For this application we are using a piano keyboard as an interface to select responses. The pitch standard is set where A is 440Hz (see figure 3.1). In actuality, it makes no difference which pitch standard is used to learn the pitch chroma; i.e. some horn players will have a different idea what an A is, but it will be consistently different to your idea of it just like we mentioned earlier.
Figure 3.1 - Approximate Hz values for one diatonic octave
| Note | F | F# | G | G# | A | A# | B | C | C# | D | D# | E |
| HZ | 349.2 | 369.9 | 391.9 | 415.3 | 440.0 | 466.1 | 493.8 | 523.2 | 554.3 | 587.3 | 622.2 | 659.2 |
Each one of these frequencies, along with seven and a half other octave variations of them, for a total of eighty-eight notes will produce the pitch chroma in the test. By giving you multiple variations of each chroma to listen to, a more concrete chroma pattern can be picked out and by paying attention to these patterns, the pitch chroma become more apparent.
It is never necessary to think of frequencies as associations or try to remember a pitch’s chroma. The memory of a pitch’s chroma comes from experience with that pitch sensation. Eventually, the ability to think up an image of a pitch will become easier. This recall of pitch chroma is a more advanced level, and will only happen when pitch chroma become very clear.
Most importantly note that, if you chose to consciously acknowledge the intervals, or relationships between notes while developing absolute pitch perception, also acknowledge the chroma of individual pitches. Using relative pitch alone to identify the notes will only work for a short while. Eventually during the tests, the relationships between notes become the same, and you should no longer judge your answers by the intervals alone. At this point, it is required to listen for something other than interval to progress any further into the tests. This will be the pitch’s chroma.
It is recommended that you do your lessons at least once a day. Picking the same time each day will help your form a new listening habit. Also, it has been mentioned that training shortly after waking each morning is beneficial because your mind is rested and clear of other distractions.