THE PHYSICS OF MUSIC

Making Sound Musical instruments produce sound by creating standing waves of various frequencies. If a standing wave is not created, then either no sound is heard or only noise (a mixture of sounds) is heard. Notes are made from combinations of various frequencies of standing waves.

Noise Musical Tone

The Creation of Sound The two most common mediums that sound is created in is a hollow sound container, such as in a flute or a drum. The other medium is a string, such as on a guitar.

Sound Waves Sound waves are always longitudinal waves. In solids, sound can be in the form of transverse or longitudinal waves. The easiest way to view sound though, is as transverse waves. Transverse waves represent the fluctuation of air pressure back and fourth.

Fundamental Wave 2nd Harmonic 3rd Harmonic

Musical Instruments The major categories: Woodwind Brass Strings Percussion

Woodwind Uses reeds, either single or double Relies upon keys or finger holes for pitch variation

Brass Usually a single tube with a flared ending Utilises valves for pitch variation

Strings Can be bowed, plucked, or struck Pitch is variable through tension, length, and thickness of the string

Percussion Many forms including drums, shakers, bells Often used for accenting or rhythmic purposes