How Do You Play That Thingamabob? the Science of Music Performance

In this book, readers gain access to real scientific data pertaining to the science of music performance, promoting graph-reading, comparison, contrast, and calculation skills. Graphs show data from the following scientific instruments: Dual-Range Force Sensor, Force Plate, Gas Pressure Sensor, Anemometer (Wind Speed), and Breath Volume Bag. The musical instruments analyzed include violin, guitar, piano keyboard, flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon reed, trumpet, trombone, mallets, and drumsticks. Analyses include the forces required to press piano keys, pluck violin and guitar strings, draw a bow across a violin string, tune violin strings, press keys on woodwinds and valves on brass instruments, and pull a trombone slide with and without oil. Plus, data include comparisons between normal breathing and the controlled, large-volume breathing required for performance on woodwinds and brass.