Sound intensity and the timing of snare drum strokes

What is it about?

Timing is crucial in music. We have shown for the first time that sound intensity (loudness) varies systematically with whether a drum stroke is instructed to be played early or late in relation to the pulse.

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Why is it important?

We found that sound intensity (loudness) varies systematically with the timing profile of snare drum strokes in a rock groove. This finding is important because it shows that there is more to timing than time: Also sound factors play a role in communicating that a rhythmic event is early or late.