I have to do a presentation on how math and music relate. I have found some things and facts but everything is so complicated. If someone could help explain to me how I can narrow my topic down and make a presentation that is simple but effective. It can be anything within the grips of music and math, the possibilities are endless...

Thank you

One idea is to concentrate on how Plato (Socrates' student) correlates math and music in his work, especially in The Republic. By doing this, you can emphasize that humans have been making this connection for over 2,400 years!

http://www.google.com/search?q=math+and+music+in+The+Republic&oq=math+and+music+in+The+Republic&aqs=chrome..69i57.7090j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

Perhaps you will find it fascinating to see the relationshipe between music and the Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ratio

( google Fibonacci numbers to see thousands of webpages, here is probably one of the best:
http://www.maths.surrey.ac.uk/hosted-sites/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fib.html

those numbers are:
1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 ...
(add any two numbers to get the next one)

Just one of the remarkable of hundreds of relationships is this:
look at one octave on the keyboard of a piano
there will be a total of 13 keys
8 are white and 5 are black
the blacks are grouped in 3's and 2's
which makes up the sequence: 2 3 5 8 13 of the Fibonacci numbers.

( I recall reading one source that claimed that appr 15,000 PHD theses have been written relating music and the Fibonacci sequence.)

To narrow down your topic and make your presentation simple yet effective, here's a step-by-step approach you can follow:

1. Start by brainstorming: Begin by listing all the potential connections between math and music that come to mind. This can include concepts like rhythm, harmony, scales, frequencies, musical notation, and more.

2. Identify your key interests: Review your brainstormed list and identify the areas that you find most interesting or that align with your personal experiences or knowledge. This will help you stay engaged and passionate about your topic throughout the research and presentation process.

3. Research the selected topics: Begin researching each of the selected topics individually. Look for resources such as books, scholarly articles, online tutorials, and videos that explain the specific connection between math and music you're interested in. Take notes and compile relevant information to inform your presentation.

4. Consider the audience's perspective: Think about the level of mathematical knowledge your audience might have. Aim to explain complex concepts in a way that is accessible to a wide range of people. Find relatable examples and use visual aids, such as diagrams or graphs, to clarify connections between math and music.

5. Highlight concrete examples: To make your presentation more engaging, include specific examples of how math is used in music or how musical concepts can be explained mathematically. For instance, you could explore the mathematical patterns in musical scales or the calculation of frequencies to create different musical notes.

6. Showcase historical connections: Explore the historical relationship between math and music. Discuss how ancient civilizations, like the Greeks, used mathematical principles to create musical scales or how composers and musicians today use mathematical structures to create harmonious compositions.

7. Include interactive elements: Consider incorporating interactive elements into your presentation to actively engage the audience. For example, you could demonstrate the mathematical concept of rhythm by asking volunteers to clap or tap along to different time signatures.

8. Practice and simplify your language: Ensure that you clearly understand the concepts you'll be presenting. Practice explaining them using plain and simple language. Avoid jargon or overly technical terminology that might confuse your audience.

Remember, the key to a successful presentation is to present the information in a coherent, logical, and engaging manner. By following these steps and staying focused on your specific interests, you can create a simple yet effective presentation on the connection between math and music. Good luck!