Some people have a really great ear when it comes to music and audio production. Do you think this is an inherent talent or something that can be developed?
Ebirah01 Messages: 17 Registered: August 2011 Location: London, England, UK
Chancellor
I think it is both. In my experience, some people have a better sense of hearing pitch initially than others, but I have found that in teaching ear training and taking those same classes previously, I found almost any student that put the time in to learn the pitches could do it easily. Reproducing them via singing may or may not be the same thing as hearing and identifying them, however. Discerning pitch is to what I refer here.
You bring up a good point that I overlooked. I do know people who are very talented in identifying pitch but cannot reproduce the proper pitch themselves.
I can match a note with my guitar when listening to a song, but if I tune it by "memory" I will always tune 1/2 step down on every string. That's where it sounds right to me, but check it against a tuner and I'm always flat.
There are people who have a talent in distinguishing the right tones through birth and others by learning. I have even read an article where a person could see colors on the music. I don't how that works but that would be amazing if we could see colors in music.
Any type of skills can be developed, but a "natural" will always do better. When you have a natural talent, you go with your gut feelings, and it usually works out better.
I think that it is both. Some people are born with a natural ear for pitch, as in good singers. However, regardless of their natural talent, training and practice will certainly improve their listening skill.