Cool Math for Hot Music

This textbook is a first introduction to mathematics for music theorists, covering basic topics such as sets and functions, universal properties, numbers and recursion, graphs, groups, rings, matrices and modules, continuity, calculus, and gestures. It approaches these abstract themes in a new way: Every concept or theorem is motivated and illustrated by examples from music theory (such as harmony, counterpoint, tuning), composition (e.g., classical combinatorics, dodecaphonic composition), and gestural performance. The book includes many illustrations, and exercises with solutions.

“The authors try to develop a discourse full of pleasure and fun that in every moment motivates concepts, methods, and results by their musical significance-a narrative that inspires the reader to create musical thoughts and actions. … The book contains many interesting musical and mathematical examples and exercises, and the last part of the book is devoted to the solutions of exercises. The book has also an interesting list of references for further studies in this field.” (Peyman Nasehpour, Mathematical Reviews, September, 2017)“This textbook in mathematics for music theorists introduces topics such as sets and functions, algebraic structures including groups, rings, matrices and modules, and more. The book includes many illustrations, online sample music files, and exercises with solutions. … Concepts are motivated and supported by examples from composition music theory.” (Tom Schulte, MAA Reviews, maa.org, February, 2017)

Prof. Dr. Guerino Mazzola earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Zurich University. He wrote the groundbreaking book The Topos of Music in 2002, its formal language and models are used by leading researchers in Europe, India, Japan, and North America and have become a foundation of music software design. Prof. Mazzola has an appointment as professor in the School of Music at the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota. Maria Caterina Mannone is completing her Ph.D. in the School of Music of the University of Minnesota. Yan Pang Clark is completing her Ph.D. in the School of Music of the University of Minnesota.