Activation and connectivity patterns of the presupplementary and dorsal premotor areas during free improvisation of melodies and rhythms

► We study the roles of pre-SMA & PMD in the free generation of melodies & rhythms. ► Professional pianists sight-read or improvised melodies & rhythms during fMRI. ► Melodies & rhythms induced subtle differences in activity between the pre-SMA & PMD. ► Free generation of rhythmic & melodic structures seems highly integrated. ► Effective connectivity was increased between pre-SMA & cerebellum during Rhythm.