subject: Perfect Pitch And Autism [print this page] Since its discovery, many have marveled over the ability of perfect pitch. There are many several views as to how this ability arises in people and whether it can be successfully replicated in those without it . People who possess this ability are appreciated for their unique ability to identify musical notes without the use of references or guides. The percentage of people found with this ability is extremely rare with a .0001% rate.
Although, there are some who believe that this ability is unattainable even with the use of perfect pitch training very few challenge the obvious fact that amongst Autistic people (also referred to as savants) , the ability of perfect pitch is a lot more common. Amongst musically inclined savants, the ability of perfect pitch is a very common feature. There are many theories seeking to explain why this condition occurs as frequently as it does within this group.
One popular reason is that the difficulty in communication which is prevalent amongst the autistic, increases their ability to develop this skill set. Research studies have revealed that the left side of the brain plays a key role amongst people who are capable of perfect pitch. People who had the ability of perfect pitch were found to have left brain areas that was almost twice as large.
This area is also associated with the processing of languages and sound. Many researchers believe that by using methods which inhibit other parts of the brain, it is possible for people to slowly rebuild their perfect pitch ability. Advancement in perfect pitch training will be even more rapid if these inhibiting factors can be removed.
Based on these findings, it appears that everyone is capable of harnessing the latent ability of perfect pitch within them. Evidence of this can be seen amongst people who were exposed to music during their infancy. Most of these musicians later grew with the ability of perfect pitch. All of this is caused because the brain is a lot more receptive during childhood particularly in areas of learning sound and language. This makes it possible for them to grow with this ability.
These all go to support the view that perfect pitch training can in fact be done. Just as Savants are able to develop perfect pitch by tuning themselves into the harmonics of the notes, so also can special methods be used in achieving the same results amongst musical enthusiasts. There is therefore no denying the strength and potential of perfect pitch training. With the removal of the artificial factors which are impeding the growth of this ability people will be able to successful increase their potential.
