FYEC - FYEC 173-174 The Sound of Numbers

Institution:

Randolph-Macon College

Subject:

Description:

This course is dedicated to the dynamic relationship between music and mathematics. The course is open to all freshmen regardless of musical or mathematical background. We will explore these two disciplines through five overarching themes: perception (math, music, and the brain), number (pitch and frequency), pattern (rhythms and permutations), symmetry (phrasing, tuning, and group theory) and variation (chance music and probability). In the mathematics portion of the course, students will learn about periodic functions, permutations and combinations, modular arithmetic, group theoretic topics related to the symmetries of regular shapes, probability and fractals. They will learn how these mathematical concepts arise naturally in music and use them to describe, analyze and compose music. In the music portion of this course, students will learn basic music theory, as well as the listening skills necessary to interpret music of varying origins and time periods. We will study how math relates to the musical concepts of pitch, rhythm, meter, timbre, and form. Through critical listening and simple music composition, students will also explore how sound and numbers intersect in the creative process. Area of Knowledge requirements met: one mathematics course under the Natural and Mathematical Science area, and one arts course under the Arts and Literature area. Four hours each semester. Mr. Doering, Ms. Bhattacharya.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.rmc.edu

Phone Number:

(804) 752-7200

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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