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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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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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