Eastsider, why are you entirely dismissing Andromeda's reports of her own experience? She's not talking about an ability to play but an ability to recognise sounds and music. I think it's a safe bet that she is the expert in her own experience of how sounds and music are perceived by her. Do you honestly think she hasn't actually put in any 'work'? Do you say the same thing about colourblind people and their ability to perceive colour?
Andromeda is tone deaf, and her own experience bears that out. There is no more discussion to be had on that subject.
No one is completely tone deaf.
I have yet to meet anyone who can't tell the difference between the lowest C# on a piano vs the highest C#.
Those are identifiable tones. If a person can hear that, they can be taught to hear more. To what level? That depends on the person. Some people hear to greater or lesser levels naturally, but unless totally deaf every one can hear tones & notes.
I do this for a living and also occasionally teach...I just find these reactions odd, because when I meet people who claim to be tone deaf and I show them that they can actually hear notes, they are usually pretty encouraged.
I am not dismissing anyone's experience, quite the opposite. I know how frustrating & daunting it can sometimes be and try to encourage people to learn more and enjoy music without feeling intimidation.
I didn't say anyone hasn't put in the work, all I said is that it takes work.
It also takes THE RIGHT work. You would not believe how many people I have met that do not know how to practice.
I also said some people progress faster than others.
BTW, I am colorblind.