Free Textbook: Basic Acoustics for Musicians

As part of my Fall 2024 sabbatical, I created Basic Acoustics for Musicians, a free ebook designed for students in my music courses and anyone curious to explore the fundamentals of sound. This resource combines concise explanations with interactive multimedia elements to make learning engaging and accessible. 

Cover of the book titled Basic Acoustics for Musicians by Donald W. Sorah

Features:

  • Embedded Video and Audio: Enhance your understanding of key concepts with integrated multimedia examples.
  • Test Your Knowledge Quizzes: Quick reviews at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning.
  • Hands-On Activities: Apply concepts through practical exercises.

Chapters:

  1. Introduction to Musical Acoustics
  2. The Nature of Sound Waves
  3. Frequency and Pitch
  4. Amplitude and Loudness
  5. The Human Ear and Hearing
  6. Timbre and the Overtone Series
  7. Envelopes and Noise
  8. Sound Behavior in Environments
  9. Analog and Digital Storage

While it’s tailored to support my students, this ebook is perfect for educators, music enthusiasts, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of sound.

Download it for free on Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/basic-acoustics-for-musicians/id6738503004

Please let me know how you use it in your teaching, learning, or personal exploration of sound!

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