Physics 220: The Physics of Music
Dr. Timothy C. Black
214A DeLoach Hall
blackt@uncw.edu
910-962-7607
Class meeting place and time: DeLoach Hall 213, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 – 12:15 A.M.
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 1:30 and by appointment.
Course Materials: No book is assigned for the course. I will send you all required lecture notes via e-mail.
Course Description: We will study the physical, mathematical, and psycho-biological nature of music.
PHY 220. The Physics of Music (3) An introduction to the physical principles underlying music. Study of resonance, the overtone
series, and timbre for both acoustic and electronic instruments, as well as psychoacoustics, pitch, and Western and non-Western
musical scales. Familiarity with pre-college trigonometry and algebra is presumed.
Schedule of Topics
I . Music, sound and waves
A. Description of the essential components of music
B. Pitch and wave frequencies
C. Timbre and the overtone series
D. Pitch and scales in ancient and classical/modern music.
II. Sound generation in acoustic instruments
A. String instruments
B. Wind instruments
C. Woodwind instruments
D. Percussion Instruments
E. Acoustic keyboard Instruments
III. Psycho-acoustics
A. Biophysical basis for hearing
B. Critical bandwidths, consonance, and dissonance
C. Volume
D. Psychological aspects of hearing of special interest for musicians
IV. Electronic Music I
A. Electric guitar pickups
B. Speakers
C. Microphones
D. Acoustic pickups
V. Electronic Music II
A. Amplifiers
B. PA systems
VI. Electronic Music III
A. Signal Processing Effects
B. Electronic keyboards
VII. Vocals
A. Female vocals
B. Male vocals
Grades: Your grade will be based on homework assignments (50%), independent projects (20%), a final exam
(20%), and class participation (10%). All homework assignments are to be done independently, and your
assigned grades will be based on your individual work.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students enrolled in this course are expected to meet the minimum threshold of
understanding in the following areas:
A. Students will demonstrate and understanding of
1. The mathematical structures of the Pythagorian Intonation, Just Intonation, Meantone Intonation, 12
tone equal temperament, and 24 tone equal temperament musical scales. [SAN 2]
2. The mathematical structure of the harmonic series and its central role in the experience of timbre.
[SAN 2]
3. The physical principles underlying the resonance behavior of wind, brass, percussion, and stringed
instruments, and the manner in which the harmonic series peculiar to each type of instrument shapes
their particular sound qualities. [SAN 1]
4. The mathematical relations between sound frequency and the geography of tone sensitivity in the
eardrum. [SAN 2]
5. The mathematical structure of aural critical bandwidths and their influence on consonance,
dissonance, and musical dynamics. [SAN 2]
6. The physical principles underlying transductive instruments and amplification. [SAN 1]
7. The physical basis for various aural effects such as; reverb, echo, delay, phasing, flanging, tremolo,
etc.; and the electronic basis for generating and shaping them. [SAN 1]
B. Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate what they have learned about the physics of
music in classroom discussions and through an individual project. [SAN 3]
Common Curriculum Requirements: This course satisfies the common curriculum requirements for
Scientific Natural Approaches to the World.
Scientific and Natural Approaches to the World Common Student Learning Outcomes: This course
satisfies the following Scientific and Natural Approaches to the World Common Student Learning Outcomes:
SAN 1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic scientific principles, theories, and laws as well as an awareness of
the changing nature of science.
SAN 2. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific hypotheses and theories using rigorous methods (including
statistical and mathematical techniques).
SAN 3. Demonstrate the ability to write and speak critically about the essential questions addressed by the natural
sciences, using the conventions and language of one of those disciplines.