Temporal scaling

Temporal resolution is an auditory distortion which presents as the perceived speed in which melodic harmony is being recognised. The effect can be directed by focussing attention towards or away from a specific harmonic pattern within music. This effect can probably extend to non-musical auditory patterns such as ambient environment sounds.

If focus is not directed, the music is perceived at a higher tempo than usual. As focus is directed inwards, towards a specific melodic pattern, the tempo can be heard slowing down and more detail is extracted for analysis.