Letter: Perfection attained

Sir: It comes as no surprise to read that researchers have discovered that, rather than being innate, perfect pitch can be acquired at an early age ("Anyone can have perfect pitch, all they have to do is learn Vietnamese at a very early age", 5 November).

I would suggest, furthermore, that it can be learnt at any age; I taught myself to have perfect pitch at the age of 17, while studying for A-level Music. I know others who have done the same, also in their teenage years, and believe that anyone, of any age, could develop perfect pitch if they wished.

"Perfect pitch" seems to be nothing more than a well-developed memory for pitches; all that is required to develop it is a good musical ear (which most of the population already have) and a little application.

CLAIRE TAYLOR-JAY

School of Music

Trinity College, Dublin