In music, tonal memory is the ability to recall a previously sounded tone.[1] Tonal memory assists with staying in tune and may be developed through ear training. Extensive tonal memory may be recognized as an indication of potential compositional ability.[2]
Tonal memory may be used as a strategy for learning to identify musical tones absolutely. Although those who attempt the strategy believe they are learning absolute pitch, the ability thus is generally not musically relevant[3], and their absolute tonal memory declines substantially or completely over time if not constantly reinforced.[4]