Sound, Music, and Physics

Physics has much in common with the arts; a classic example is the close relationship of physics and music. We will discuss the physics of music (or musical acoustics, as it is often called), including the way in which musical istruments produce sound, the way sound is transmitted to the listener (in a concert hall or by means of recordings), and the perception of the music by the listener. The physics of musical instruments embodies many interesting examples of linear and nonlinear vibrations. Examples of sound production in string, wind, and percussion instruments will be presented.