Discovering the Parameters of Sound Creation: Physics Informed String Pedagogy

Abstract

For more than a century physicists have worked to understand how the bowed string functions. In the past decade studies have become increasingly detailed through computer modeling and mechanical bowing machines. The goal of the present study is to synthesize the physical realities of sound creation to generate models for teaching and learning stringed instruments. Through understanding the main factors of bow-bridge distance, velocity, and force and exploring the outer reaches of acceptable playing conditions, the string player may utilize the widest set of sounds to achieve their technical and artistic goals.