Musical acoustics

This course provides an introduction to musical acoustics, sound synthesis and computer music. It begins with a general presentation of physical acoustics, auditory perception and the main parameters used to characterize musical sounds. The physical modeling of musical instruments is then discussed, highlighting acoustic mechanisms common to various sound sources. Particular attention will be paid to resonators and self-oscillation phenomena in wind instruments, as well as the role of soundboards in the radiation of pianos and stringed instruments. The course also explores the main sound synthesis techniques, whether based on signal-based approaches (additive, subtractive or FM synthesis) or physical models (digital waveguides, discretization of partial differential equations, modal synthesis). These methods will be placed in their historical context and illustrated with numerous examples developed in Faust, a programming language dedicated to audio. On the basis of this knowledge, students will work in small groups on a project to create a virtual musical instrument written in the Faust language.

1. Introduction to physical acoustics, sound perception and signal processing tools for characterizing musical sounds.
2. Functional classification of musical instruments. Introduction to the Faust language and implementation of additive synthesis.
3. Physical modeling of wind instruments
4. Physical modeling of string instruments and seminar on piano acoustics
5. Signal-based sound synthesis techniques: subtractive synthesis, FM synthesis. Implementation in the Faust language
6. Sound synthesis techniques using a physical approach: digital waveguide
7. Physical sound synthesis techniques: modal synthesis and virtual instrument project start-up
8. Virtual instrument project in Faust