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Perfect Pitch: Nature or Nurture?
The sound of someone warbling the National Anthem makes just about everybody cringe. Today on Soundcheck, researchers explain how brain chemistry and genetics play a role in tone deafness and perfect pitch. Plus: Macedonian piano virtuoso Simon Trpceski is making waves in the U.S. Before his appearances this week with the New York Philharmonic, he visits our studio for a live performance.
The Gift of Pitch
Most people can't name a musical note without a reference tone, but those who can have so-called "perfect pitch." But are people born with perfect pitch, or can they earn it through diligent -- and early -- study? Two researchers share different studies on absolute pitch, amusia and everything in between. We talk with Dr. Jane Gitschier, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of California-San Francisco, and Dr. Michael C. Miller, MD, a psychiatrist and editor-in-chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter.
Test your ability to perceive music
Harvard Mental Health Letter web site
University of California-San Francisco pitch study
Simon Trpceski
Great Chopin pianists often hail from Poland or Russia. Then there’s Simon Trpceski, a 28-year-old piano virtuoso from Macedonia. Trpceski's recordings on EMI are just starting to ripple through the U.S. He joins us for a live performances.
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See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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