Author: Nigel Joneston Added: January 30, 2007
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 is true of music. Notes are combined in a series of groupings (almost and endless variety) but the number of sounds created is finite. It is patterns and combinations such as this that make music and math similar. Our brain seems to process the information from music and math in a different manner than it computes other information.
Babies are attracted to the spoken work when it sounds rhythmic and melodic. Talk to a baby in a normal tone of voice and then change your words to a nursery rhyme that has melodic and bold sounding words throughout. You may find that the baby pays more attention to you when you are saying words that have a poetic, mathematical stride to them much more than when your words are mundane and spoken in a normal tone of voice.
Observational studies have established that small children like to listen to music that has patterns and repetitive lines. It is felt that their brain computes music messages in a fashion that interests them immensely. As with exercises, the more you exercise the better it gets - similarly more we make children think, sharper their brains would become and they would be able to learn and absorb more.
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.
As a child grows it's important to continue to have music as a part of their life. Studies show that children who are active in music, whether playing an instrument or listening to a wide variety of music, do better in math. This is because their brains have developed in such a way that they are able 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 inter-relationship between maths and music works both ways. Children who are good in maths are also competent when they take up music. Music may be in the form of playing an instrument or reading musical notes. Therefore, a combination of these two skills leads to better overall performance in school and better learning and skills.
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.
Nigel Joneston is the owner and operator of For Very Good Music, a fantastic resource for information about music. For more articles on music why not visit: www.fvgmusic.com/articles
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