Why should music-making begin with rhythm? A scientific look at motor skills, cognitive processes, and neuroplasticity in the brain

Learning a musical instrument is a complex neurophysiological process involving sensory perception, motor activity, and cognitive information processing. However, a crucial aspect that is often underestimated is rhythmic organization. Neuroscientific studies show that rhythm plays a fundamental role in the learning process—it influences not only motor development but also the brain’s ability to process information.

1. Why is rhythm the foundation of music and learning?

Musical rhythm is not just a sequence of notes with pauses between them. It is a structured temporal organization that requires precise prediction and movement synchronization. When making music, the brain draws on neural mechanisms of prediction and adaptation—involving the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and motor cortex.

Scientific studies show that the perception of rhythm is closely linked to the development of cognitive abilities such as language processing and working memory. Experiments by neuroscientists (Aschersleben, 2002) found that the ability to precisely follow a rhythm correlates with better language processing and reading skills in children. This confirms the hypothesis that rhythm-based learning contributes to neuroplasticity by strengthening connections between different brain areas.

2. Movement and Rhythm: The Neuroscience of Motor Skills

Two-thirds of the approximately 90 billion neurons in the human brain are involved in some way in controlling movement. This is not surprising, considering that human survival has evolved to depend on the coordination of movements and rhythmic patterns in hunting, running, speaking, and interacting with the environment.

Musical activities—especially playing percussion instruments—activate motor and sensory areas of the brain and synchronize the activity of the cerebellum, motor cortex, and striatum. Furthermore, during active movement, muscles release myokines—molecules that stimulate the growth of neural connections in the hippocampus, the area of ​​the brain responsible for memory and learning.

Studies (Schnitzler et al., 2009) have shown that after intensive motor exercises, a person’s cognitive abilities increase by an average of 20-30%.

Therefore, musical exercises that focus on rhythm and coordination are an optimal tool for promoting brain development because they combine motor activity and neuroplasticity.

3. Useful and less useful activities for the brain

Different physical activities have different impacts on cognitive development. Here’s a ranking of activities based on their effect on the brain:

1) Most useful:

Competitive sports (e.g. tennis, football, basketball)
✔ Develop quick decision-making skills, motor planning and strategic thinking.

Playing percussion instruments
✔ Promotes the development of interhemispheric connections and movement synchronization.

2) Medium usefulness:

Running and aerobic activities
✔ Improves blood flow to the brain and attention span, but does not necessarily promote complex cognitive functions.

Strength training (gym)
✔ Has a positive impact on hormone levels, but does not improve cognitive flexibility.

3) Less effective:

Passive media consumption (social media, series without active reflection)
❌ Reduces cognitive load and leads to a decrease in concentration.

Conclusion:

Playing percussion instruments and rhythmic training methods are among the most effective ways to boost brain performance because they combine physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and motor development.

4. Conclusion and recommendations

Rhythm-based learning isn’t just a first step in learning an instrument—it’s a key factor in developing cognitive skills. Neuroscientific studies confirm that working with rhythm:

✔ Improves working memory and learning ability.
✔ Promotes the synchronization of motor and cognitive activity.
✔ Forms flexible neural networks that increase the speed of information processing.

Therefore, it’s best to start playing with rhythm exercises. This not only builds confidence while playing, but also lays the foundation for a deeper musical understanding.

My personal tip – The “Netflix learning method”

Learning a rhythm requires repetition. But constant, focused practice can quickly become boring. That’s why I developed a technique I call “Netflix Learning.”

The trick: You don’t actively concentrate on practicing, but let your brain learn subconsciously.

1. Turn on the metronome.
2. Start your favorite series or movie.
3. Mechanically repeating simple rhythmic patterns

Why does this work?

✔ The rhythm sticks better in your memory thanks to unconscious training.
✔ Learning doesn’t feel like work; it happens as a side effect.
✔ You automatically train your sense of rhythm and tempo.

Try it out – you’ll be surprised how much more natural your sense of rhythm becomes!

How can this be implemented in practice?

If you’re just starting out with music, try this step-by-step method:

1. Week 1: Rhythm Basics – Practicing quarter and eighth notes.
2. Weeks 2-3: Working with a metronome, increasing the tempo and incorporating rhythmic variations.
3. Week 4+: Apply rhythm patterns in accompaniments or improvisations.

Music begins with rhythm – and that is not a metaphor, but a scientific fact.

What are your experiences with rhythm exercises? Share them in the comments!