<p>The connection between maths and music seems intirguing, yet it can help you improve,writes Vidya Raja<br /><br /></p>.<p>The idea that learning classical music can potentially enhance mathematical abilities early in life is quite intriguing and exciting. Music and Mathematics may seem unrelated to a layman , but classical music can act as a catalyst that would transform mathematical skills from basic to extraordinary.<br /><br />The connection between music and mathematics was well established by the Greek philosophers. Pythagoras considered music and mathematics as two sides of the same coin, through harmony one enters the harmonic fabric of the cosmos. <br /><br />In fact, current literature reveals that an interconnection exists between music and several aspects related to the functioning of the brain in humans. Studies conducted in this area of neuroscience provide insights into a correlation that might exist between mathematics and music in addition to the influence of music on cognitive development.<br /><br />A neurobiology perspective shows how music activity triggers the same brain activity as that is used when one completes complex spatial reasoning tasks. The neural network in early childhood lends itself to be molded depending on the exposure to the training received during that period.<br /><br />Practical application<br /><br />There is a link between the practical application of many concepts starting from simple arithmetic, series, patterns, progressions and formulae encompassing the field of mathematics and Indian music. Concepts of Sruti, tala (Laya or rhythm given a definite structure) and even the classification of ragas in Indian music is scientific.<br /><br />The complex activities performed during the improvisation or manodharma are completely aesthetic mathematics. Mathematical concepts are embedded starting from Abhyasa ganam (basic practice lessons) and continues to complex levels of processing in the brain for advanced music. Indian classical music provides enough mathematical drillwork to the brain without the child being conscious that a complex mathematical task is being performed.<br /><br />Impact of Indian music<br /><br />An experimental study was conducted to understand the impact of Indian music training on mathematical achievement in early formative education/ schooling. Children in the age group 6-8 years of age were evaluated for their mathematical ability using a pre-test for all students the experimental group and the control group of subjects. Music intervention in the form of basic carnatic music lessons were provided to the experimental group only. <br /><br />A follow up mathematical ability post-test were administered to all the subjects including the control group. The results from this study indicated a statistically significant improvement in mathematical ability for the subjects in the experimental group in comparison to the control group. This positive result that Indian music training has had on the mathematical ability of children is something that has tremendous scope for Music and Mathematics education.<br /><br />In order to harness the benefits of Indian music training, schools should make “music for all” and not only to the talented. Indian music training especially in early childhood education lays the foundation for quick receptivity of difficult mathematical processes and concepts yet to be learned. <br /><br />Music has today promised hopes to many students to improve their skills in mathematics because of its nature to make the brain receptive to mathematical concepts. The very thought that influence of music on the mathematical abilities is positive, is ray of hope toward improving cognitive abilities. </p>
<p>The connection between maths and music seems intirguing, yet it can help you improve,writes Vidya Raja<br /><br /></p>.<p>The idea that learning classical music can potentially enhance mathematical abilities early in life is quite intriguing and exciting. Music and Mathematics may seem unrelated to a layman , but classical music can act as a catalyst that would transform mathematical skills from basic to extraordinary.<br /><br />The connection between music and mathematics was well established by the Greek philosophers. Pythagoras considered music and mathematics as two sides of the same coin, through harmony one enters the harmonic fabric of the cosmos. <br /><br />In fact, current literature reveals that an interconnection exists between music and several aspects related to the functioning of the brain in humans. Studies conducted in this area of neuroscience provide insights into a correlation that might exist between mathematics and music in addition to the influence of music on cognitive development.<br /><br />A neurobiology perspective shows how music activity triggers the same brain activity as that is used when one completes complex spatial reasoning tasks. The neural network in early childhood lends itself to be molded depending on the exposure to the training received during that period.<br /><br />Practical application<br /><br />There is a link between the practical application of many concepts starting from simple arithmetic, series, patterns, progressions and formulae encompassing the field of mathematics and Indian music. Concepts of Sruti, tala (Laya or rhythm given a definite structure) and even the classification of ragas in Indian music is scientific.<br /><br />The complex activities performed during the improvisation or manodharma are completely aesthetic mathematics. Mathematical concepts are embedded starting from Abhyasa ganam (basic practice lessons) and continues to complex levels of processing in the brain for advanced music. Indian classical music provides enough mathematical drillwork to the brain without the child being conscious that a complex mathematical task is being performed.<br /><br />Impact of Indian music<br /><br />An experimental study was conducted to understand the impact of Indian music training on mathematical achievement in early formative education/ schooling. Children in the age group 6-8 years of age were evaluated for their mathematical ability using a pre-test for all students the experimental group and the control group of subjects. Music intervention in the form of basic carnatic music lessons were provided to the experimental group only. <br /><br />A follow up mathematical ability post-test were administered to all the subjects including the control group. The results from this study indicated a statistically significant improvement in mathematical ability for the subjects in the experimental group in comparison to the control group. This positive result that Indian music training has had on the mathematical ability of children is something that has tremendous scope for Music and Mathematics education.<br /><br />In order to harness the benefits of Indian music training, schools should make “music for all” and not only to the talented. Indian music training especially in early childhood education lays the foundation for quick receptivity of difficult mathematical processes and concepts yet to be learned. <br /><br />Music has today promised hopes to many students to improve their skills in mathematics because of its nature to make the brain receptive to mathematical concepts. The very thought that influence of music on the mathematical abilities is positive, is ray of hope toward improving cognitive abilities. </p>
