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Why do a flute and a violin sound different on the same note?

Two instruments can play the same pitch without sounding alike. The balance of frequencies and the way a note begins help create its timbre, so one number does not describe the whole sound.

4–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • What does a sound spectrum reveal beyond the fundamental frequency?
  • What can it leave out about the start of a note?

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Music and sound

Performing a film's footsteps after filming

When an actor walks across a gravel path in a movie, the microphone on set is focused on capturing clean dialogue, not their shoes. Months later in a post-production studio, Foley artists watch the scene on a screen and perform every footstep, rustling coat, and clinking glass in real time, often using props that look nothing like the object on camera.

5–7 min

Performing a film's footsteps after filming

Music and sound5–7 minWhen an actor walks across a gravel path in a movie, the microphone on set is focused on capturing clean dialogue, not their shoes. Months later in a post-production studio, Foley artists watch the scene on a screen and perform every footstep, rustling coat, and clinking glass in real time, often using props that look nothing like the object on camera.

Music and sound

Why can 3/4 and 6/8 music feel different?

Six equal subdivisions can form three pairs or two groups of three. In conventional Western notation, those groupings help explain the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 even when the total note value matches.

3–5 min

Why can 3/4 and 6/8 music feel different?

Music and sound3–5 minSix equal subdivisions can form three pairs or two groups of three. In conventional Western notation, those groupings help explain the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 even when the total note value matches.

Music and sound

What the piano’s sustain pedal changes

A piano note can keep ringing after the player lifts a finger from the key. On an acoustic piano, the sustain pedal changes what the dampers do, connecting a small foot movement to the sound that remains in the room.

5–7 min

What the piano’s sustain pedal changes

Music and sound5–7 minA piano note can keep ringing after the player lifts a finger from the key. On an acoustic piano, the sustain pedal changes what the dampers do, connecting a small foot movement to the sound that remains in the room.

Why do a flute and a violin sound different on the same note? | Speech Topic | speaking.app