Exploring how Harmonic Structures Influence Human Emotional Perception of Music

For centuries, scientists and artists have been captivated by music’s complex interplay of sound waves and harmonic structures. While physiological research has advanced our understanding of music’s emotional effects, the precise mechanisms by which harmonic frequencies influence human emotion remain only partially understood. This paper investigates the interdisciplinary relationship between acoustics, auditory perception, and digital sound manipulation, offering new insights into how harmonic structures shape emotional responses. By integrating psychoacoustics with mathematical tools such as the Fourier Transform, the study examines how harmonic content is encoded by the auditory system, interpreted by the brain, and manipulated through digital technologies. The findings suggest applications in music production, therapeutic sound design, and emotionally adaptive audio systems.