What is Perfect Pitch?
Perfect pitch is a photographic memory for sound. It is a spectrum, so it presents itself differently in different people. For example, some people can listen to a song for the first time on the radio and play it perfectly on an instrument. Others can only match a note from one instrument to the other. Excellent rhythmic abilities usually accompany this phenomenon. Studies have found that 1 in 10,000 people has perfect pitch, but I believe this number is incorrect and is perhaps quoted so low because it is rarely tested and identified. By contrast, of my 50 special needs students, 60% have perfect pitch.
Why Identify It?
By identifying perfect pitch in themselves, students can become aware of how they learn and process information. For example, those with perfect pitch have incredible auditory memory, but perhaps it also tells them they need to strengthen their visual skills. Nonetheless, perfect pitch can be very empowering and instill a sense of self-confidence, as I see regularly with my clients.
