There are strong links between music and mathematics dating back to Pythagoras and beyond. This book draws together the two disciplines outlining the key methods and concepts that underpin the subjects from one of the earliest uses of a musical cryptogram to computer music in the twenty-first century.

Maths and Music is divided into sections, each one exploring a different mathematical aspect of music: rhythm; symmetry; scales; form and structure; and finally some musical curiosities. Musical examples are taken from across the world, from ancient and medieval music through to popular music of the twenty-first century. In all, the book covers over 200 pieces of music ranging from classical symphonies to electronic dance music with numerous musical excerpts given. There are clear explanations throughout along with glossaries of musical and mathematical terms.

After many years as a full-time music lecturer, Julia Winterson worked in qualification development for the exam board Edexcel, followed by several years with the music publisher Peters Edition. She now combines part-time lecturing with freelance writing and research, and has had over twenty books on music published. She has a lifelong interest in trains stemming from idyllic childhood holidays spent at Pool-in-Wharfedale station where her grandfather was the station master.