Music math and mind : the physics and neuroscience of music Parameters of Sound Math of Pitch Scales and Harmony Waves and Harmonics Math of Sound and Resonance Math in Some Rhythmic Structures Centerpiece : The Sense of Hearing Brain Mechanisms of Rhythm and the Private Synapse Neural Mechanisms of Emotion and the Social Synapse Ear Physiology : How Air Waves Become Sound Deep Brain Physiology of Sound Sound Disorders Illusions and Hallucinations Animal Sound Song and Music. 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 How might a musician use math to come up with new ideas This book offers a lively exploration of the mathematics physics and neuroscience that underlie music in a way that readers without scientific background can follow. 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. He delves into topics such as the math by which musical scales rhythms tuning and harmonies are derived from the days of Pythagoras to technological manipulation of sound waves. Sulzer ranges from 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 readers discover the universal principles behind the music they find meaningful. Written for musicians and music lovers with any level of science and math proficiency including none Music Math and Mind demystifies how music works while testifying to its beauty and wonder