All musical sounds have one thing in common; their source is a vibratory unit such as a string, a reed, an air column, a drum head, a
loudspeaker diaphragm, a bell, a vocal cord, or any mechanical pulsation. We must therefore study the characteristics of vibratory motion if we are to understand the physical basis of musical sounds. The emphasis of this text is on the development and explanation in simple language of the relevant physical laws, principles, and musical phenomena. Since music is a science as well as an art, this knowledge should contribute to the student's musical enjoyment and depth of appreciation. |