Until this lesson, I had no idea these two were married – Music and Math.
As a student, for years I listened to classical music while studying. I always said, “It helps me concentrate.” I really had no idea if that was scientifically accurate or not. Perhaps it is something I heard or read and instantly adapted to it. I believed it; therefore, it worked. When I listen to soft classical music, I remain focused and do well academically.
Now, as a teacher I am learning how to effectively incorporate music in the classroom while instructing students. This is great because I enjoy music as much as my students do. In fact, this has created a bit of a bond between my students and I. We discuss music frequently – even different genres.
The core subject I teach is reading. I have always told myself that I am not ‘good with math.’ I also believed this to the point of being math averse. I co-tutor students after school. The majority of the students need assistance with math homework. I am usually avoiding those students like the plague! It is not my subject.
The text for this course, “Brain-based Learning” taught me that music and math are married in the sense that they share the following concepts:
- Ratios/Proportions and Equivalent Fractions
- and Sequences
Although, I do not teach math, I certainly find it useful to understand the connections between the two. By taking the opportunity to engage my students both mathematically and musically during reading instruction – I will benefit them by enhancing their ability to learn and find meaning in what they are learning.