Numbers and Rumbas

Maths and music have many links. In an entertaining and lively presentation, Rob Eastaway and Richard Harris introduce the links between maths and all aspects of music, with examples that range from The Simpsons to the Blue Danube waltz. The talk can be adapted to suit different age-groups, and there are three versions. The primary version concentrates mainly on rhythm. The intermediate version looks at rhythm, melody and some of the maths behind the musical scale. The senior version looks at the maths behind all aspects of music, including frequency and the harmonic series.

Primary Audience:

Years 4 to 7 or mixed audiences of adults and children. For full impact, this talk requires a room with banked seating and good acoustics. Preferred audience size of 50 - 300. Plenty of audience participation, including children on stage.

Duration:

About 50 minutes.

Cost:

Calculated on an individual basis, to include travel and expenses - please contact Richard or Rob to discuss. Good piano / keyboard and computer projector required.

Intermediate Audience:

Years 8 to 12. For full impact, this talk requires a room with banked seating and good acoustics. Preferred audience size of 50 - 200. Plenty of audience participation, but not a requirement for children to come up front.

Duration:

About 90 minutes, including a short interval.

Cost:

Calculated on an individual basis, to include travel and expenses - please contact Richard or Rob to discuss. Good piano / keyboard and computer projector required.

Senior Audience:

Year 11 and above, including adult students. For full impact, this talk requires a room with banked seating and good acoustics. Preferred audience size of 50 - 200. Plenty of audience participation, but not a requirement for people to come up front.

Duration:

Minimum 90 minutes, including a short interval.

Cost:

Calculated on an individual basis, to include travel and expenses - please contact Richard or Rob to discuss. Good piano / keyboard and computer projector required.

‘Numbers & Rumbas’ has been performed at several venues, including The Royal Institution, London; Queen Mary’s College, London, and the Newton Institute, Cambridge.

Rob Eastaway is a writer, freelance lecturer, former President of the Maths Association, director of Maths Inspiration, and co-inventor of the ICC ratings for Test cricketers. His books have included the best-selling ‘What Is A Googly?’, ‘Why do buses come in threes?’, ‘How long is a piece of string?’ and ‘Maths for Mums & Dads’. His website is www.robeastaway.com.