Mathematics in Indian Music: Examining Children's Learning Process

There are many mathematical concepts found in music. Music is integrated into Indian culture. It is a common practice among children in India to engage in music lessons from a young age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Indian music on the cognitive development of children to understand or reinforce mathematics. Data was collected from three schools in Kolkata, India, through interviews, observations, and survey questionnaires. Six different music classes from three music schools were observed at different times. Observations were documented through pictures, video recordings, running records, and anecdotal records. To supplement these documentations, a field journal was kept at all times. The study was qualitative in nature, and all data were analyzed thematically. The findings suggested the importance of Indian music in children’s cognitive development and how Indian music helped in learning mathematics. Both teachers and parents felt that music builds concentration among children and also helps children with disabilities.