Mystery Solved Psychology

How string quartets stay together

STAYING IN SYNC  Some ensembles are more autocratic — following one leader — while other musical groups are more democratic, making corrections equally, to stay together while playing a piece. 

EmirMemedovski/iStockphoto

By Ashley Yeager

- More than 2 years ago

String quartet players continuously adjust the timing of their notes to stay in sync. But exactly how players do it has been unclear.