The Sound of Science

“Music is a great introduction into physics, especially for non-science majors,” said Granucci. “Science didn’t come naturally to me. I had to work hard. I translate that experience into my classes. Physics and math are like instruments. You may not get them the first time. You just have to keep practicing.”

Granucci has been studying the skies over Quinnipiac since 2015 as a faculty member. Her celestial curiosity fuels research with students through NITARP — the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program — with presentations at the American Astronomical Society. She also advises the Astronomy Club.

She designed her newest class, Physics of Music, to explore sound, instruments and technology through the lens of physics and math.

“This course draws students into science through the common ground of music,” said Granucci. “I like to say I ‘trick’ them into doing science. By the end, they’ve completed high-level physics, but they don’t see it that way.”

The class breaks down the science of sound waves and how amplitude and pitch shape what we hear. Granucci uses instruments to show how vibration creates rhythm and how string length changes pitch. Students also explore why certain lyrics resonate deeply. 

A self-taught musician, she also plays piano, string bass, electric bass, clarinet and trumpet. More recently, she’s been training her voice as the band’s lead singer. Onstage, if she’s not belting out songs by artists ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Miley Cyrus at Odie’s Place and Side Street Grille, you’ll find her on string bass with the Southern Connecticut Symphonic Band. 

She’s also mother to Sophia (10) and Jason (6), and married to David, an environmental engineer and the band's guitarist.

“I’m like Clark Kent and Superman,” said Granucci. “In class, I’m all professional scientist. And then at night, I’m on stage, rocking it out.”

Some students show up just to see her perform. Others arrive shocked to find their professor behind the mic. 

“Either way, it sends a message,” she said. “No matter your age or what you’re into — music, astrophysics or both — you can do it. If you work hard and love what you do, you don’t have to choose one identity to be the best version of yourself. And that’s probably one of the most important lessons I can teach.”

Discover More:

Dive into how the universe can expand when it may already be infinite — a thought-provoking exploration by Nicole Granucci, in The Conversation.

Mixtape Era features: Nicole Granucci (vocals/electric bass), David Granucci (guitar), George Sprengelmeyer (QU director of music program, guitar), Rick DelVecchio (former QU director of career development, drums) and Len Bobinski (bassist). Follow the band on Facebook for upcoming show information.