Key learning points

1. The Fibonacci sequence can be shown in a spiral shape.
2. We can find this sequence or its related Fibonacci spiral in nature and art.
3. The sequence and spiral create a ratio that is approximately ⅔ to ⅓. This is called the golden ratio.
4. The golden ratio can often be heard in music, with the climax of the music at the golden ratio point.
5. A piece of music can be inspired and built from one small musical idea. Eric Whitacre calls this a ‘golden brick’.

Keywords

• Fibonacci sequence - a number sequence where where each number is the sum of the previous two, starting from 0 and 1

• Fibonacci spiral - a visual pattern formed by drawing arcs connecting the corners of squares whose side lengths follow the Fibonacci sequence

• Golden ratio - a special or ‘perfect’ proportion found in nature, art, music and maths that makes things look and sound balanced and beautiful

• Climax - the point of the most intensity, the peak of the music

• Golden brick - Eric Whitacre’s term to describe a small musical idea that is the core building block on which the whole piece is built

Common misconception