33-114 Physics of Musical Sound

Units: 9.0 Department: Physics Related URLs: http://www.phys.cmu.edu/ An introduction to the physics and psychophysics of musical sound. Elementary physics of vibrating systems. Propagation of sound: traveling waves, reflection, and diffraction. Addition of waves: interference and beats. Anatomy of the ear and the perception of sound: loudness, pitch, and timbre. Standing waves and natural modes. Qualitative description of general periodic systems by Fourier analysis: the harmonic series and complex musical tones. The acoustics of musical instruments including percussion instruments, such as drums, bars, and struck and plucked strings; and instruments exhibiting self-sustained oscillations, including bowed strings, blown pipes, reeds, brasses, and singing. Intervals and consonance, musical scales, tuning and temperament. Basic room and auditorium acoustics. There are no formal prerequisites, but an ability to read music and having some previous musical experience will be very useful.

Popularity index Rank for this semester: #73 Rank in this department: #7   Students also scheduled 15-251 Great Theoretical Ideas in Computer... 15-211 Fundamental Data Structures and Alg... 73-100 Principles of Economics 21-241 Matrix Algebra 15-213 Introduction to Computer Systems 21-122 Integration, Differential Equations... 15-113 Systems Skills in C 15-100 Introductory/Intermediate Programmi... 21-259 Calculus in Three Dimensions 21-127 Concepts of Mathematics

Spring 2005 times

Sec	Time	Day	Instructor	Location
A	11:30 am - 12:20 pm	M	Ferguson	DH 2302
		W	Ferguson	DH 2302
		F	Ferguson	DH 2302