LAUSR

We studied the role of sensorimotor and working memory systems in supporting development of perceptual rhythm processing with 119 participants aged 7 to 12 years. Children were assessed for their abilities in sensorimotor synchronization (beat tapping), auditory working memory (digit span), and rhythm discrimination (same/different judgment on a pair of musical rhythm sequences). Multiple regression analysis revealed that children's rhythm discrimination performance was independently predicted by higher beat tapping consistency and greater digit span score, with all other demographic variables (age, sex, socio-economic status, music training) controlled. The association between rhythm discrimination and beat tapping was more robust in the slower tempos (60 and 100 BPM) than faster ones (120 and 180 BPM). Critically, the relation of beat tapping to rhythm discrimination was moderated by age. Rhythm discrimination performance was predicted by beat tapping consistency in younger children (age: 7-9 years), but not in older children (age: 10-12 years). Digit span was the only predictor of rhythm discrimination in older children. Together, the current findings demonstrate that the sensorimotor and working memory systems jointly support rhythm discrimination processing during middle-to-late childhood and that the degree of association between the two systems and perceptual rhythm processing is shifted before entering into early adolescence. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.