Neural dynamics of predictive timing and motor engagement in music listening

Abstract Why do humans spontaneously dance to music? To test the hypothesis that motor dynamics reflect predictive timing during music listening, we built melodies with varying degrees of rhythmic predictability. Magnetoencephalography data showed that while auditory regions track the rhythm of melodies, intrinsic neural dynamics at delta (1.4 Hz) and beta (20-30 Hz) rates in the dorsal auditory pathway embody the experience of groove. Critically, neural dynamics are organized along this pathway in a spectral gradient, with the left sensorimotor cortex acting as a hub coordinating groove-related delta and beta activity. Combined with predictions of a neurodynamic model, this indicate that spontaneous motor engagement during music listening is a manifestation of predictive timing effected by interaction of neural dynamics along the dorsal auditory pathway. One-Sentence Summary Interacting neural dynamics along the dorsal auditory pathway effect the experience of groove during music listening.