Brain structural morphometry in non-musicians with superior pitch identification ability.

Absolute pitch (AP) has long served as a model for studying the neural correlates of pitch perception. Previous studies have examined brain function and structural morphometry in musicians with AP. However, pitch identification (PI) ability also exists in non-musicians, with some demonstrating superior PI ability. Despite this, little is known about their brain morphometry. The current study investigated structural differences between non-musicians with superior and average PI abilities by measuring gray matter volume and cortical thickness. Results revealed that, compared to non-musicians with average PI ability, non-musicians with superior PI ability had larger gray matter volumes–except in three regions where volumes were smaller–and smaller cortical thickness. These findings differ from prior studies of AP musicians, in which structural findings have varied that some reported smaller gray matter volumes and thinner cortex, while others report greater cortical thickness relative to non-AP musicians. The novel findings of the current study broaden our understanding of neuroanatomical correlates of PI ability, extending beyond AP musicians to include non-musicians with superior pitch identification skills.