We have the pleasure of having professor of mathematics, Dr. David Kung as our guest speaker in the upcoming colloquium session on the 25th of March. Dr. Kung will be talking about the relationship of mathematics and music. The venue is as usual, on the 6/F, in the Future Cinema, and will begin at 5:00pm.
“Harmonious Equations: A Mathematical Exploration of Music”
Mathematics and music seem to come from different spheres (arts and sciences), yet they share an amazing array of commonalities. We will explore these connections by examining the musical experience from a mathematical perspective. The mathematical study of a single vibrating string unlocks a world of musical overtones and harmonics. Understanding those vibrations allows you to fool people with mind-bending auditory illusions – including one you hear half the time you pick up a phone. Finally every violin note resonates within the wooden violin, similar to how wine glasses and bridges respond to certain vibrations. Throughout the talk, mathematical concepts will come to life with demonstrations and musical examples played by the speaker, an amateur violinist.

BIO: Dr. David Kung is Professor of Mathematics at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He earned his B.A. in Mathematics and Physics and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Professor Kung’s musical education began at an early age with violin lessons. As he progressed, he studied with one of the pioneers of the Suzuki method and attended the prestigious Interlochen music camp. While completing his undergraduate and graduate degrees in mathematics, he performed with the Madison Symphony Orchestra.
Professor Kung’s academic work focuses on mathematics education. Deeply concerned with providing equal opportunities for all math students, he has led efforts to establish Emerging Scholars Programs at institutions across the country. His numerous teaching awards include the Homer L. Dodge Award for Excellence in Teaching by Junior Faculty, given by St. Mary’s College, and the John M. Smith Teaching Award, given by the Maryland-District of Columbia-Virginia Section of the Mathematical Association of America.
Professor Kung’s innovative classes, including Mathematics for Social Justice and Math, Music, and the Mind, have helped establish St. Mary’s as one of the preeminent liberal arts programs in mathematics. In addition to his academic pursuits, Professor Kung continues to be an active musician, playing chamber music with students and serving as the concertmaster of his community orchestra.