Seminar 2017: The Geometry of Equal Temperament

As part of the Made In Australia Theme for Concert 4, this seminar is proudly presented by The Grainger Wind Symphony Inc..

 

In this seminar, Dr Tavis Ashton-Bell will outline his (peer reviewed) approach to understanding the musical and mathematical underpinnings surrounding the equal tempered tuning system.

This seminar has been designed for general musicians, theorists, composers, educators and anyone who is interested in knowing more about music theory. It is assumed that the general attendee has no prior knowledge of maths or music theory techniques.

Since the time of Pythagoras (c.550BC), mathematicians interested in music have asked, what governs the whole number ratios that emerge from derivations of the harmonic series?”. Simon Stevin (1548-1620) devised a mathematical underlay [where a semitone interval equals 2^(1/12)] that gave rise to the equal temperament tuning system we still use today (Fauvel, et al., 2005, p. 25). Beyond this, the structure of formalised musical arrangements has eluded us.

Music theorists use the tools and techniques of their trade to peer into the higher-order musical structures that underpin musical harmony. These methods of music theory are difficult to learn (and teach), as complex abstract thought is required to imagine the components of a phenomenon that cannot be seen.

On Wednesday 2 August 2017 at 6:30pm

LOCATION

Blackburn High School Charlton Music Centre
58-62 Springfield Rd, Blackburn, VIC 3130,

Enter school via Williams Road car park.