Music, Physics and Engineering: Book

Name: Music, Physics and Engineering: Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 06-217698
Price: 16.95 USD
Availability: InStock

By Lynn Freeman Olson

Item: 06-217698

$16.95

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Thoroughly revised and enlarged, this book offers the most comprehensive coverage available of all aspects of the production, reception, and reproduction of sound. Written clearly and concisely, all its chapters can be understood without specialized training in music, physics, engineering, or mathematics. Over 70 illustrations. 450 pgs.

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Series: Dover Edition

Publisher: Dover Publications

ISBN10: 0-486-21769-8

ISBN13: 978-0-486-21769-7

UPC: 9780486217697

SKU: 06-217698

More about this title

Why we love this

This book bridges the gap between what musicians play and how sound actually works, giving directors and teachers a rigorous yet accessible resource to deepen their own understanding. Rather than isolating music from its physical reality, Olson treats acoustics and engineering as inseparable from musical practice—essential knowledge for anyone leading ensembles or training serious students.

What to expect

Reading this book feels like gaining insider knowledge. Olson makes complex concepts concrete through clear explanations and over 70 illustrations, so you never feel lost even when tackling sound waves, resonance, or microphone technology. It's intellectually engaging without demanding a background in calculus or engineering.

Who it's for

Music teachers, band and orchestra directors, private instructors, and advanced students who want to understand the science behind instrument design, room acoustics, and audio reproduction. This is particularly valuable for those teaching physics-adjacent topics, designing rehearsal spaces, or selecting and maintaining instruments.

How to use it

Use this as a reference for your own professional development and as a resource to recommend to advanced students interested in music technology, acoustics, or instrument construction. It's equally useful for understanding why certain rehearsal spaces sound the way they do, how to troubleshoot ensemble acoustics, or explaining to students why physics matters to their musicianship.

Skills your students will build

Understanding acoustical principles underlying instrument design and function
Interpreting relationships between physical phenomena and auditory perception
Applying knowledge of sound reproduction and recording to ensemble and performance contexts
Analyzing how room acoustics and equipment specifications affect musical sound