Music, Math, & Mind The Physics and Neuroscience of Music

Music, Math, & Mind: The Physics and Neuroscience of Music

David Sulzer
Ph.D., GSAS '89
Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center

11/10/21
Why does a clarinet play at lower pitches than a flute? What does it mean for sounds to be in or out of tune? How are emotions carried by music? Do other animals perceive sound like we do?

Prof. David Sulzer, also known in the musical world as Dave Soldier, explains why the perception of music encompasses the physics of sound, the functions of the ear and deep-brain auditory pathways, and the physiology of emotion. Sulzer delves into styles from around the world to canonical composers to hip-hop, the history of experimental music, and animal sound by songbirds, cetaceans, bats, and insects. He makes accessible a vast range of material, helping the audience discover the universal principles behind the music they find meaningful.

Time is allocated for Q&A.