• 051482 - MODULE 2: ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

In this second module we introduce a number of tools for the analysis and the characterization of musical instruments. Starting from the mathematical models introduced and discussed in Module 1, we will show how to measure the parameters of such models and describe how to use such models in applications of behavioral prediction, instrument characterization, use optimization.  

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

identify the main components of the electrical analog circuit equivalent to the instrument under analysis;

perform measurements and analyses on musical instruments and interpret results.

The course begins with an overview of wind instruments and drums, applying the concepts learned in the first module:

• Reed and lip excitation
• Lip-driven brass instruments
• Woodwinds
• Flutes and pipes
• Pipe organs
• Drums and percussions

We will then introduce a number of activities aimed at measuring and characterizing the musical instrument:

• Vibrational Analysis
• Measurement instruments and their function
• Measuring the bridge admittance
• Descriptors: moments of the impulse response, Energy Decay Relief, modal frequencies, etc.
• Vibrational characterization of a musical instrument

• Acoustic radiative analysis
• Measuring the radiance pattern
• Acoustic characterization of a musical instrument

• Timbral analysis
• Normalized timbral capture
• Timbral descriptors and their interpretation

The attendance of the 1st module of the course is required

Students will take a mandatory written test followed by an oral exam. The final grade will account for both such parts of the exam.