“Musical form is close to mathematics – not perhaps to mathematics itself, but certainly to something like mathematical thinking and relationship.”
~Igor Stravinsky

You probably know that learning to play an instrument is not exactly rocket science. We think of music as an artistic, rather than scientific, endeavor, one that “plays on” our senses.

Math, on the other hand, does not involve emotions; it is all about logic, as well as analytical and abstract reasoning. So the two fields are totally incompatible, right?

Actually, that’s not a correct assumption. In fact, the two fields are connected to each other in fundamental ways. That’s because music depends on numerical relationships, arithmetic, geometry, and symmetry.

Does this mean that if you are a gifted musician you are also good at calculus, algebra, and arithmetic (and vice-versa?) No. You could be a mathematical genius and not be into music at all, but if you play an instrument, you are also a mathematician of sorts, even though you probably don’t think of yourself as one.

Setting numbers to music

The connection between music and math is not a new discovery. Ancient Greeks were aware of it, and classical composers used mathematical structures in their music.

What’s the “common ground” between the two fields? Both are based on patterns, structures, and numbers. For instance, a musician will “measure” notes (determine the number of beats) and fit them into the sequence where they belong; a mathematician will do the same calculation when figuring out equations. In other words, behind the sound of the notes you hear are both simple and complex mathematical concepts.

Here’s a good example of how music and math overlap: musical rhythms are also mathematical equations, such as 4/4 or 2/4 time. When you play, sing, or write music, you are also crunching numbers – you are wondering, “how many more beats do I need?”

Any part of music you can think of – harmony, chords, scales pitch, and tone – has a mathematical component in it.

The sound of numbers

As mentioned above, classical composers were no strangers to math – for instance, they used fractions to divide a musical whole note into parts (halves, quarters, eighths, and sixteenths).

You may already have affinity for math and not even know it: research has shown that people are more attracted to music that has clear mathematical structure. One notable example is Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Bach’s works like Canonic Variations also show the composer’s fascination with numbers.

What about modern music? You may not be a fan of hip-hop lyrics, but the music’s stylized rhythms have a clear mathematical pattern. As a matter of fact, some school teachers use (appropriately worded) rap songs to help their students learn algebra.

“Count” on us!

We won’t tell you that all our teachers are math geniuses – they are not. But they certainly can put two and two together and know everything that pertains to an instrument of your choice. So in the end it all…adds up.

Please contact us to set up a music lesson in your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office. It really is as simple as 1,2,3!

Photo by unknown, available under a Creative Commons License.

The post When it Comes to Music, NYC Guitar School Does the Math appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

“I don’t do fashion, I AM fashion.”

Coco Chanel

The famed French designer said these words at the height of her career, in the first half of the 20th century. She was right – to this day, Chanel’s name is synonymous with high fashion and classic elegance.

Some fashions and fads come and go (think “Goth,” and “grunge”) but even four decades after her death, Coco’s signature styles – such as the iconic “little black dress” and a string of pearls – are still very much in vogue, as is her perfume, Chanel no. 5.

All this goes to prove that fashion and music have at least one thing in common: the best pieces are timeless!

As Fashion Week commences on New York City this week, let’s talk about style.

Runway hits

There is a reason why we are talking about clothes here – February 15 to 19 marks the New York Fashion Week, which every year showcases the latest couture by the world’s top designers.

Though the spectators’ dress code for this event is elegant and chic, the music that typically accompanies the show is quite eclectic, ranging from chill tunes to electric hits, a mix that keeps the models sashaying and the audience riveted.

Each season, designers create the playlist to animate their collections, choosing the music that best reflects the mood they want to create.

Here are some examples of the sometimes surprising and / or unconventional soundtracks from a recent New York fashion show:

A soaring drum score from the movie Avatar was Donna Karan’s pick; Lacoste’s models strutted to the sounds of “Higher Ground” by TNGHT; and Tommy Hilfiger’s pick was “I Follow Rivers” by Lykke Li.

All dressed up

It may seem like each season new styles, cuts, hemlines, colors, and fabrics are in vogue. But if you are really observant, you will notice that fashion trends tend to repeat themselves every few decades. Just look at platform shoes, shoulder pads, and other “deja-vu” styles.

That is just as well because it means that songs about clothes and accessories are always in fashion. Here are some examples:

• “Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh

• “She Wore Blue Velvet” by Bobby Vinton

• “Satin and Lace” by Roger Daltrey

• “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley

• “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” by Nancy Sinatra

• “Forever in Blue Jeans,” by Neil Diamond

• “Bell Bottom Blues,” by Derek & the Dominos

No tux required

As we mentioned above, good music never goes out of style, which is why our music lessons are always relevant.

We can come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Riverdale home or office and teach you to play guitar, piano, drums, or any other instrument – fashionable or not. And, unlike the shows that take place during the Fashion Week, we do not require elegant attire (but draw the line at birthday suits).

If you want to have your lesson while wearing your oldest sweats and sneakers, that’s okay with us – the music you make will be just as beautiful.

Photo by Michael King

The post Music by Design – With Manhattan Music School appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.