Reproduction of Rhythmic Patterns in Young Individuals: Toward the Construction of a Computerized Rhythmic Test

Qualitative and quantitative capabilities of young individuals to reproduce rhythmic patterns were submitted for analysis. Internal consistency and stability of a computerized test were assessed comparing performances of 65 musically untrained participants (age range: 6-17 yr) on multiple trials performed within a single day and trials performed two weeks apart, respectively. In addition, 46 musically trained individuals were tested. No inter-trial learning effect was shown within a single-day experimental session. Percentage Of success in rhythmic reproduction showed differences depending on the time hierarchies of the proposed patterns. Data showed a high degree of consistency between sessions. The test seems to be sensitive to improvement in the rhythmic reproduction ability of young children (6-10 years) and represents a useful laboratory and field tool to evaluate rhythmic performances.