The Science of Sound in Music

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how music is composed of a mixture of sounds, or a single sound, which is pleasing to the sense of hearing. It discusses some different instruments used to create sound or music. It also shows how sound can be created by an infinite number of things and focuses on the guitar, the flute, the kettledrum, and the human singing voice.

From the Paper:

"In order for sound to be produced, the muscles of the larynx contract and bring the vocal folds together. While the vocal folds are together, the diaphragm moves to a convex position causing the air pressure directly below the vocal folds to increase. When the air pressure below the vocal folds becomes greater than the pressure holding them together, a column of air breaks through the folds. As the air jets through the larynx, it makes a decrease in pressure that brings the vocal folds back together. When the pressure beneath the folds increases once again, the process repeats itself. Vibration is produced by the vocal folds opening and closing rapidly. Every time the vocal folds open a gush of air escapes."

More papers on The Science of Sound in Music:

• Essay # 49087 : "Music and Early Childhood Development"
• Article Review # 147961 : "A Review of the Article Entitled "The Science of Desire" by Spencer Ante"
• Term Paper # 32177 : "The Meaning of Resonance in Music"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: