The Fredösphere

The A Cappella News reprints an analysis of perfect pitch.  Don't you think the opening metaphor is a little strong, a bit deceptive?

Imagine a classroom full of children. All are colorblind, save one, and they all get palettes and paint. "Just imagine what that [one] child will experience with the color in comparison to the other kids," Dr. David A. Ross said. "It's the same way with people with absolute perfect pitch."

That's a better description of the synaesthete's experience, I would guess.  Anyway, both perfect pitch and synaesthesia give your brain more ways to experience music; thus they draw you to music and motivate you to get good at it.

(Have I told you lately that synaesthetes are horrible, horrible people?  A bunch of SOBs that are sooooo proud of their "special" "abilities."  So intolerant of others.  And that's in spite of all the things we do for them.  We even sing cool songs about them [scroll down].)

Can perfect pitch be taught?  As one who can claim occasional pitch memory (I call it "imperfect pitch") I've always wondered if I was hindered by the perennially (but slightly) out of tune piano I grew up with.  Beyond that, researchers have noticed the advantage possessed by speakers of tonal languages (e.g., Chinese) in identifying pitches.

(That cool songs link is a must visit site.  Go there and scroll down!  Now!)