NEW in Toronto: The Physics of Music

Brains and Barstools brings captivating professors to bars in Canada for vivid lectures that spark curiosity and connection over drinks. To mark 1 year of Brains and Barstools, we're bringing back some of our popular lectures that sold out within minutes earlier in the year. On November 3rd, we present : "The Physics of Music" by Prof. Jason J.B. Harlow, PhD, BSc What makes music sound so good? What actually happens when an instrument fills a room with sound? In this lecture, we explore the science behind music — from vibrating strings and resonating instruments to psychoacoustics. Through live demonstrations and accessible concepts, you’ll discover how musicians transform energy into sound, how resonance shapes the tones we hear, and why your inner ear is uniquely designed to recognize harmony. We’ll also explore psychoacoustics — the science of how humans perceive sound — and how music can influence our minds and bodies. Whether you’re a music lover, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about why certain sounds give you chills, this lecture reveals the fascinating physics behind the music you hear every day. 💡 About the wonderful Professor Jason J.B. Harlow Jason J. B. Harlow is a Teaching Stream Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Toronto. He earned his BSc in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Toronto and his PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from Pennsylvania State University. Before returning to Toronto, he spent six years as the resident astronomer at the University of the Pacific. An award-winning educator, Harlow received the Outstanding Teaching Award from U of T’s Faculty of Arts & Science in 2022 and the 2023 Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching from the Canadian Association of Physicists. He is also the author of an online textbook developed from a course he has taught for nearly a decade: The Physics of Music. 📅 Date: November 3, 2026 🕡 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Civil Works 🎤 Speaker: Professor Jason Harlow, PhD. Expect to leave with a geeky view into some of the music you've come to love over the years. 🎟 Seats are limited!