A network of relaxation oscillators that finds downbeats in rhythms

Abstract. A network of relaxation oscillators is used to find downbeats in rhythmical patterns. In this study, a novel model is described in detail. Its behavior is tested by exposing it to patterns having various levels of rhythmic complexity. We analyze the performance of the model and relate its success to previous work dealing with fast synchrony in coupled oscillators. 1 Downbeat Induction The term beats refers to sounds that are perceived as being equally spaced in time. Downbeats are particularly salient beats that usually occur at a comfortable tapping rate. When you tap your feet to the radio you are finding downbeats, a skill called beat induction. Downbeats act as a unifying force, lending music the feeling of movement by allowing the listener to predict the onset of important musical events. The process of beat induction is influenced by many aspects of music including harmony, melody and rhythm [2, 9]. Because interactions are not always simple, it can be difficult to predict the locations of downbeats. For example, in rock and roll music, even though chord changes (harmonic components) usually occur on the first note of a musical bar, downbeats are usually aligned with the second note due to syncopated drumming style. Furthermore, althoug