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Research Article

Understanding Music as a Mathematical Activity through
Chrome Music Lab

Kumar Gandharv Mishra
Independent Researcher,
Email: mishrakumargandharv@gmail.com

Abstract
The paper is an attempt to present some (four) Experiments of Chrome Music Lab in the
context of mathematics. The activities suggested in the paper can be used by teacher-
students as a pedagogical tool to understand music as a mathematical activity as well
as to explore and work on some mathematical concepts as a part of music composition.
The activities discussed in the paper can also be worked upon by the general public,
parents, mathematics and music enthusiasts, and educators to understand and
communicate music as a mathematical activity in an interactive manner.
Keywords: Mathematics, Music, Chrome Music Lab, Pattern, Digital Technology,
Inquiry based learning, Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic
Introduction teaching of mathematics also emphasise
linking mathematics with other subjects.
The National Educational Policy
2020 envisions a multidisciplinary, Among other disciplines, Music is one
experiential learning and arts integrated such area which is enjoyed by learners
approach to curriculum (Ministry across all age groups. Everyone enjoys
of Education, 2020, p. 12). It also to tap, clap, dance or hum even without
advocates for breaking the boundaries any formal knowledge of music.
between Sciences and Arts. When it Children can be observed dancing
comes to mathematics, research and according to some rhythm. According
various reports across the globe also to Shilling (2002) young children come
emphasise connecting mathematics to school with intuitive knowledge of
with interdisciplinary aspects to make musical patterns and rhythms. Infact,
learning an enjoyable experience for integrating music in a mathematics
children. For example: the position paper classroom can be an engaging and
on teaching of mathematics (NCERT, joyful experience for children. On the
2006) emphasises the need for making other hand, it is also important that
connections, within mathematics, children develop a sense of appreciation
and between mathematics and other towards aesthetical aspects of music;
subjects of study. It also emphasises the especially in the context of mathematics
need to present mathematics as a part i.e. they should be able to see or realise
of culture through art, architecture and the mathematical elements in it and
music. The principal and standards for they should be also able to apply
school mathematics by NCTM (2000) on mathematical knowledge to understand

166 Indian Journal of Educational Technology
Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2021