I am currently taking an online course in Introductory Algebra (MATH 009), which is a pre-requisite for future upper level technical courses. A few days ago I submitted a "blog" in the Virtual Student Lounge: "Math and the Art of Spinning Records -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is the long story (referencing my introduction): I've been a DJ for over 15 years now. I have just recently realized how mathematics can be used in the "art" of playing records. One aspect deals with putting together compilations. When I made demo tapes/CDs, I'd be concerned with the max amount of working time I had: for cassettes it was 30, 45, or 60 mins on each side and for CDs it was 74 or 80 mins. I'd also be concerned with how many records I could fit into the demo before time expired. To ensure that I did not cut things off prematurely I'd end the "mix" no later than 30 seconds before my max allowed time (-00:30). Another aspect is centered on "crowd control" and psychology but is rooted in pure math, and that's the tempo of the songs. My specialty is playing in the dance clubs where I can beat-mix (club mix) records by blending records of the same beat all night. Sounds simple, but it really is not. This is because of the tool that mix DJs must use: the beat count(BPM). The BPM is represented by the number of times a beat is stuck in 1 minute. For instance, a tempo of 124 BPM means that in 1 minute a beat is struck 124 times - this is my favorite tempo. Some records are slower while others are faster, and that is where one of a few decisions gets made. In my experience, the crowd and the theme of the venue determines the tempo that I play records in. If I have a crowd that likes the tempo slower then I can maybe play my 124 BPM records at the normal speed. My records that are 125 BPM could match the tempo with almost no problem , but if I have a 127 BPM record I'd have to adjust the "pitch shift" on the turntable to a slower speed and "convert" the 127 to a 124. Conversely, if I need to play at a faster tempo I could be playing at 128 BPM and I would have to shift some of my slower records to the faster tempo. So, there you have it. I had always known that there would always be a use for math, and now that has been greatly amplified. The next time I get into a situation where someone questions the need for math or where it can be used I can simply say that it's not just used in business - it's used in entertainment also." Note: my instructor will be using my "blog" for future classes...