Acoustics of Single-Reed Wind Instruments: A Workshop for Musicians and Researchers

This workshop is organized by CIRMMT Research Axis 1 (sound modeling, acoustics and signal processing). It will take place on March 18, 2009 at McGill University (A832, New Music Building, 527 Sherbrooke St. West). Registration is free.

Registration 

This workshop is free and open to all.  Registration is on a first-come first-served basis (30-35 seats): Acoustics of Single-Reed Wind Instruments - registration form

Description

 Scientific research on the acoustics of single-reed wind instruments has been ongoing for more than 150 years. While the fundamental mechanism of sound production has been well understood, many high-level questions still remain to be answered:

 

  • What makes two undistinguishable mouthpieces ‘sound’ so different?
  • What is the relationship between mouthpiece geometry and playability?
  • What is the relationship between mouthpiece geometry and timbre?
  • What do musicians seek when choosing a mouthpiece?
  • Can we match scientific findings with the experience of musicians?
  • Can mouthpieces be modified in order to achieve different playability/sound qualities?
  • Can one design her/his own mouthpiece?

 

This workshop is a rare opportunity for instrumentalists and researchers to exchange and discuss the musical and technical aspects of single-reed instrument playing. In particular, we hope to discuss the questions above in terms of what is known by performers and how that relates to what is known by scientific researchers.

 

A reception will be held at the end of the workshop.

 

Invited participant 

  • Professor Leonardo Fuks (Federal University of Rio, Brazil)

Organizers

  • Antoine Lefebvre
  • Andrey da Silva
  • Prof. Gary Scavone (McGill University)