Musical ensemble playing is a form of sensorimotor synchronization. The laboratory paradigm commonly used to study sensorimotor synchronization is finger tapping to a computer- generated auditory sequence.

Rhythm perception and production are primary aspects of musical behavior (Krumhansl, 2000). These basic skills underlie our ability to produce movement in coordination with music and with other people, such as tapping, clapping, dancing, singing, and playing an instrument in time with other performers.