Introduction to the Physics of Music

Recommended Prerequisites

General Physics

Teaching Methods

1) Theoretical exposition of topics with the use of experimental demonstrations.
2) Review work done in close interaction with the teacher.

Learning Outcomes

A. Establishing relations of basic concepts in physics with the understanding of music and of related technologies.
B. Acquisition of interdisciplinary competences motivated by this interdisciplinary topic par excellence (point of convergence of varied scientific and artistic areas such as music, physics, mathematics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrotechnical engineering, informatics, material science and psychology).
C. The following secondary competences should also be developed: organization and work method; interdisciplinary communication, through the presentation of a review work;

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. Perception and measurement of sound: hearing, sound pressure and sound power, physical and psychological intensities; pitch and timbre; harmonics and harmony; musical scales and temperament; environmental noise, its control and its physiological and psychological effects.
II. Musical instruments: strings, brass instruments, woodwind instruments, percussion instruments, keyboard instruments.
III. Human voice: production, identification, analysis and synthesis of speech; singing.
IV. Introduction to electroacoustics: electronic circuits, loudspeakers. microphones, amplifiers and reception devices; computers and digital techniques in music; sound recording.
V. Introduction to architectural acoustics: auditorium acoustics, electronic reinforcement of sound, small rooms, studios.

Head Lecturer(s)

Filipe Manuel Almeida Veloso

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 20.0%
Exam: 80.0%

Bibliography

- Acústica Musical, Luís L. Henrique, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian (2002).
- The Science of Sound, 3rd edition, T. D. Rossing, F. R. Moore e P. A. Wheeler, Addison Wesley (2002).
- The Physics of Musical Instruments, N. H. Fletcher e T. D. Rossing, Springer (1998)