Musical Acoustics, Synthesis, and Audio Effects

Musical Acoustics, Synthesis, and Audio Effects (21M.388 / 21M.588) covers the physics and acoustics of music and musical instruments, computational models of musical acoustics, and digital signal-processing techniques for audio effects. 

Topics include the basics of sound propagation and auditory perception; the specific acoustical phenomena of wind, string, and percussion instruments as well as the voice; room acoustics; vibration and acoustic measurement techniques; historical contexts of instrument designs; instrument building and design; music synthesis; physical modeling synthesis including digital waveguides, modal models, and finite difference schemes; programming of digital audio effects such as equalization and filtering, delay effects, dynamic range control, reverberation, and distortion.

Emphasis will be placed on practical applications, including measurements, real-time audio programming, critical listening, and physical making. Many problem sets and labs will feature creative and artistic uses of the techniques being studied. Students will work on a significant final project with topics such as building an instrument, augmenting an instrument with an acoustic or digital intervention, developing a synthesis model of an instrument, or programming a real-time audio effect not covered in the class. Students taking the graduate version will complete extended assignments.

Musical Acoustics, Synthesis, and Audio Effects
Offered Spring 2026

Musical Acoustics, Synthesis, and Audio Effects (21M.388/21M.588) received a 2025–26 CAST Cross-Disciplinary Class Grant from the MIT Center for Art, Science & Technology and was offered through the MIT Music Technology Program. A joint initiative of the Music and Theater Arts Section and the School of Engineering, the Music Technology Program launched in 2026 and focuses on technical research in music technology that always centers the humanistic and artistic aspects of making music.

Learn more about the Music Technology and Computation Graduate Program

Mark Rau is an Assistant Professor of Music Technology at MIT, holding a shared appointment between Music & Theater Arts Section and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Rau completed his Doctor of Philosophy at Stanford’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) and holds a Master of Arts in Music, Science, and Technology from Stanford, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Music in Jazz from McGill University.

Rau specializes in musical acoustics, audio signal processing, and physical modeling synthesis, with particular focus on guitars and audio effects. His passion for physical design and making has led to an interest in luthiery, which informs his research in musical instrument acoustics and modeling.

Biography: MIT Music and MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Website: rau.mit.edu