ED5321 - Science of Musical Instruments

Class Schedule (July - Nov 2016) Note: The class room may get changed.

  • Mondays (1.00pm to 1.50pm) - ED 109
  • Wednesdays (16:50 to 17:40) - ED 109 (for tutorials)
  • Thursdays (10.00am to 10.50am) - ED 109
  • Fridays (9.00am to 9.50am) - ED 109

    Requirements

    Course Instructors

    Course Objectives

  • Introduce the evolutional and scientific aspects of classical musical instruments
  • Study the acoustics, mechanics, materials and construction of a few selected instruments to understand the achievements of master craftsmen from a modern scientist’s perspective.

    Course Syllabus

  • Physics of music - musical scales, Carnatic/Hindustani/Western music and their instruments
  • Musical instruments - evolution, classification, evaluation, conservation
  • Materials for musical instruments - tone wood, structure & properties, treatments, glues, varnish, brass, bronze, ceramics, skin, steel/gut strings, characterization techniques
  • Acoustics of musical instruments - musical sound generation, amplification, spectrum
  • Mechanics of musical instruments - air/body/string vibrations, analyses
  • String instruments - veena, sitar, guitar, violins
  • Percussion instruments - mridangam, tabla, ghatam, drums
  • Wind instruments - flute, brass
  • Other types of instruments - bells, odd instruments

    Typical Grading Policy

    • Assignments - 20 marks

    • Two quizzes - 40 marks

    • End sem - 40 marks



    Back to Home