The Physics of Music
In 2012 I worked with the music department at my school to produce a day of cross-curricular activities for their Activities Week. The day was roughly divided into two distinct parts: the Music of Physics, and the Physics of Music.
Exploring the Music of Physics
In the first half of the day, students investigated data sonification. We started with the classic Geiger counter, and then moved through developments. This included the sonification of astrophysical and cosmological data in the late 1970s, right through to the formation of the International Community for Auditory Display (ICAD) in 1992.
The Physics of Music and the chromatic scale
In the Physics of Music section, students learned how the chromatic scale was constructed and why some combinations of sounds are pleasing to our ears (we think). We even finished the day making music using physics apparatus and homemade wind instruments carved from carrots.
Ever since that Activities Week, I have wanted to record a comprehensive video about the physics of the 12-note chromatic scale. I am pleased to say, I have finally got round to doing it! My new video, the mathematical flaw in every instrument, walks through the physics and mathematics behind tuning, harmonics, and resonance.
The video assumes students have a basic understanding of music theory, such as the chromatic scale, the circle of fifths, and intervals.
Interactive physics and music resources
Throughout the video, I use various tools, simulations, and animations to help me explain the physics concepts. You can access all of these resources using the links below:
🔗 View Desmos stationary waves: https://www.desmos.com/calculator/86n908levf
🔗 View Desmos vibrating string: https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ybusik817c
🔗 View Desmos equal temperament beats: https://www.desmos.com/calculator/6c3sfjboha
🔗 Use the signal generator app: https://physicswithkeith.com/siggen/
🔗 Use the scale spiral app: https://physicswithkeith.com/scalespiral/
🔗 Download the scale frequencies as a .xlsx file: https://physicswithkeith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Scales.xlsx
🔗 Download the scale frequencies as a .pdf file : https://physicswithkeith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Scales.pdf
I hope you enjoy exploring these tools and learning more about the physics of music.
September 2026 tuition waiting list
As a quick reminder, enrolment for people on the Physics With Keith waiting list starts on Thursday 27th August. Enrolment will open two days later, on Saturday 29th August, for people not on the waiting list.
The first tuition sessions of the new academic year will take place on Saturday 12th September 2026.
If you would like to learn more about my weekly tuition sessions, you can watch this introductory video: https://youtu.be/y1a-2S6zXxI.
To secure your priority enrolment, join the waiting list here: https://physicswithkeith.com/september-2026-waiting-list/
