Timekeeping is everything¹: Rhythm and the Construction of Meaning

Rhythm and drumming have not been explored systematically from a constructivist or a personal construct theoretical approach. This article is an exploration of the bridges between constructivism and drumming in terms of the interrelated processes of listening outwardly, listening inwardly, and the actual motoric action of playing. Listening outwardly is approached from the constructivist notion of validation and/or invalidation of anticipations. Listening inwardly is related to the bodily base of rhythm perception. Playing drums is discussed particularly in relation to the emotional expressivity of drumming. The article ends with some personal reflections.