I was at a loss! A 21 year old child, who had just finished his army service, without direction or specially exciting talents.
I had traveled through the years of my youth and participated in many activities and not excelled in any. In football (Soccer) I mainly sat on the bench, I also had not “starred” in Karate, Chess, Ping-pong, Ballet and Judo, although practicing them for years.
The dramatic change occurred at the age of 21. I was a subscriber of “Keyboard” magazine, a music magazine for piano and keyboard players. In every issue received I searched inside for “something” that will change my situation as a semi - professional musician and, one day… I found an article written by an American musician, Gil Goldstein, that stressed vehemently, that there is a very strong linkage between mathematics and music, Gil based his article on the studies of Joseph Schillinger.
Schillinger was the music teacher of famous musicians like George Gershwin. Today no one will make fun of such an idea that relate music to math, but then, 30 years ago, please remember, that such declarations were met with suspicion and doubt.
The article paralyzed me, in a flash, I understood many things. The article did not analyze Music or Mathematics as separate areas, but, directed towards investigating the relationships and associations between them.
What is the relationship between different areas? Is there an association between areas that on their face seem completely different from each other?
If my memory doesn’t fail me (after all it’s been 30 years ago…) the article began with an analysis of some formulas in Mathematics, which led me to study the relationship between Math , Music, Architecture, Painting, Choreography, even Martial Arts and product development from there, went on to other comparisons, modern and more marvelous concerning the mathematical legalities that lie at the basis of humanity and art.
I was convinced that if Music, which is abstract and emotional is Mathematics, then everything else can easily become mathematics as well!
It was this revelation that led me to the “Talent” revolution!
(more info about my Talent method can be found here)
Opher
5 responses so far ↓
Orel Oshrat // Dec 15, 2006 at 18:52
Hi opher
I love this Special Article
My father’s uncle wrote a book about the exect same subject. The book is called “The Beauty of numbers and sounds” by Yakir Shoshani, and it’s of course about the connection between mathematics and music.
I haven’t read it yet, but i intend to soon.
From articles and TV shows about the subject I understand that even the consept of beauty is mathematical! and that makes me wonder, if we have a built in recognition of what is beautiful, dosen’t it makes us a machines?
sincerly
Orel Oshrat
opher // Jan 2, 2007 at 18:29
Dear Orel
Thank you for your response.
I would like to hear more about the book you mentioned. Where can I find a copy of it?
As for us being machines. We are a machine but a machine with awareness. We have a logical mechanism built inside us, this mechanism is composed of a conditioning system developed through a life time of experience. If you want to broaden your horizon on this subject you can read more in Douglas Hofstadte’rs “Mathematical Themes: questing for the essence of mind and pattern”.
rafi yaakoby // Jan 16, 2007 at 6:34
wonderful. i want more of it…
Stan // Apr 25, 2007 at 12:05
Hi Opher.
I didn’t know anything about you before. And I heard Yaron Herman. It was incredible, it was so new but so common and universal also. So I looked for some informations on the web, and I fell on you and this web site. I have played piano for 4 years now. I have learned how to play alone, by the web, but now I don’t improve, I’m in front of a wall. I don’t know what you can do for me, but the idea of a theory that mix mathematics, music, psycholgie interests me. How can I learn it ?
Thanks a lot
Stan from Paris.
Philip DiTullio // Jul 31, 2008 at 0:03
Hi Opher,
I am a researcher and teacher of the Schillinger System. I am also a co-founder of the Schillinger Society. What have found in my research is that the people I have contacted that have learned the System have told me that Schillinger did not just effect their music but everything in their life was somehow related to Schillinger.
I am hoping to raise awareness of the teachings of Joseph Schillinger.
It was great to find you and yet another person who has been touch by this great mans work.
Regards,
Philip
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