A systems engineering approach to musical acoustics

Abstract

Research in musical acoustics has benefited greatly from advances in technology; however, the ever increasing complexity of measurement systems may lend to inefficient experimental design and procedure. A systems engineering approach to experimentation can improve the process. Systems engineering involves the design of complex, many element, systems that maximize overall performance, considering all elements related in any way to the system, including human efficiency and the characteristics of each of the system's components. This paper explores how a background in the full product development lifecycle of a Raman spectroscopy based measurement instrument allowed for the rapid development of an automated directivity acquisition system (ADAS) used to measure a concert grand piano. Prior experience also assisted in adapting the ADAS to measure musicians when assessing elements like reliability, logistics, work-processes, and optimization methods. An account of how research in musical acoustics provides applicable experience for employment in a non-acoustics industry position will also be given.