Interrelations between action and cognition. Contributions of neuroscience to education of music rhythm

Abstract

Body movement has played an important role in music education and there appears to be a consensus that it is one of the most effective means to develop rhythmic skills. In this article, we relate and analyze recent findings of neurocognitive research that support formative actions in this direction. Some results show that the link between sensory and motor systems provides a sophisticated mechanism of temporal prediction and feedback, which has led to the belief that body expression influences the way certain rhythmic elements are perceived. Finally, we propose some suggestions for rhythm education in school and cross training perspectives related to the link between music and movement.