Atom music: Acoustical realizations of the atomic world through sonification

Abstract

Atom Music is an experimental music project that uses music synthesis techniques to create sonifications of atomic structure. It was first presented at the 178th meeting of ASA in San Diego, CA. Several realizations of atom music as it applies to science and to art have occurred with collaborations using both the atom tones and atom scales. Atom Music has become a unique way for people to learn about atoms and molecules. The idea of creating tones unique to each element as well as musical scales also based on each element has inspired people from many disciplines. This talk will focus on two separate collaborative endeavors. The first is an artistic collaboration that began as an interactive educational experience and resulted in six separate sound experiences. The second collaboration resulted in the creation of unique tones for each element, which can then be used as an acoustical periodic chart. The uses for this are varied. Several examples of how the acoustical periodic chart can be used will be discussed.