Amusia

Music is a powerful mode of communication, providing a medium for individuals to share psychological states, develop identity, and foster group cohesion. The vast majority of individuals engage in music listening and music making (e.g., singing and dancing) from a young age, which leads to the implicit acquisition of a sophisticated music processing system. However, a significant minority of individuals do not acquire this musical system, leading to a lifelong disorder of music perception known as congenital amusia (previously also [Page 102]“tone deafness,” “tune deafness,” “note deafness,” or “dysmelodia,” and henceforth referred to as “amusia”).

Congenital amusia cannot be attributed to hearing loss, known brain damage, intellectual deficits, or a lack of music exposure. The disorder has genetic components and affects 2% to 4% of the ...