Music Is Mathematical, Mathematics Is Musical (Ezra Brown) - MAA MathFest 2023

Thursday, August 3, 2023
MAA MathFest 2032

MAA Invited Paper Session and Jam Session (aligned with an MAA Invited Address)
Applications of Mathematics to Music

Mathematics and music have a long-standing affinity for each other. In this session, our speakers will talk about many topics, including vowel production and a question at the intersection of mathematics, music, physics, communication, and perception; the application of natural Pythagorean intervals to the closure for scales generated by three or more intervals; the circle of fifths and the twelve-tone scale on a torus; the Piano theorem; graphs for music events, including modulation; and a musical pythagorean theorem that Pythagoras missed.

Organizer:
Jason Brown, Dalhousie University
Ezra (Bud) Brown, Virginia Tech

Music Is Mathematical, Mathematics Is Musical
Ezra Brown, Virginia Tech

Music has scales, intervals, chords, melodies, harmonies, and rhythms -- which are of mathematical origin. Mathematics has patterns, themes, variations, and converses -- which are of musical origin. Topics in this talk (time permitting) include the Pythagorean scale, good and bad vibrations, the Piano Theorem, odd and even harmonics, the circle of fifths and the twelve-tone scale on a doughnut; musical theater, science fiction, and one of those bad vibrations; a musical Pythagorean theorem that Pythagoras missed; and what you get when you play a certain famous theme backwards.

Every summer, MAA MathFest presents the latest in mathematical research and education to diverse audiences across the nation. As the largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts, MAA is proud to bring an interactive, accessible, and informative experience to you this year.