What does sound feel like? Music theorist Lindsey Reymore explores timbre — the “color” of sound — and why the way we describe music might be more shared than subjective.

Further reading and listening:

• Learn more about the ACTOR project at McGill University and the Timbre and Orchestration Resource

• Listen to Peter and the Wolf!

Learn more about:

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University.

The Institute for Social Science Research at ASU, which is funding Lindsey’s upcoming timbre study in different languages.

Special thanks to the Ocotillo Winds from ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Bass clarinet: Assistant Professor Jeff Anderle

Flute: Professor Elizabeth Buck

Alto saxophone: Professor Christopher Creviston

Oboe: Assistant Professor Jonathan Davis

Clarinet: Associate Professor Josh Gardner

Bassoon: Professor Albie Micklich

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.

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Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber

Edited by Alexander Chapin and Patrick Cheung

Music composed by Patrick Cheung

Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

Art by Andy Keena

Editorial support from Diane Boudreau

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson