While frequency plays a key role in audible sounds, so too does the sound level, which can be measured in decibels (dB), which are the units of measure for the intensity of a sound or the degree of loudness. Sounds with a frequency above 17,000 Hz are less likely to be heard by adults while still being audible to children. Adults lose the ability to hear the upper end of the range and typically top out in the ability to hear in a frequency of 15,000–17,000 Hz. Sounds range in frequency from 16 Hz to ultrasonic values, with humans able to hear sounds in a frequency range of about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The further an ear is from the source of the sound, the quieter the sound will appear.

Louder sounds have stronger vibrations or are created closer to our ear. The waves of sounds each have a frequency, or rate of vibration of sound waves, that measures the number of waves completed in a single second and are measured in hertz (Hz one Hz is one cycle per second). We don’t see the vibrations of our cell phone hitting the floor however, any audible sound created in the fall is the result of vibrations in the form of sound waves, which can be pictured similarly to waves moving through the ocean. Some vibrations we may be able to see, such as a plucked guitar string moving, whereas other vibrations we may not be able to see, such as the sound created when we hold our breath when accidentally dropping our cell phone on a hard floor. I see my life in terms of music.” What clues do your recent music choices say about your mood or how your day is going? Basics of Frequency as It Relates to SoundĮvery sound is created by an object vibrating and these vibrations travel in waves that are captured by our ears. What cues to your mood do your music selections share? Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. Consider the music you may have been listening to as you today or even as you are reading this text. In similar fashion, the music we choose can often tell those around us something about our current moods and emotions. What music you listen to can impact your mood and emotions. The possibilities are endless” (Galindo, 2009). Music also-and this is important-allows us to feel nearly or possibly all emotions that we experience in our lives.

“Music can raise someone’s mood, get them excited, or make them calm and relaxed. Whatever you consider music, it is all around us and is an integral part of our lives. But what is music? For some it is a song for others it may be the sounds of birds or the rhythmic sound of drumming or a myriad of other sounds. Music uplifts, inspires, heals, and generally adds dimension to virtually every aspect of our lives. Imagine a world without music and many of us would struggle to fill the void. Psy, South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer “The world’s most famous and popular language is music.”

Describe and find frequencies of octaves.

Describe and evaluate musical notes, half-steps, whole steps, and octaves.

Describe the basics of pitch as it relates to music.

Describe the basics of frequency related to sound.

(credit: modification of work “Fire is hot! (2)” by Chetan Sarva/Flickr, CC BY 2.0) Learning ObjectivesĪfter completing this section, you should be able to: Figure 13.13 Friends sing music together around a campfire.

Music math calculator