Paige Brady

The Effect of Rise Time and Timbre on the Perception of Plucking and Bowing

Advisor: Laurie Heller
Major: Psychology and Music Performance

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the acoustic components of instrument timbre that convey to listeners whether a string is being plucked or bowed. I will create hybrid stimuli that transition from a bow to a pluck by blending both temporal and spectral aspects of the sounds. I propose to create a plausible and pleasing hybrid by manipulating both the temporal rise time and the spectral shape of the sounds in Audacity. Participants will provide judgments of the sounds on dimensions of pleasantness and blending via a Qualtrics survey. Expected results will reflect modulations of these ratings depending on rise time and timbre manipulations and provide insight into methods for hybrid sound creation that take into account different aspects of human perception.

Bio

As a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Humanities and Arts (BHA) in Psychology and Music Performance, my identity as both a scholar and a musician are very important to me. Currently, I am working as a research assistant in the Auditory Lab, led by Laurie Heller, where I’ve gained much hands-on experience. Outside of academia, I am an accomplished musician, and plan on continuing to pursue performance professionally. Given my interdisciplinary interests, it is only fitting that my thesis project is related to both music and psychology, and I am looking forward to sharing the culmination of my work here at Carnegie Mellon. In my personal life, I enjoy listening to music, researching niche topics, collecting vintage items and exploring new places.