Is a sense of rhythm linked to intelligence?

[Derbeno]

Quote from an article on the BBC website:

Is a sense of rhythm linked to intelligence?
Playing the drums well could be a sign of intelligence
A common generalisation about drummers is that they are the thickest member of the band.
However, that stereotype could soon be overturned.
New research indicates that having a good natural sense of rhythm is linked to intelligence.

Frederik Ullen of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm carried out the study.

The World Today's Julian Keane spoke to him, but he couldn't resist a couple of corny drummer jokes first.
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Link to the audio discussion on this topic is below

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/ ... t_sl.shtml

[YorubaSon]

I think it's possible that all musicians should have a good sense of rhythm or their musicianship would be in question.

[windhorse]

Very interesting! Now that I've listened to the broadcast, here are a few thoughts.
The ability to read music, and just raw musical talent have both already been linked to doing well on intelligence tests,, as well as things like having artistic ability.. So, it would seem that being good at ANYTHING is linked to intelligence. Maybe that's really what intelligence means at some level.
But, the good question that this broadcast brings up is, "why is can someone who holds a given rhythm the best after being shown, do better on an intelligence test".
I'll propose a hypothesis:
It might be more likely for a more intelligent person to be able to control external thoughts while they focus on a rhythm. Maybe because they just have a better ability to control their mind. But, I believe that "having a sense of rhythm" is more linked to being able to clear one's mind while focusing, rather than sheer intelligence. So, I'd say they may be indirectly linked, but not directly.

[CongaTick]

ther ain't no relayshunship between intelijense and the abilitee to perkuss

[windhorse]

ther ain't no relayshunship between intelijense and the abilitee to perkuss

I luv it!

[Gallichio]

I don't know if they have proved that rhythm is linked to intelligence but I have heard people taking music lessons do better in school. Music lessons are very structured and it teaches you how to study. If I may I would like to recommend a great book. The name is- This Is Your Brain On Music. The Science of a Human Obsession. By Daniel J. Levitin I have found this book very interesting indeed.