Development of musical talent

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the points of discussion explored in the earlier chapters of this book, particularly those related to issues of bringing up, educating, and training musicians. The central theme of this chapter revolves around the musician's developing personality and the ways in which these relates to programmes of education and training. The notion of the child prodigy is dismissed by research as a myth. Rather, studies show that most young performers need to work hard at developing their abilities over a long period of hard work and application. Though the emergence of talents appears to be due to parental support and encouragement, such external factors require augmenting by the individual receiving some form of ‘crystallizing experience’. Further, although parental and teacher influence seem to allow a student to achieve certain degrees of success, it might not ensure success at the highest levels.