MULTIFREQUENCY COORDINATION IN BIMANUAL TAPPING - ASYMMETRICAL COUPLING AND SIGNS OF SUPERCRITICALITY

The circle map provides a general mathematical model for the mode-lock ing behavior observed in systems of coupled oscillators. From this the oretical perspective, multifrequency tapping was studied. Three experi ments were conducted in which skilled drummers participated. The resul ts were in qualitative agreement with the dynamical features of the ci rcle map. The stability of behavior was affected by the movement frequ ency at which the multifrequency relations were performed. Attraction to lower order ratios (predominantly showing Farey relations) was obse rved. In some situations bistability and hysteresis occurred, implying that the system was situated in the supercritical domain of the circl e map where resonance zones overlap. Furthermore, the results suggest that multifrequency tapping is characterized by an asymmetrical coupli ng in that the influence of the fast hand on the slow hand is the stro ngest.