Why teach math and music together?
Teaching math and music together can enhance students' understanding of both subjects. Music is inherently mathematical, with concepts such as rhythm, tempo, and scales corresponding to mathematical principles like patterns and fractions. By integrating these subjects, educators can present abstract mathematical concepts in a more tangible and engaging way. This interdisciplinary approach to math and music can foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Math and Music Lesson Plans
- Math and Music: Fibonacci Sequence
Students discover patterns in music that relate to the Fibonacci Sequence.
- Patterns in Math and Music
Students learn how to solve music and math problems by finding patterns.
- Graphing Pitch
Distribute a group activity that explains the musical relationship between the length of instruments and their pitch.
- Tap Your Feet
Students will practice following a pattern and become familiar with the concept of beat in music. They will be introduced to tempo. They will gain experience playing the beat on non-pitched rhythm instruments, at various tempos. This activity will culminate in the creation of a rhythm piece.
Jazz & Math Connected
- Jazz and Math: Improvisation Permutations
In this lesson students explore how many different rhythmic combinations can be improvised in a jazz/blues piece of music and derive a mathematical formula.
- Jazz and Math: Rhythmic Innovations
Connect math and music through the study of jazz. In this music lesson, students learn about the use of fractions in music. They will compare and contrast the rhythms of marches and jazz based on the examples in a documentary, and explore notation, subdivision of notes and the altered and innovative rhythms found in jazz music.
- Interactive Timeline
Students will explore ragtime music and gain an understanding of its development in relation to jazz. They will also investigate the historical events during the time the genre evolved.
Math and Music References
- Math and Music: Leonardo of Pisa
Brief explanation of Leonardo of Pisa's finding of the Fibonacci Sequence and its relation to music.
- Mozart: Mathematics in Music
Explore connections in math and music with this article on Mozart.
Math and Music Printable Activities
- Curious George at the Parade: Band Member Shuffle
Use this early learning activity for math and music to review terms for instruments. Help Curious George arrange the members of the band every possible way.
- Curious George "Ten Little Monkeys" Song
Connect music and literature with these printable lyrics to "Ten Little Monkeys". Children are sure to enjoy learning this bed time song as they read about the adventures of Curious George.
- The Music Mouse
Try a math activity that focuses on skip counting by five's to 100.
Related Music Resources
- Music National Content Standard #8
Music National Content Standard #8 focuses on understanding relationships between music and other disciplines. Use these resources to connect music with reading, math, social studies, and other arts.
- National Standards for Music Education
Incorporate the nine National Standards for Music Education into your curriculum. Use these resources to teach students in grades K-12 about singing, instruments, music composition, and much more!
- Music Resources for Teachers
Bring some music into your classroom with lessons and printables! Celebrate Music in Our Schools Month in March, or enjoy music on a regular basis with your students.
