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.

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.

Small children love to listen to music that has patterns and repetitive lines to it. This is because their brain is computing the music message in way that catches their interest and makes them think. And the more ways in which children are taught to think, the more they will learn and absorb.

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.

As a child grows it's important to continue to have music as a part of their life. Studies show that children who are active in music, whether playing an instrument or listening to a wide variety of music, do better in math. This is because their brains have developed in such a way that they are able 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 inter-relationship between maths and music works both ways. Children who are good in maths are also competent when they take up music. Music may be in the form of playing an instrument or reading musical notes. Therefore, a combination of these two skills leads to better overall performance in school and better learning and skills.

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.