Similarity in Music and Math
By: Nigel Joneston

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.

Music too works in a similar fashion and pattern. There is an endless variety of groupings between notes, but the number of notes and sounds that exist is finite. Music and math similar to each other owing to the similarity in patterns and combinations. The processing of data about music and maths by our brain is diverse when compared to any other data or inputs.

It has been observed that babies too respond to melodies and rhythms. To check this out, 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 will find that the baby responds in a more positive fashion and pays more attention to you. Therefore, their response improves to a large extent when you are saying words that have a poetic, mathematical bend. This is against words that are mundane and spoken in a normal tone.

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 will make their own music with anything that they can get their hands on. If you listen to the sounds that they are making you'll always find some sort of a pattern emerging. It is this ability to make patterns out of random sounds that influences how well the child will do at math skills later in life.

During a child's growth, it's important to have music as a part of their life. Studies show that children who are active in music, whether as a result of playing an instrument or listening to a wide variety of music, perform better in math. The studies indicate that this is a result of their brains developing 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 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.

The study of music has many benefits that include the learning of language to improving math skills. Incorporating music into our lives from birth onwards give an advantage that can't be disputed as more and more studies confirm the connection between music and math.

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Nigel Joneston is the owner of For Very Good Music, the best place on the internet for information about music. For more articles on music why not visit: www.fvgmusic.com/articles
This and other unique content music articles are available with free reprint rights.

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