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How Does Sound Work?
A sound wave basically causes changes in air pressure as it moves through the air.
Our ears respond to this information and our brain processes it into sound
information. Stand in front of a good speaker playing low bass or hold your hand
under a large drum being played and you'll feel the air currents moving. We also
receive sound information from our whole bodies. Our skin is very tactile and
responds to sound waves quite readily.
Sound and music are separate. Sound is just that - a sound. It mayor may not have a
pitch (specific frequency) or a pure waveform or a temporal (rhythmic) pattern but if
it's audible or perceptible, we call it a sound. Music is a combining of elements that
typically incorporates these sounds into a lyrical blend of pitch, melody and rhythm
and progresses/modulates from one chord to another in an emotional fashion.
Combinations of pitches/ chords/ intervals that are perceived as being harmonious
and pleasant are described as being consonant. Harsh combinations are called
dissonant.
It is often very important and appropriate to use dissonance of varying degrees in
healing music. If you are stuck, sometimes you need a bit of a push to move on, and
if the musical environment is kept too sweet and cheery then you don't have much
incentive to journey forward.
Generally, major keys are perceived as being light and uplifting. Minor keys are felt
as being more serious, reverent, and mysterious.
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