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Abstract

This article details the use of multimedia spectrogram displays for visualizing and understanding music. A section on foundational considerations presents similarities and differences between Western musical scores and spectrograms, in particular the benefit in avoiding Western notation when using music from a culture where representation through the use of a score may misrepresent that culture. Four examples from the author’s own teaching and research detail applications of multimedia spectrograms. A tutorial provides guidance for generating spectrograms using the free program Audacity. The article closes with three extension projects suitable for classroom teachers to use with their students.

Keywords

world music culture secondary general music music education technology listening spectrogram Audacity

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Learning From Looking at Sound

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