Acoustics of Music Instruments and the Human Voice

Subject guarantor:

Zdeněk OTČENÁŠEK

Name of lecturer(s):

Zdeněk OTČENÁŠEK

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

To create a good bearing in the effects of the sound properties of natural music sources, in particular with regard to sound recording.

Mode of study:

Interactive instruction.

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

Knowledge of the basic concepts of physics, music and physiologic acoustics and studies of musical instruments.

Recommended optional programme components:

none

Course contents:

A musical instrument as an acoustic system, model of tone origin.

The vocal instrument of man, vowels and consonants, formants.

Whisper, accent, melodic speaking

Performance, spectrum and comprehensibility of language, direction characteristics

The singing voice, its development and division according to range.

Intonation and the singing voice technique, breathing

Dynamics properties of the singing voice.

A musical instrument as an acoustic system, model of tone origin.

Division of musical instruments according to acoustics.

Chordophones, string vibration, resonation properties

Aerophones, oscillation mechanisms, vibration of air columns

Idiophones and membranophones, stick, plate and membrane vibrations

Tuning musical instruments, systems overview, tuning measurements

Dynamics and performance properties of musical instruments.

Bowed instrument tone color

String instruments and piano tone color

Tune percussion instruments tone color

Non-tuned percussion instruments tone color

Pipe organs, flue and reed pipe tone color

Influence of the air column and tract on organ tone properties.

Organ sound construction, disposition register

Radiation direction characteristics of musical instruments.

Recommended or required reading:

V. Syrový: Hudební akustika, AMU 2003, kap. 6

V. Syrový: Kapitoly o varhanách, AMU 2004, kap. 2-6

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

Lecture, classes.

Assessment methods and criteria:

Activity in lectures and classes.

Course web page:

Note:

none

Schedule for winter semester 2012/2013:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2012/2013:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Obor Zvuková tvorba (Bc) (next compulsory subject)