Similarity in Music and Math - By: Nigel Joneston

More and more studies are being done that find a strong connection between music and math. Part of this connection is the patterns that exist between math, language, and music. Music is a series of notes that are played according to a pattern that has been established. Math works in much the same way. Although there are many ways that can you 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.

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 music also seems to have benefits that include everything from learning of language to improving math skills. Putting music into our lives from an early age, such as birth onwards, seem to give an advantage that can't be disputed. More and more studies confirm that there truly is a connection between music and math.

More and more studies are being done that find a strong connection between music and math. Part of this connection is the patterns that exist between math, language, and music. Music is a series of notes that are played according to a pattern that has been established. Math works in much the same way. Although there are many ways that can you add, multiply, subtract, and divide numbers, the ultimate combination is still finite.

Nigel Joneston is the owner of For Very Good Music, the #1 source on the internet for information about music. For more articles on music why not visit: http://www.fvgmusic.com/articles