Find The Highest Note
Piano type keys are arranged in a circular fashion that play a chromatic scale. Each note has six overtones spaced at 1/6 of an octave apart. The amplitudes of these overtones are all that change with each key. The result of playing these notes is a scale that keeps ascending (or descending) as the notes are played in progression. The exhibit demonstrates priorities in hearing perception, as well as aspects of sound frequency (pitch class and pitch height)
Educational Resources
- The Highest Note
An online exhibit, play with some surprising auditory illusions related to pitch.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/highest_note/ - Diana Deutsch’s Official Website
Learn more about auditory illusions and one of the scientists who studies how they work.
http://deutsch.ucsd.edu/ - Tuning
Watch a video about how symphonies tune their instruments
http://www.exploratorium.edu/music/movies/tuning_hi.html
Explainer Videos
For Information About Exhibit Sales:
Kua Patten
Exhibit Services Director
kpatten@exploratorium.edu
+1 415-353-0409 (phone)