Absolute pitch in the light of contemporary research

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Absolute pitch in the light of contemporary research

Journal Title: "Konteksty Kształcenia Muzycznego" - Year 2014, Vol 1, Issue 1

Abstract

The subject matter of the article is a presentation of the research on absolute pitch, carried out over the last decade. The author discusses findings of the research on the origins of absolute pitch, relations between absolute pitch and musical skills, correlation between absolute pitch and employed ear training methods, anatomic-neural underpinnings of that ability, as well as influence of absolute pitch on other cognitive skills. The research helps to assume that the reasons for appearing the absolute pitch ability are innate predispositions (genetic ones or induced in the prenatal period), the manifestations of which are the asymmetry between left and right [i]planum temporale[/i], observed from the 31st week of pregnancy, and early musical practice combined with the absolute pitch method of ear training. What has a beneficial impact on the development of absolute pitch is the use of tonal languages. It has been proved that the absolute pitch ability correlates with proficiency in tackling musical tasks. The people with absolute pitch have better‍‑organized peripheral nervous system, a bigger amount of grey matter, thicker cerebral cortex, vaster network of neurons; they display hyperconnectivity of white matter, hyperconnectivity in some areas of brain, enhanced connectivity of “small networks”, increased memory capacity. The absolute pitch ability is a unique phenomenon of cognitive reinforcement observed in a population, which serves the purpose of examining brain’s adaptability.

Authors and Affiliations

Alicja Kozłowska-Lewna

Keywords

EP ID EP79381
DOI 10.5604/2392277X.1150921
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