Music spans cultures, time periods, and practically all levels of emotional expression. However, what is potentially a global expression of similarity has a surprising secret, and it all has to do with perception. 

If you ever hear musicians warming up, you may catch them tuning their different instruments around a common note. The easier to tune instruments, such as guitars, basses, or violins must follow the harder to tune instruments, such as the piano, as all the musicians hone in on the desired central note. In much of western music, this note is known as “A” and sometimes holds the name “A-440.” The number refers to the vibrating part of the instrument during a 1-second interval, which is its frequency. In other words, 440 hertz (abbreviated: Hz) shows an instrument vibrating at 440 times per second, which gives us the identity for A-440.

How did we get off on a tangent about music? A-440 is commonly used in western music, but instruments can be tuned to A-439, A-432, or other frequency as long as everyone agrees which note is “A.” This relates to communication as understanding your environment helps to ensure you play the same “A” as your audience expects or needs. Hitting the right note in your content isn’t just for musicians, but takes a skillful balance of your media and what the tone needs for that situation. Take time to tune in and set the tone so you create harmony, and not discord.