Perfect pitch and absolute pitch are essentially the same concepts. What is the difference between perfect pitch, absolute pitch and relative pitch? Instead, it can be developed even in adulthood, and may depend on more general auditory and cognitive abilities. However, research conducted at the University of Chicago on the science of auditory learning has complicated the idea that perfect pitch is an all-or-nothing ability that only a select few can acquire if they learn music early in life during a “critical period” of sensitivity. Singers with perfect pitch may also be able to sing a given note on cue, without having heard it.įamous musicians including Ella Fitzgerald and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had perfect pitch, which has been considered a rare ability. For example, if someone were to play the note C sharp (C#) on the piano, a person with perfect pitch would be able to name the note without having seen which key was struck. Perfect pitch refers to a person’s ability to identify a musical note correctly upon hearing it. What have studies of perfect pitch taught us about auditory learning?.How rare is perfect pitch, and is it genetic?.What is the difference between perfect pitch, absolute pitch and relative pitch?.