Course Description
Provides opportunities for students to survey the rich intersections of mathematics and music. Classes will be organized around broad topics (such as proportions, modular arithmetic, networks, and geometry) and will involve equal parts discussion and exploration. Assessment will include small homework exercises and open-ended, student-proposed projects. (The class requires no specific mathematical knowledge, beyond what is typical for a music major.)
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students are expected to serve as discussion leaders and must complete a larger and more complex final project.
Athena Title
Exploring Math and Music
Prerequisite
MUSI 2100 and MUSI 2110
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, the successful student will be comfortable examining and applying a variety of mathematical and musical concepts, with particular focus on their fruitful intersection and on the specific challenges of critical consideration and clear communication. The student will have demonstrated understanding through creative projects tailored to their professional and musical background and goals.
Topical Outline
• Preliminaries • Simple arithmetic: ratios and proportions (rhythm/meter, tuning, form) • Modular arithmetic (pitch-class and beat-class systems) • Geometry and networks (compositional and analytical spaces and diagrams) • Other topics, time permitting, according to student interest
Syllabus