The harmonic overtone series is a basic concept in music education which explains how many musical instruments function. It is easiest to explain the harmonic overtone series with science and math. New teaching tools from Schottenbauer Publishing offer students a refreshing insight into the working of the harmonic overtone series.
The graphs below are excerpted from Volume 1 of Where Does Sound Come From?, as well as a free pamphlet from the publisher. These graphs show graphs of sound pressure from two notes performed on a soprano recorder.
Discussion Questions
- Describe at least 2 differences between these two graphs.
- What types of information are contained in each graph?
- If possible, identify the frequency, wavelength, and/or amplitude of the wave in each graph.
- Is it possible to determine the pitch of the note from either graph? If so, how?
- Is it possible to determine the sound level (decibels) of the note from either graph? If so, how?
- Are these two graphs related in the harmonic overtone series? If so, how?
- Write a mathematical equation to describe the wave pattern in the bottom graph.
In addition to these graphs, a free YouTube video from the same publisher provides a brief lecture, as well as samples of the harmonic overtone series on flute, trumpet, trombone, and violin.
Students may learn more about the harmonic overtone series in a multimedia training program titled Ear Training: Harmonic Overtone Series. Additional information is available on the Music Theory & Ear Training blog.
