduction to the field of artistic research in music.

Since its first launch in 2019, the course has welcomed thousands of participants from around the world, creating an international learning community around artistic research and its many approaches.

What will you learn?

Through a combination of video lectures, interviews, readings, case studies, practical assignments and reflective exercises, participants are introduced to the key concepts, methods and challenges of artistic research.

Topics include:

• understanding artistic research and its distinctive characteristics;
• developing research questions and objectives;
• situating artistic research within broader academic and artistic contexts;
• exploring methodologies and research strategies;
• engaging with theory and critical reflection;
• documenting, disseminating and communicating research outcomes.

A central feature of the course is its practical orientation. Throughout the programme, participants gradually develop their own research ideas and work towards a research proposal that connects directly with their artistic practice.

Contents

Combining more than 60 video lectures and interviews, over 400 minutes of video content, insights from over 20 internationally recognised researchers and artists, and a range of practical assignments and assessments, the course offers a rich and engaging introduction to artistic research in music. The course consists of six thematic modules:

1. Introduction to Artistic Research in Music
2. Finding Focus: Articulating Questions, Topics and Objectives
3. Scoping and Locating the Project
4. Methodology
5. Negotiating with Theory, Creating a Discourse
6. Documentation, Dissemination and Returning Research to Practice

Participants can expect a workload of approximately 6–8 hours per module, allowing for both focused study and reflection alongside professional or academic commitments.

Who is this course for?

This course is particularly relevant for:

• musicians and performers seeking to deepen their artistic practice;
• composers interested in research-based creative processes;
• master's and doctoral students preparing research projects;
• researchers working at the intersection of art and academia;
• educators and cultural professionals interested in artistic knowledge production.

Whether you are taking your first steps in artistic research or looking to strengthen an existing project, the course provides valuable tools, examples and perspectives from leading practitioners in the field.

Upcoming edition

The MOOC has been offered in several editions since its launch. An edition typically runs from mid September till mid June.

Interested in joining the next edition? Check back regularly or follow the Orpheus Instituut's communication channels for updates. Once registration opens, a direct link to the course platform will be provided on this page.