Musical Test

Qaro posts this pitch perception test on her blog. The test, designed by a neuroimaging researcher at Harvard, "characterizes the patient’s pitch discrimination and musical memory abilities.... The test is purposefully made very hard, so excellent musicians rarely score above 80% correct."

I love music, but as far as singing and dancing go, I euphemistically explain that I participate with, ahem, far more enthusiasm than skill. With no delusions of success but a head full of flashbacks of playing "Simon" with Granny, I take the test.

And score an 83.3%

Hmmmmmm.

Yo Quiero Pachelbel

"I never learned Chopsticks," Jordan confides. Aghast, I slide onto the piano bench next to her. Jordan is a quick study--and has had years of piano lesson. In no time she is belting out the bottom part for Chopticks, while I'm rockin' the top part and playing with the controls of the keyboard to mix up the sounds. We roll into Heart and Soul. Jordan pauses and my fingers launch into a song I recognize from long-forgotten piano lessons. I watch in astonishment as my fingers skim the keys and actually make beautiful music, completely independent of conscious thought. Muscle memory is an amazing thing!

Jordan plays a beautiful Pachelbel Canon. I sway in appreciative admiration and contribute "shave and a haircut, two bits!"

Rob Paravonian has a different take...