Music ? A sound wave at a specific frequency is a cyclical difference in air pressure, so there's an infinite number of derivatives here. But let's take the Fo

Music ? A sound wave at a specific frequency is a cyclical difference in air pressure, so there's an infinite number of derivatives here. But let's take the Fourier Transform to keep it simple: a specific frequency is a constant. Music is made by having different frequencies together, ie multiple constants, and changing them over time ie first derivatives. You also want that change of rate to be smooth, which means there is an impact on the second derivative. I'm not sure what the third derivative would be, but I guess it would be the change in rhythm, tone, or even changing music.