Music, Rhythm, and the Brain

Abstract

A proposed interaction between motor brain regions explains the perception of rhythm in periodic sounds and movements. Two brain areas, the basal ganglia, and the supplementary motor area coordinate the body's movement and predict motor events. The basal ganglia track the rhythm in stimuli like beats and relay this information to the SMA. The SMA then guides motor actions to coincide with the rhythmic information. Understanding this auditory-motor interaction allows for many applications. For example, listening to music can improve the ability to do cyclic motor actions. There are also implications for brain disorders, but further research needs exploring.