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 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.
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.
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.
Math is essentially following known patterns until you arrive at a conclusion. For example, once you know that formula to find an answer, such as the simple formula of addition or something as complex as determining the degrees of an angle, you'll be able to use that pattern to get an answer.
The connection between music and math works both ways: those children who do well in math class are also extremely successful when it comes to playing an instrument and reading musical notes. The combination of both these skills can 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.
Author Resource:-
Nigel Joneston is the owner and operator of For Very Good Music, the #1 source on the internet for information about music, For questions or comments about this article why not visit: http://www.fvgmusic.com/articles
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