schaeffer derived the word "acousmatique" from "akousmatikoi" (hearers), a term used in the time of pythagoras to refer to his uninitiated students. according to historical records followers of pythagoras underwent a three-year probationary period, directly followed by a five-year period of "silence", before being admitted to pythagoras' inner circle as "mathêmatikoi" (learned). the use of silence related to the protocols of rituals connected with the mystery-like instruction and religious ceremonies of the pythagorean order. these ceremonies took place behind a veil or curtain with only those who had passed the five-year test being allowed to see their teacher face to face; the remaining students partaking acousmatically. more recent research suggests that the pythagorean "veil" itself was a euphemism for the figurative language with which pythagoras taught, and the actual practice of speaking occluded by either a veil or the dark likely never occurred.