The Emotive Power of Music

We are constantly hearing music throughout our day coming from many different places. Join us as we discuss how music is able to evoke feelings of happiness along with all of the wide range of human emotions.

About our Scholar

Dr. Benjamin Cox has served in the capacity of music minister since he was in high school. He sang as a choral scholar at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Little Rock, Arkansas while completing his Bachelor in Music degree at the University of Central Arkansas. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, he moved to Austin where he would complete his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Texas. During his time in Austin, he has served as choral section leader, and conductor for Catholic churches, and is a regular cantor with the Austin Diocesan Choir. Dr. Cox is often called upon to provide clinics to choirs, focusing on vocal health to ensure a lifetime of healthy singing. In addition to his work in ministry, he also maintains an active performance calendar as a recitalist and opera singer. His favorite activities include dining, opera, traveling, and most importantly, spending time with his wife, Andrea, and their son, Christopher.

About this year's theme for our programs: Happiness

We all want to be happy, but what does it mean to live a happy life and how does one get there?

This spring, the Austin Institute events will try to answer these questions. Looking at what lies at the root of any form of human flourishing, our speakers will help us navigate these issues in the broadest and yet deepest way. We will look at happiness through the eyes of philosophy, law, sociology, and literature. Hopefully, this will be an occasion to grow in happiness together,learning what it is that we should be starving for in this life.