Natural Science 0102 - Musical Acoustics

All facets of musical performance, the production of sound, its transmission and alteration by the performance space, and its perception by members of the audience, are candidates for study in acoustics. In this course we will develop the physics of vibrating systems and wave propagation and study the measurement of sound. Topics will include: vibrating systems, wave motion, wave analysis, resonance, room acoustics, and the application of these principles to various classes of instruments. There will be weekly problem sets and a class presentation by each student on a topic of interest. A weekly lab will allow students to investigate various acoustical systems and measuring devices. Students will perform simple experiments, learn to operate the lab equipment, and read papers from the original literature. Students will develop an independent project in musical acoustics. Students will present the results of their large project to the class near the end of the semester.

Physical and Biological Sciences Independent Work Quantitative Skills In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.