Audio frequency is a periodic vibration that is audible to the human ear. The standard range is twenty to twenty thousand hertz (Hz). Frequencies under twenty Hz are usually felt rather then heard, if the amplitude of the vibration is large enough. Frequencies higher than twenty thousand Hz can occasionally be sensed by younger people. Perceptions of higher frequencies are the first to be lost by hearing problems caused by old age or damaged hearing due to prolonged exposure to loud noise.
Ear training, or developing aural skills, is a means by which musicians learn to recognize pitches, chords, rhythms, intervals and melody through listening. Although ear training is typically an aspect of formal musical training, parts of it can be used to sharpen the ear of those who wish to do so. There are a number of healing therapies which employ the use of sound frequencies and audio dynamics. Musical composes in the twentieth and twenty first centuries have explored sound frequencies and audio dynamics to create new types of music.
Frequencies and Audio Dynamics: Sharpening the Ear
A notable exponent of this new approach to musical composition is the Japanese artist Susumu Yokota AKA (Stevia or Ebi). Yokota was popular in the English speaking, independent music scene for his experimental electronic music. He was also well known as a house music DJ, and produced a number of celebrated house music albums. One of the most influential music composers of the later twentieth century is Philip Glass. He is an American composer, whose music is described as vibrational and minimalist. Philip Glass has composed the scores for many films including: Koyaanisqatsi, Mishima, Kundun and Powaqqatsi, just to name a few. Philip Glass’s compositions exemplify the dynamics involved in the esoteric exploration of the subtleties of sound.
Another ground breaking American composer of audio dynamic music was John Cage (1912 – 1992). Cage was a leading member of the post-war avant-garde movement. His best known work is 4’33; and his music is synonymous with modern dance and eastern influences. John Cage produced innovative new music for the dance choreography program at the University of California Los Angeles; and taught a course on “Musical Accompaniments for Rhythmic Expression”.
Frequencies and Audio Dynamics: Sharpening the Ear
Understanding sound frequencies and audio dynamics allows both producers and listeners to experience new forms of music. This process can be likened to sharpening the ear, in its ability to perceive the full gamut of vibrational frequencies.