Math Meets Music

Eric Venables’s Grade 9 math class and Jack Connolly’s Grade 10-12 instrument arts class combined forces on Monday to explore the intersection of math and music.

“It was a fun and creative day,” says Mr. Venables. “The general idea was that we wanted to give the kids a different, and hopefully fun, learning experience before the rigour of studying for final exams is upon us.”

The main concept was to show quantifiable areas of music in which mathematics is apparent. To do so, the class looked at how fractions apply to the timing and rhythm of music. Grade 9 drummer Hannah B. broke down a bar, dividing it into half notes, quarter and eighth notes, to illustrate how the standard ‘rock beat’ is built.

The group then transitioned into exploring mathematical patterns that help explain why some notes sound good together while other notes do not. By first discussing frequencies of sound waves, for example, the frequency of a C note, the students learned they could then multiply or divide by two to raise or lower the note by an octave. They also discovered that they could multiply a C note by common fractions to create a C Major chord.

“The goal was for students who enjoy playing music to see some of the mathematical beauty behind the songs and for strong math students to link their passion to the art (and science!) of music,” says Mr. Venables.