How humans categorize rhythm across the lifespan, species, cultures and brain networks

Experiencing music often involves perceiving and moving along with a regular beat. This talk will present recent research on the neural processes supporting this universal human practice, drawing on scalp and intracerebral electrophysiological recordings collected across the lifespan, species, cultures and brain areas. Converging evidence shows that perceiving musical rhythm —particularly periodic beats—involves processes that transform rhythmic input into a temporally recurrent representation with enhanced beat periodicity. This transformation emerges at the earliest cortical stage of auditory processing, in primary auditory cortex, and is observed in adults, infants, and non-human primates. Importantly, it cannot be explained by acoustic properties or subcortical auditory responses, suggesting a higher‑level neural computation that may support coordinated rhythmic behaviors.

Current work investigates how these neural processes are shaped by experience, including culture and body movement history, and how such factors contribute to plasticity in rhythm perception. The talk will also introduce a new research line aimed at characterizing neural categorization of rhythm beyond periodic beats. This approach offers promising avenues for understanding both the universality and the diversity of musical rhythm in humans.