A few side projects of mine involve creating or arranging classical music pieces because, to me, music is an opportunity to challenge my creativity. As I play around with chord structures, rhythm, and melodies, I notice a few similarities in emotional tension and release to that of the tension and release of a physical harmonic system — like a spring or a pendulum. This tension and release is the foundation of the chord structure of music, which Chopin famously utilized in his Prelude in C minor, Op. 28 No. 20.
It turns out that famous mathematicians have delved into music theory with similar curiosity as well. Leibniz, Pythagoras, and even Euler expressed interest in the subject. This is mirrored in the realm of music, where Bach takes a methodological approach to composition that can be heard to this day. His influence in music is as comparative as Newton’s in physics and mathematics. There’s no wonder why mathematics and music are intertwined.
Why, then, does an electrical engineer find interest in the art of music? I see in its expression the kind of creativity and productivity that expands curious thinking. Curious thinking and creativity caused the Wright brothers to advance from their careers as bicycle shop owners to pioneers of flight. Creativity provides individuals with an outlet to emotionally connect to the more stringent and rational side of STEM.
I have been playing trumpet since the sixth grade. I do not claim to be a master of it, but I do admit that the art and its effect on me heavily influenced my participation in various bands. I also took various STEM courses in high school, which expanded my mind rationally to think about how things work. Together, I believe the arts and STEM made me a well-rounded individual who favors both creativity and the sciences, which, for me, co-exist in perfect harmony.