Explains how to use the equation for frequency of vibration of a transversely oscillating bar or pipe with both ends free to vibrate to build a simple and inexpensive xylophone from a 3-meter section of copper pipe. The instrument produces a full major scale and can be used to investigate various musical intervals. (Author/NB)

This article describes science activities which introduce students to the mechanics of sound while encouraging class musicians to share their expertise. A reproducible activity sheet is included. (IAH)

Discusses the development of musical thought in China. (RK)

Offers information about music as a science and as a form of communication. Describes classifications of musical instruments and advances in electronic musical technology. Includes two design briefs (student learning activities). (JOW)

A musical note produced through the vibration of a single string is psychoacoustically simpler/purer than that produced via multiple-strings vibration. Does the psychoacoustics of instrument sound have any effect on learning outcomes in music instruction? This study investigated the effect of two psychoacoustically distinct instrument sounds on…

Describes an empirical method for tuning a piano by matching measured fundamental frequencies to values determined using a pocket calculator. (Author/GA)

The National Standards for Arts Education encourages teachers to help students make connections between music and other disciplines. Many state curriculum guides likewise encourage educators to integrate curricula and find common ground between different subjects. Music--particularly vocal music--offers ample opportunities to find relationships…

This paper synopsizes a series of nine tutorials investigating how various chemical processes can be shown to have musical aspects. Both chemistry and music share a common language: mathematics. Interesting music can be created as chemical reactions--mediated by instrumentation and mathematics (e.g., spectrometry and discrete Fourier…

Illustrates the phenomenon of the "difference tone" in music, using simple physics. Describes how this phenomenon can be demonstrated with a flute. (MLH)

This article, directed toward classroom teachers, deals with music education as a special case of sound or sounds. Interdisciplinary activities aim to develop listening skills and musical discrimination. (TK)

Provides extensive annotated bibliographies on sound, musical instruments, the perception of musical sound and other aspects of musical acoustics. (Author/CP)

Author considered dynamic contrasts of music and proposed a philosophy that student musicians can readily understand. (Author/RK)

A bricoleur is a person who lives by recycling old materials. This article describes a bricolage, a junk sound sculpture, constructed mainly of junk metal. Selected readings are included. (KC)

This report deals with research presently being done dealing with the acquisition of musical skills. In an attempt to create a self-paced, independent music study approach, investigators have formulated two main hypotheses: (1) that perception and cognition are inextricably intertwined - not discrete quantities; and (2) that learning behavior in…

Describes the use of chromatic musical instrument tuners to make frequency measurements of sound waves and as an exercise in the conversion of pitch to frequency. (ZWH)