Humans naturally move in time with music, whereas similar behavior is rarely observed in other animals. This ability arises from beat perception and synchronization (BPS), the coupled processes of perceiving a musical beat and aligning movements to it. This article examines the neural basis of BPS by focusing on connections between auditory and motor systems. First, I review theoretical frameworks that explain BPS in evolutionary background and neural mechanisms: the Vocal Learning and Rhythmic Synchronization hypothesis, which emphasize auditory–motor circuits supporting complex vocal learning, and the Gradual Audiomotor Evolution hypothesis, which highlights gradual refinements of the motor cortico–basal ganglia–thalamo–cortical loop and the dorsal auditory pathway. Although they differ in emphasis, both frameworks underscore the importance of the dorsal auditory pathway that links auditory and motor systems. I then summarize anatomical evidence on two white-matter pathways along this dorsal pathway—“direct”(long-segment arcuate fasciculus) and “indirect” (posterior arcuate fasciculus and superior longitudinal fasciculus) pathways. These pathways may play complementary roles in BPS, and clarifying this functional division of labor is a challenge for future research. This line of work may ultimately illuminate why humans are uniquely driven to move with musical rhythm.

This commentary outlines practical considerations in conducting perceptual and cognitive research with children, infants, and older adults, using two topics as illustrative examples and highlighting key methodological issues. The first topic addresses lifespan development and cross-linguistic differences in audiovisual speech perception. The discussion draws on studies examining language and cultural differences in audiovisual speech perception, developmental changes in school children, early development in infats and toddlers, and age-related changes in older adults, integrating these findings to advance the argument. The second topic focuses on the effects of musical instrument training on cognitive function. Specifically, it introduces research on the neural characteristics of older musicians who have practiced instruments continuously since early life, as well as studies on the cognitive and neural effects of initiating and maintaining instrument training for more than three years in older adulthood. The impact of musical training on the brain is then discussed in comparison with findings from younger participants, providing a lifespan perspective on how sustained musical practice may shape cognitive function and brain structure.