1. Why is so hard to tune my guitar? A look at the mathematics behind the music Charlie Burrus Rice University School Mathematics Project November 2007 This entire presentation (and more!) can be found at http://www.rusmp.rice.edu/

2. The Four Pillars of Education Mathematics Geometry Astronomy Music

3. Music = organized sound Sound travels in longitudinal waves, but we frequently illustrate it using transverse waves.

4. Longitudinal Wave

6. Terminology Musical terms: Volume Pitch Mathematical terms: Amplitude Frequency ====

7. Pitch Measured in letters - periodic

8. Melodies are relative Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How I wonder what you are C C G G A A G F F E E D D C or D D A A B B A G G F# F# E E D or G G D D E E D C C B B A A G Octave: Different pitch, but same note

9. Octave Different “pitch” but same “note”.