Synesthesia and Perfect Pitch: A Possible Connection?

<p>Synesthesia -- the mixing of senses -- and perfect pitch -- auditary recognition of a musical pitch -- are two separate phenomena, ways of experiencing the world. These perceptions have been misunderstood for many years. They have bugged psychologists for ages, and scientific breakthroughs have only been made in the last century. This research can help not only musicians with perfect pitch, but also anybody else who sees the world -- literally -- in a different way. It can also help those who don’t understand their world to see it through their eyes and understand how these people operate.</p><p>This thesis, written in a persuasive style, first gives a short history of synesthesia and perfect pitch, what they are, and how they have been studied. It then looks at how those two phenomena interact in the music world. It includes interviews with people who have perfect pitch or synesthesia. It also includes a personal statement and gives a conclusion: synesthesia is mostly genetic, while perfect pitch can come from both genetics and outside influences.</p><p>For me, this project is not only a scholarly effort but a process of self-discovery, as I happen to have both perfect pitch and synesthesia. Where do these two come from? Do they interact at all? And how does that relate to me as a person and as a musical composer? I attempt to answer these questions and more within the pages of this thesis.</p><p>In addition, as part of my thesis, I created a video that demonstrated synesthesia with music. This video attempt to show what perception is like for those who can see colors when music is played.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Bachelor of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

bachelors

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

School of Fine Arts - Music

Grantor dc:publisher

Miami University Honors Theses

Year dc:date

2010

Author dc:creator

• Imes, Emily A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Thomas, Robert

• Music
• synesthesia
• absolute pitch

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1272046787

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:muhonors1272046787