At first glance, they might appear to be entirely unrelated fields. However, a closer look reveals that they are deeply interconnected. Rhythm and beats are precise manifestations of mathematical patterns and timing. Frequencies, wave superposition, amplitude, and pitch are physical concepts that come into play every time we listen to a piece of music.
This year, the Music and Science course in the seniors program at Campus Gandia of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) provided a fascinating and enriching exploration of music and its deep connections to mathematics, physics, biology, and neuroscience.
Rubén Picó, an Acoustics expert, provided students with “a profound insight into the interconnectedness of music and science, demonstrating how music impacts our perception, emotions, and well-being through an engaging and interactive exploration of diverse scientific fields.”
Along with the theory sessions, the program also included hands-on activities, like the scientific concert held at Campus Gandia. A one-of-a-kind event where the audience explored the secrets of vocal physics while enjoying performances by sopranos Nadia Akaârir and Silvia Beneyto, and tenors Francisco José Cruz and José Manuel Monfort, all accompanied on piano by Elena López from the Valencia Conservatory of Music.
When Technology and Music Merge
Thanks to a partnership between the Joaquín Rodrigo Conservatory of Music of Valencia (CSMV) and Campus Gandia, a new edition of the Sonology Conference took place recently, featuring a rich lineup of concerts, seminars, and workshops. Rubén Picó also contributed to the conference with his lecture, “Timbre and Acoustics: The Science Behind Sound”.
The Sonology Conference offers conservatory students a valuable opportunity to explore topics at the intersection of music, acoustics, and technology, fostering the exchange of knowledge and hands-on experience..
The partnership between the Conservatory and Campus Gandia “aims to promote the university’s educational mission,” as outlined in the framework agreement. Through this partnership, CSMV students take part in hands-on acoustics sessions conducted at Campus Gandia. In addition to the concert—held this year as part of the Music and Science course in the seniors program at Campus Gandia—students also visited the campus’s anechoic chamber
Citizen Science
To promote citizen involvement in UPV-linked projects and enhance their contribution to building a pluralistic, inclusive, and sustainable society, the Universitat Politècnica de València launched its first Citizen Science call in 2024. Under this call, the SONARTE project—Fusion of Science, Luthiery, and Technology in Perfect Harmony—was one of the initiatives awarded funding
The project features a hands-on lutherie workshop, to be held in the Campus Gandia laboratories. This workshop will explore the construction of musical instruments from an interdisciplinary perspective, blending acoustics, materials science, and traditional lutherie techniques.
This activity aims to bridge scientific research and tradition, offering participants the opportunity to explore how science and technology enhance the creation of high-quality acoustic instruments. The workshop covers essential scientific concepts, such as the acoustic properties of different materials and their impact on sound, while also providing hands-on experience with the artisanal techniques used in instrument construction.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how design choices and material selections influence sound, gaining a deeper understanding of their impact. It is expected to take place in September 2025..
This initiative further highlights Campus Gandia’s commitment to cutting-edge sound technology, promoting collaboration and dialogue among professionals, academics, and students.
