McMaster studies suggest rhythm learning begins before birth
Two recent METRE Lab papers (21 Oct., 12 Sept.) used brain‑inspired neural models to show that combined exposure to rhythmic movement and sound helps the brain learn rhythmic patterns. Findings link prenatal motion, tempo anticipation and potential therapeutic uses.
Researchers at McMaster’s METRE Lab (led by Jon Cannon) trained artificial neural models with rhythmic sound and movement inputs. Models receiving both modalities better learned rhythmic structure; a second study found that rewarding tempo matching and slight anticipation improved synchronization and maintained rhythm after the beat stopped. Published in Annals of the NY Academy of Sciences and Communications Psychology, the work connects early sensorimotor experiences (e.g., rocking) to later rhythmic skills and supports rhythm‑based interventions in development and therapy.
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