A Biographical Study of the Life-Span Development of Professional Musicians

Abstract

A group of 165 Polish professional musicians ranging in age from 21 to 89 was interviewed in 1976-80. The research was designed as a longitudinal exploratory study of the life-span development of professional musicians and musical talents. The purpose of the study was to collect empirical data about the life course of the professional musicians and to learn about the structure of the musician's life (its stages and dimensions), as well as about the factors influencing the development and achievement of professional musicians in different stages of life, and different fields of music. The results suggest that the professional development of the musicians is strongly influenced by both socio-cultural and biological factors. Content analysis of the collected biographies suggests that the family environment and intrinsic motivation for musical activitv are the factors most influencing musical development. This analysis also reveals the importance of teachers, colleagues and the socio-emotional support in the development of talent over the life-span. In the light of this content analysis the professional development of musicians seems to be a life-long process (in some cases going through several generations in the family) of enculturation and adjustment to changes in age and environment. It seems to consist of a sequence of developmental stages, different in the structure of musical behaviour and motivation, as well as in the structure of musical activity and achievemcnt.