Mathematical equations do not usually resemble musical compositions. Although both use symbols to represent values and their parts sum up to a harmonious whole, musical notes are too abstract-looking for algebraic formulas and staff paper isn't the best for drawing graphs.
Yet, despite such discord, Brian Wu '11 has found a way to overcome these obstacles: rather than manipulating math to look like music, he uses math to actually create it.
A math major and music minor, Wu has been passionate about his studies since childhood. He picked up piano at age five and now sings and plays guitar and jazz piano.
Wu also finds math naturally enjoyable (a liking that he believes resulted from playing with Legos as a kid), and he has focused his studies at Bowdoin on algebraic theory. Such math interest led him to research at Iowa State University this past summer, examining and solving probability equations.
"My project this summer consisted of all unknowns," Wu explained. "We would come up with problems and try to solve them and then realize that the problem was a dead end and move onto a different problem. It was a never-ending cycle of solving math problems. But I learned a lot about new probability topics that I hadn't really studied before, like Markov chains, which I'm incorporating into my independent study in music."
Wu's research this semester involves writing a computer program that can recognize and respond to musical sounds.
Wu is currently working on expanding the vocabulary of the program; he listens for appealing melodies in songs and then writes them into the program via a series of computations.
Wu enjoys working with his adviser, lecturer Frank Mauceri in a collaborative process he finds motivational and rewarding.
"It's an interesting independent study in that I get to teach Frank," Wu said. "He's not a mathematician, so I'm doing a lot of the research on Markov models. Every time we meet I try to learn something new that I can explain to him, and then he helps me figure out what we're going to do with it musically. It's a really cool way of working together."
In addition to computing music, Wu also composes songs with his band, Mr. Suds. Comprised of fellow seniors Sam Epstein, James Carney, Bryce Lednar and Andrew Coleman, the group was founded two years ago as a cover band. Mr. Suds quickly gained popularity across campus and played numerous shows, including opening for the 2009 Ivies concert.
This year, the group has decided to play and write its own songs, for which Wu has been singing and playing keyboard and synthesizer.
"I try to do some random electronic stuff whenever I can, even though it's really difficult," he said. "I've been programming little loop pedals on the synth and have tried to incorporate those into our music. I've actually done it more when I play with Louis Weeks '11, outside of Mr. Suds. I wrote a song that involves a lot of loops, electronics, and voices speeded up and slowed down. It involves a lot of different textures, which is neat."
Although known on campus for his own music skills, Wu also enjoys bringing outside talent to Bowdoin. By working sound at Jack Magee's Grill and Pub, Wu is able to interact with DJs, bands and other acts that come to campus.
Wu works with classmate Oronde Cruger '11 to make the Pub a go-to place for weekend entertainment.
"Oronde and I brainstormed a lot early on in the semester about getting people to come to the Pub," he recalled. "We want to expose them to the great things that are brought to this campus, like salsa dancing or open mic nights. I really want more people to come experience things like a folk band or electronic band; the Pub is a great venue in which to do so."
Attendance at Jack Magee's may be a work in progress, but the future for Wu looks promising. Post-Bowdoin, he hopes to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics and help solve global warming or cancer biology issues. Music, however, is not entirely out of the picture; Wu envisions himself combining music with math to build a niche in the music industry. Wu feels that it is important to pursue his passions, no matter what form his future job may take.
"I like math because it's logical," he said. "Everything follows rules, and makes perfect sense. Music also follows logical rules, but it helps me connect with things so differently. It's a totally different way of being."
"Sometimes I think I should be a mathematician because I'll always have a job, but with music—it's a living," said Wu. "Either way, I'm lucky to love both. And why would you ever want to do something that you don't love?"