Course Info: NS-0102

CourseNS-0102 Musical Acoustics
Long TitleMusical Acoustics
Term2017F
Note(s) Satisfies Distribution
Textbook information
Meeting InfoCole Science CenterüCole Science Center 3-OPENü3-PHYC on T,THüTH from 12:30-1:50ü2:00-4:00
FacultyFrederick Wirth
Capacity20
Available8
Waitlist0
Distribution(s) Physical and Biological Sciences
Cumulative Skill(s)Independent Work
Quantitative Skills
Additional InfoIn this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.
Description

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 developed the physics of vibrating systems and wave propagation and studied the measurement of sound. Topics included: vibrating systems, wave motion, wave analysis, resonance, room acoustics, and the application of these principles to various classes of instruments. Assigned work included weekly problem sets and a class presentation by each student on a topic of interest. A weekly lab allowed students to investigate various acoustical systems and measuring devices. Students performed simple experiments, learned to operate the lab equipment, and read papers from the original literature. Students developed an independent project in musical acoustics and presented the results of their large project to the class near the end of the semester.