Physics 288/489: THE PHYSICS OF MUSIC   Fall, 2004

 

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

This course will unravel the physical aspects of the phenomena that make up the practice and experience of music, as well as to get a glimpse into physics as a mental activity. No previous expertise in either physics or music is required, although basic trigonometry and music-reading wouldn't hurt. The main emphasis will be on lecture demonstrations with student participation where feasible. Topics to be covered include: the nature of sound; mechanics of vibration; musical tones and intervals; scales and temperaments; wave motion, propagation of sound through pipes; physics of the instruments, from brass and woodwinds to strings, piano, and percussion instruments; and high-fidelity sound reproduction. A graduate-credit option (PHYSICS 489) is available by supplementing the regular course with an appropriate independent project.

Lectures: Tues, Thurs 1:00-2:30pm, 170 Dennison

Instructor: Prof. Christopher Monroe

Office: Randall Laboratory 4231

Phone: 615-9625

Email: crmonroe@umich.edu (put 'PHYS 288' in subject line, or it might not get read)

Office Hrs: Tues, Thurs 2:30-3:30 or by appointment (Randall Laboratory 4231)

Grader: Mitaire Ojaruega (mojarueg@umich.edu)

 

Required textbook: Musical Acoustics, by Donald E. Hall (Brooks Cole, 3nd edition, 2001) ISBN: 0534377289. 

 

Approximate Syllabus:

 

WEEK OF TOPIC READING

Sept 7

 intro., music as dividing time Hall, Chaps. 1-2

Sept 14

 oscillations/resonance, standing waves, normal modes of oscillation Hall, Chap. 2, 4
Sept 21 complex waveforms and their frequency spectrum Hall, Chaps. 8
Sept 28 measures of intensity, hearing and the human ear Hall, Chaps. 5,6
Oct 5 musical notation and elements; musical intervals and the Western scale Hall, Chap. 7, 18
Oct 12 string instruments; the organ Hall, Chaps. 11-12
Oct 26 horn and wind instruments Hall, Chaps. 12-13
Nov 2 percussion instruments Hall, Chap. 9
Nov 9 other instruments; the human voice Hall, Chap. 9, 14
Nov 16 sound reproduction and acoustics Hall, Chap. 16
Nov 30 sound perception; intervals; tuning and temperment Hall, Chaps. 17-18
Dec 7 musical structure revisited Hall, Chap. 19

 

Exams: (dates and times not flexible)

Midterm exam: Thurs. Oct. 21, 1:00-2:30pm, Dennison 170

Final exam: Tues. Dec 14, 1:00-3:00pm, Dennison 170 (last day of class)

 

Homeworks:

Homeworks will be distributed about once every two weeks, and due in class.  Paper must be stapled, and ragged-edged paper from spiral-bound notebooks will not be accepted!

 

Grade Determination:

Midterm: 30%; Final Exam: 40%; Homeworks: 30%

 

Those students registered for Physics 489 have the same requirements as above, but in addition, a special project related to the subject matter of the course (but going further or more deeply) must be handed in by the last day of class.  You must consult with the instructor in advance to plan this project.  The project will count 20% of your total grade, with the above percentages adjusted accordingly (each multiplied by 0.8).

 

Recommended other books: (1) The Physics of Sound, by Richard E. Berg & David G. Stork (Prentice-Hall, 2nd edition, 1995) ISBN: 0131830473.  Complete textbook style, with more emphasis on waves and sound production and propagation.  (2) Measured Tones: The Interplay of Physics and Music, by  Ian Johnston (Institute of Physics Publishing; 2nd edition, 2002) ISBN: 0750307625.  Offbeat approach to the subject, and a fun read.  (3) The Science of Musical Sound, by John R. Pierce (W.H. Freeman & Company; 3rd edition, 1992) ISBN: 0716760053.  A more musical and visual treatment, with lots of good figures.