Musical Savants

Using the case study of "Eddie" as his framework, Professor Miller challenges the prevailing notion that musical savants are essentially phenomenal tape recorders and deals with the issue of "idiot savants" in a detailed, empirical investigation. Through "Eddie" the author discusses, in specific and in general, topics including the background and historical context of musical savants; other cases; data regarding the nature of the skills exhibited and the associated developmental deficits; and descriptions of a series of experiments used to define Eddie's talent. Finally, the author considers more general issues raised by savant behavior, particularly functions served by savant behavior, theories regarding its etiology, and its role in general development.

Miller, Leon K.

Contents: Musical Savants of the Past. Evaluating Savant Skill. Absolute Pitch. Pitch Identification. Chord Analysis. Short Term Memory. Chords. Melodies. Rhythms. Musical Idioms. Conventional Diatonic Music. Unconventional Musical Forms 8 Long Term Memory. Correlates and Consequences of Savant Skill. On the Nature and Origin of Musical Savants. Epilogue. N. Newman, Appendices: A Music Teacher's Perspective on Savant Skill. Record of Participation. Note Duration Value and Rythms Task.