Sound is the most obvious fundamental material of music. This course provides an introduction to the elemental components, and acoustic principles of musical sound, examining the ways in which these principles shape our perception and understanding of music. The exploration of musical acoustics incorporates aspects of frequency, sound envelopes, and amplitude measurement. These principles then inform a grounding in the key concepts and skills of musical practice, including the consideration of diatonic pitch space, its systems of documentation, and the ways in which we use it to explain relationships between musical sounds. An understanding of the components of sound also informs the ways in which we perceive, analyse, manipulate and articulate the sounds of music. Techniques of critical listening are introduced in multiple contexts, from the exploration of the frequency content of sound through spectral solfege, to the perception of pitch relationships within diatonic pitch space. Techniques for the analysis of musical sound are introduced which are foundational for the future studies of the music practitioner, technologist, and analyst alike.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- describe the foundational principles of musical acoustics;
- critically analyse and discuss the relationships between musical acoustics and our perception and use of sound in music;
- apply techniques of sound analysis and critical listening in the explanation of the sonic properties of music; and
- differentiate between various applications of musical acoustics and sonic properties of music in a critical analysis of existing works as well as new works created by the students.
Indicative Assessment
- Lab Portfolio, comprising theory, aural and technology assessments, equivalent to 3000 words (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Exam, 1-hour (25) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Music Computing Assignment, equivalent to 1500 words (25) [LO 3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks including lectures, studio/laboratory workshops and tutorials; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Provided via Wattle
Preliminary Reading
William M. Hartmann, Principles of Musical Acoustics, New York: Springer, 2013.
Andrew Hugely, The Digital Musician, 2nd ed., New York: Routledge, 2012.
Jason Corey. Audio Production and Critical Listening: Technical Ear Training, 2nd ed., Taylor and Francis, 2016.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4020 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.