perfect pitch

[Tvak@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 7/3/02 8:54:05 PM, RCzekay@AOL.COM writes:

<< It should be described as relative pitch. >>

Relative pitch refers to the ability to "relate" one pitch to a another known 
pitch.  In other words, this is an "A" because it is a major third above the 
previously heard pitch "F".  Theory classes in college focus on sharpening 
all musicians' relative pitch through practice, and everyone, with education 
and practice, can develop relative pitch.  

The phenomenon of "perfect pitch", whereas it might technically be a 
misnomer, is completely different from "relative pitch", and as far as I 
know, cannot be taught.  

This argument that pops up every couple of months or so, that "perfect pitch" 
is incorrectly named strikes me as a pointless argument.  Piano (meaning 
"soft" in Italian) is not an apt name for this instrument that we all know 
and love, because it plays not only soft, but loud, too.  Wouldn't Pianoforte 
would be a more correct name for this modern-day instrument?  Yet no one 
constantly brings up the argument that the piano should be called something 
else.

Could there be an agenda on the part of those who keep bringing it up?  

After all, none of us named the piano nor did any of us name the phenomenon 
"perfect pitch".  Nor the dog or cat.  What's the point of this argument?

Tom Sivak