This book precipitated from my ``spectral modeling'' course which has been offered at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) since 1984. The course originally evolved as a dissemination vehicle for spectral-oriented signal-processing research in computer music, aimed at beginning graduate students in computer music and engineering programs et al. Over the years it has become more of a tour of fundamentals in spectral audio signal processing, with occasional mention and citation of prior and ongoing related research. In principle, the only prerequisites are the first two books in the music signal processing series.

The focus of this book is on spectral modeling applied to audio signals. More completely, the principal tasks are spectral analysis, modeling, and resynthesis (and/or effects). We analyze sound in terms of spectral models primarily because this is what the human brain does. We may synthesize/modify sound in terms of spectral models for the same reason.