The MAPLE (Music, Acoustics, Perception and LEarning) lab at McMaster University has one opening for a new graduate trainee beginning Fall 2024. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary project exploring musical emotion from three perspectives: experimental (music cognition), analysis of musical scores (music theory/musicology), and computational (music information retrieval). This project will build on collaborations with leading scholars in music theory and music information retrieval, complementing our team’s expertise in music perception and cognition. Most recently we have been working with Tuomas Eerola (Durham University) on computation aspects of the project, and Jonathan De Souza (Western University) on music theoretical aspects (a full list of our collaborators can be found here). Additional details outlining the project’s background can be found in our recent publication in Psychology of Music found here.

Specific questions beyond those addressed on this page should be directed to Dr. Michael Schutz (schutz@mcmaster.ca). Please include a CV, unofficial transcript, brief writing sample, and indication of citizenship/residency status (i.e. Canadian or non-Canadian) with your inquiry.

Applicants will need a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or another affiliated discipline. Experience with computer programming and statistical analyses will be viewed favourably but is not required. Questions beyond those addressed here can be directed to Dr. Michael Schutz (schutz@mcmaster.ca). Please include a CV, unofficial transcript, brief writing sample, and indication of citizenship/residency status (i.e. Canadian or non-Canadian) with your inquiry.

New: Applications received by the deadline stated on the departmental page will receive a full review.  To streamline the review process, please email Dr. Schutz an electronic copy of materials (including names and contact information for references) IN ADDITION to submitting a the formal application.  Emailing materials  directly will ensure they become available for review in a timely manner.

As the School of the Arts is focused on undergraduate education, graduate students interested in research training matriculate through the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB).  However, those interested in connections between the cognitive science of language and music can apply to work in the lab by enrolling in McMaster’s new and innovative graduate program in the Cognitive Science of Language.  Please contact Dr. Schutz directly before applying if you are interested in this option.