Ep. 11 From Perfect Pitch to Amusia: How the Brain Hears Music
Why can some people name any note out of thin air, while others can’t tell when a melody goes up or down? In this episode, we explore the fascinating spectrum of pitch perception — starting with perfect pitch, often called a “musical superpower,” and ending with amusia, a condition where music may sound confusing or even meaningless. From the brain science and cultural influences to real listener stories and mental health insights, this episode is all about the many different ways people experience music — and why all of them matter.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
02:06 What Is Perfect Pitch and Who Has It?
06:18 Nature vs Nurture: Can You Train Perfect Pitch?
15:57 Perfect Pitch in Practice: The Perks and the Pitfalls
21:47 Listener Stories: Your Experiences With Perfect Pitch
29:44 What Is Amusia?
36:59 How the Brain Processes Music
40:48 Summary and Outro
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The Sound Mind
The Sound Mind is where music meets psychology. Hosted by music psychologist Sophia Omarji, this podcast explores the science behind how music shapes our minds, emotions, and everyday lives. Whether you're a music lover, a psychology enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of sound, The Sound Mind offers fresh insights into the melodies that move us. Tune in every Wednesday for new episodes to discover music in a whole new way.
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- No. of episodes: 14
- Latest episode: 2025-05-07
- Music
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