The Physics of Music

This textbook is designed to help students and professionals understand the intimate connection between music and physics. The reader does not need prior background in music or physics, as the concepts necessary for understanding this connection are developed from scratch, using nothing more sophisticated than basic algebra which is reviewed for the reader. The focus is on connecting physics to the creation of music and its effect on humans. The reader will learn about the basic structure of music in relation to acoustics concepts, different musical instrument groups, how the room affects sound, and how sound travels from instruments to human ears to evoke an emotional reaction. Replete with exercises to hone students’ understanding, this book is ideal for a course on the physics of music and will appeal to STEM students as well as students, professionals, and enthusiasts in any field related to music and sound engineering.