Visual music to Animusic;
Creative work started by Wayne Lytle back in early 80's. There are a number of videos on line.
Algorithm to precisely synchronize music and video is indeed very impressive.
Well, I feel they are far from reproducing what a group of real drummers could get. Not a qualified listener myself (seriously limited in my hearing capabilities) I am stopping here.
Your right, timbre and intonation would be hard from an rc type servo.
Senn timbre done by mechanical means, the tightness of the skin was adjusted with another servo, it went a long way but still not quite skilled drummer performance.