(= A MUS 204) Physics of Music

Catalog description

Why does one musical chord sound consonant, the other dissonant? How does the human ear work? Why do musical instruments sound so distinctive? How can musical sound be faithfully recorded, and then reproduced in a life-like manner? In this course, the class will use physical methods and principles to answer these questions. The class will start with the physics of sound production, transmission, and reception. It will then investigate the workings of the ear, and its relation to the perception of sound; the origin and development of musical scales; the design and workings of musical instruments; and the spoken and singing voice. The class will end with the science of auditorium acoustics, and high-fidelity sound recording and reproduction. This is a course ideal for musicians with scientific curiosity, or for non-musicians curious to see how science illuminates and supports many facets of musical activity. Does not yield credit towards the majors or minors in Physics and in Music. Only one version may be taken for credit.