Carnatica's Rasika Forum

Identifying a raga within seconds - is a skill. Most rasikas who have listened
to carnatic music long enough can do it. I am sure that those of us who
can do this will agree that - there are two factors in identifying "within seconds":
First aspect is how fast does a singer bring out the unique descriptive phrases,
the second aspect is how fast a listener can match the pattern to what he knows
and says "this is a leopard and not a cheetah".

I am interested in understanding what this skill "identifying a raga within seconds"
translate to, in real life. I know a prodigious kid who can do this really fast, and
I know that the number of such ragas that he can identify may grow exponentially,
if he is exposed more.

What I really want to know is: what does this skill mean in terms of skills that the
world cares about? So, what are possibly some other areas not related to music
(academic, other) that he may be good at? I would really appreciate your input,
if you are such a prodigy.

Thanks - Subu