The book behind WaoN
Listen Like a Programmer
From Wave to Note with Mathematics and Code
How does a wave become a note?
Listen Like a Programmer follows the story and mathematics
behind WaoN. Beginning with sound, pitch, and harmony, it moves through
Fourier analysis and phase-vocoder frequency correction to hands-on work
with waon, gwaon, and pv.
Three paths through one question
Read the music chapters, concentrate on the programs, or go deeper into the mathematics. Each route returns to the same question: how does a wave become a note?
Music
Explore sound, pitch, harmony, and playback speed, starting from the musical questions that set the investigation in motion.
Mathematics
Follow Fourier analysis, the discrete Fourier transform, power spectra, window functions, and phase-vocoder frequency correction.
Programs
Work with waon, gwaon, and pv, then
compare a traditional transcription algorithm with a neural-network
approach.
For curious amateurs
This is a compact, story-led technical book for programmers curious about sound, musicians curious about mathematics, and amateurs who enjoy learning across boundaries. Follow the mathematics, concentrate on the programs, or choose your own path.
Kindle and paperback
Listen Like a Programmer: From Wave to Note with Mathematics and Code is available in Kindle and paperback editions.