Similarity in Music and Math
by Nigel Joneston
http://www.fvgmusic.com
There have been several studies recently that confirm a
connection between music and math. There seems to be a
strong pattern between math, language, and music. Music is
essentially a series of notes played in a pre-established
pattern. Math works in a similar way. There is a finite
number of ways that you can add, multiply, subtract, and
divide numbers, the ultimate combination is still finite.
The same can be said about music. Notes can be combined in
an endless variety of groupings but the number of notes and
sounds that exist are finite. It is these patterns and
combinations that make music and math very similar. Our
brain seems to process the data from music and math much
differently than it computes other information that is
derived from other forms of the thought process.
Babies are first attracted to speech when it sounds rhythmic
and melodic. Parents instinctively know to talk to a baby in
a tone that has melodic and bold sounding words throughout,
rather than using a normal voice. You will probably notice
that the baby pays more attention to you when you speak to
them in a poetic, mathematical stride to them rather than
when your words are mundane and spoken in a normal tone of
voice.
Small children love to listen to music that with repetitive
patterns to it. Perhaps this is because their brain is
computing the music message in way that catches their
interest and makes them think. Hopefully, as a result
children learning different methods to think, they are more
willing to learn and absorb.
Many young children start by making their own music, usually
with anything they can get their hands on. As you listen to
the sounds that they are making you will discern some kind
of a pattern emerging. It is this ability to establish
patterns out of random sounds that determines how well the
child will do at math skills later in life.
Various studies have shown that children who participate in
musical activities, whether playing an instrument or
listening to a variety of music, do better in math.
Therefore, for a growing child it is important to have music
as a part of their life and routine. They develop into
people who are better at maths as their brains have been
exercised and sharpened to discern patterns and repetition
among the musical notes.
The art of calculation lies in understanding the pattern.
When you follow a pattern, it shall take you to a
conclusion. The key lies in knowing the pattern, be it a
simple or a complex pattern, it needs to be followed for the
same conclusion.
The music and math connection works both ways: it's common
for children who do well in math class to be extremely
successful when it comes to playing an instrument and
reading musical notes. The combination of both these skills
will often lead to better overall performance in school.
Making music an integral part of our lives right from birth
places us on the fast track and gives us an advantage that
can not be disputed. Increasingly, studies have confirmed
the relationship between music and math and the benefits
that accrue.
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