Music and maths: the magical link

Maths is more than the sum of its parts: Not only does it teach us to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, but also to think critically, solve problems, and reason with logic.

But what if your child struggles with the concepts of mathematics or finds it boring or overwhelming? Harmonising it with music could be the answer to enjoying this vital subject.

As the German mathematician and philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz (1646-1716), who co-discovered calculus, said, “Music is the pleasure the human soul experiences from counting without being aware that it is counting.” What is the magical link between music and maths?

The 1, 2, 3 of do re mi

Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat, lecturer of Mathematics Education at the University of the Witwatersrand, confirms the strong link between music and maths. “Research has shown that musical activities can improve intellectual performance, spatial-temporal reasoning, and other learning skills. Music enhances children’s mathematical learning by fostering engagement and supporting conceptual development.”

When a child is learning to play an instrument and to read music, it enhances spatial-temporal reasoning, a crucial skill for mathematical performance. Both music and maths involve patterns, sequencing, and determining the relationship between different elements.

“When children read music, they are essentially decoding symbols and their relationship to the production of sounds, much like we do when reading mathematical formulas and equations. Similarly, when they play instruments, they are counting beats, understanding rhythm, and recognising numerous patterns within musical compositions,” says Dr Zaheera.

A study by Dr Sylwia Holmes, which involved 178 children aged four to six in a music programme based on nursery rhymes and designed for non-specialist teachers, found that rhythm-focused music programmes improve intellectual abilities and spatial-temporal skills, aiding in learning. Dr Sylwia found that music training influenced specific mathematical skills related to geometry, shapes, and symmetry patterns, due to its effect on spatial-temporal abilities.

“A notable link was also found between musical training and arithmetic skills such as addition, subtraction, and problem-solving, possibly due to enhanced spatial abilities from rhythmic instruction,” says Dr Zaheera.

Learning made easy

Dr Zaheera suggests that it is not only through formal lessons that children can learn these critical skills. Simple ways to encourage mathematical and logical thinking in children through music include:

• Using nursery rhymes

  Nursery rhymes can help children recognise and practice counting, sequencing, and patterns, as these rhymes often involve rhythmic and repetitive elements.

• Incorporating musical patterns

  Introduce children to musical patterns, such as clapping or playing instruments in specific sequences, which can help them recognise similar patterns in mathematical concepts.

• Teaching rhythm and timing

Rhythm and timing exercises, such as clapping to beats or tapping to different tempos, can improve children’s understanding of fractions and ratios.

The link between music and maths is undeniable, and parents can play a crucial role in nurturing this connection to support their children’s learning and development. Whether through formal lessons or informal exposure to music, children can benefit greatly from incorporating music into their lives from a young age.

“By fostering a love for music and providing opportunities for exploration and learning, parents can set their children on a path towards success in both music and mathematics,” Dr Zaheera concludes.