Lecture/demonstration. Class time will be divided between the presentation and discussion of concepts on the one hand and the application of these concepts in music technology on the other, with majority of time devoted to the latter.
- Simple harmonic motion, wave parameters; wavelength, frequency, resonance, wave intensity
- Sound sources, measurements; intensity level versus intensity of sound
- Physiology and hearing theories
- Transforms and spectral analysis
- The vibrating string
- The vibrating air column; resonant air columns/speed of sound in air
- The vibrating membrane
- The human voice
- Room acoustics
- The audio chain
- Psychoacoustics
By the end of this course students will be able to understand the basic acoustic principles involved in the generation, propagation, perception, registration, and measurement of sound, and they will understand how to apply this knowledge in the context of performing, recording, creation, or analysis of music.
Assignments/Quizzes/Projects - maximum of 20%
Midterm Exam – at least two tests administered during the semester, minimum 30%/maximum 50%
Final Exam – minimum 30%/maximum 40%
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
Musical Acoustics; Hall, Donald. Brooks/Cole Pub. Co.
BAM entrance or permission of instructor