Pyramids And Degrees

The other day, at band, the director mentioned  something called the "Pyramid Concept" and then I went with a family member to their first physical therapy appointment and the physical therapist had a cool implement that I've never seen before.  So today, I'll be talking about both today as they are a different application of mathematical concepts.

First, we'll start with the musical "Pyramid Concept". In music production, the "Pyramid Concept" is a framework for structuring a song. It visualizes the song as a pyramid, with the foundation playing a crucial role in supporting the elements that build on top.

The pyramid's base represents the foundation of the song – harmony and rhythm. Chords provide the harmonic framework, creating the overall tonal structure. The rhythm section, consisting of drums, bass, and sometimes percussion,lays down the groove that drives the song forward. Both these elements are crucial for creating a strong foundation that listeners can connect with.

Moving up the pyramid, we encounter the melody and lyrics. The melody, often carried by the vocal line or a lead instrument, provides the catchy hook that listeners remember. Lyrics add another layer of meaning and emotion, weaving a story or expressing feelings. These elements build upon the foundation laid by harmony and rhythm.

The peak of the pyramid represents production and effects. This is where additional instruments, vocals, and sonic enhancements are layered on top. While these elements can add depth and excitement, they should not overshadow the core foundation.

The Pyramid Concept emphasizes that strong songwriting starts from the bottom up. A well-defined harmonic and rhythmic foundation allows melodies and lyrics to shine. Production and effects then add the finishing touches, creating a cohesive and impactful song.

As for the other topic, the tool used in physical therapy to measure how much someone can move a joint, like the arm, is called a goniometer. It resembles a large compass with two arms connected by a hinge. In the middle is a round circle that goes from 0 to 180 in each half, much like the markings in a protractor.  

The therapist positions the goniometer on specific landmarks around the joint. One arm is aligned along the bone before the joint, and the other arm aligns with the bone after the joint. The hinge of the goniometer acts as a fulcrum, mimicking the joint's movement. As the arm moves, the therapist observes the degrees marked on the hinge, indicating the range of motion.

Goniometers are not just for measuring arm movement. They can be used on any joint in the body, like the knee, ankle, or spine. This information helps physical therapists assess a patient's progress, set rehabilitation goals, and track improvement over time. 

Two new ways to use mathematical concepts.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.