Commentary on Gruhn et al.'s "How Stable is Pitch Labeling Accuracy in Absolute Pitch Possessors?"

Abstract

In this commentary, I discuss the results and implications of "How stable is pitch labeling accuracy in absolute pitch possessors?" by Gruhn, Ristmägi, Schneider, D'Souza, and Kiilu (2018). Their work provides some new insights on the accuracy of single tone labeling by absolute pitch (AP) possessors as a function of the spectral content of the presented tones. Previous findings on the effects of the familiarity of timbre and pitch chroma and early training in music are replicated and confirmed, indicating a role of learning and exposure in AP development. Prospects for future research are discussed, including the necessity of a validated psychometric instrument for measuring AP ability, and the need for longitudinal developmental research to more precisely isolate the factors that contribute to AP acquisition.