Module 1: Fundamentals of Sound & Acoustics

Module 1: Fundamentals of Sound & Acoustics

Sound is the foundation of all music and audio production. In this module, students will explore the physics of sound in depth, learning how sound waves are generated, transmitted, and perceived. We will cover the essential properties of sound—frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and velocity and explain how these translate into pitch, loudness, and tone color (timbre). Students will understand how harmonics and overtones shape musical sounds and why resonance is important in instruments and rooms. Human hearing and psychoacoustics will be introduced to explain how our brain interprets sound differently than machines. Another important aspect is the decibel system (dB), sound pressure levels, and digital full-scale measurements (dBFS), which are crucial in recording and mixing. Finally, room acoustics will be discussed, covering reflections, absorptions, and diffusion, and explaining how these affect recording quality. This section also introduces the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment, enabling students to build awareness of their recording environment