Program Overview

Program Overview

The Mathematics of Music and Sound is a university program that explores the mathematical connections underlying the workings of musical instruments, the human voice, hearing, acoustics, sound analysis, musical composition, and more. This program delves into the production, transmission, and perception of sound, which is woven through with mathematics.

Program Description

Music and math have gone hand in hand for thousands of years. The program aims to expand both scientific and artistic horizons by teaching practical skills and exploring vibration, resonance, waves, musical instruments, the human ear, speech, architectural acoustics, harmony and dissonance, tuning systems, and composition.

Prerequisites

• High-school algebra
• Trigonometry
• Physics
• Familiarity with musical notation or some instrument will be helpful

Course Structure

• Lectures: Wilder 115, MWF 12:30-1:35pm (period 12)
• X-hour: 1-1:50pm Tues, used intermittently for review, problem-solving sessions, catch-up lectures, etc.
• Office hours: Tu 4-5, W 2-3, Th 2:30-3:30

Textbook

• Musimathics, Volume 1, by Gareth Loy (Published by MIT Press, 2006)

Homework

• 7-8 weekly homework assignments due Friday at the start of lecture
• Late homework will not be accepted unless by prior arrangement for a valid reason
• Lowest homework score will be dropped

Exams and Quizzes

• A couple of 20-minute in-class quizzes
• 1 midterm
• 1 final
• Exams will test both mathematical and conceptual understanding and problem-solving

Project Work

• Project work is an important and fun part of the course
• Examples: instrument or room acoustic analysis, inventing and building a new instrument, or an essay on the history of music technology or composition methods
• Includes a brief presentation to the rest of the class
• Students may work in groups up to 3

Aural Postings

• Students are required to post interesting sounds, discuss real-world examples relevant to the course, articles, links, pictures, etc. on the Aural Postings page each week

Grades

• Based on roughly:
  • Homework: 20%
  • Quizzes: 10%
  • Midterm: 20%
  • Project & Aural postings: 20%
  • Final exam: 30%
• Grades are not curved; other students' good performance will not hurt your grade

Tutoring

• Stephen D. Secules is the tutor for this course, available at 7-8pm Tu and Th, Haldeman 028
• Private tutoring through the College is possible; if a student receives financial aid, the College will pay for three hours of tutoring per week

Honor Principle

• Exams: no help given or received
• Homework: group discussion and collaboration on homework is allowed, but write-ups must be done individually

Special Needs

• Students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss any appropriate accommodations that might be helpful
• Register for support services at the Academic Skills Center in 301 Collis

Religious Observance

• Students who wish to take part in religious observances that occur during the academic term should meet with the instructor before the end of the second week to discuss appropriate accommodations.