Neuroscience of rhythm

EVER noticed how your foot starts tapping or your shoulders begin to sway the moment a catchy beat plays? Even babies, before they learn to speak, instinctively respond to music.

- VINATA KAKKERA

So, what exactly is happening in our brains that makes us move to sound?

The human brain is hardwired to recognise rhythm and repetition. When we hear music, it's not just our ears that respond; our entire auditory system connects with the brain's motor regions, even if we're sitting still.

Dr Basudha Bandyopadhyay, head of psychology at Ignitio Child Development Centre, explains, "The basal ganglia and cerebellum regions involved in coordinating movement play a major role in beat perception. They're activated by rhythmic sounds, which is why music makes us want to move."