THE CRITICAL TEENS – MUSICAL CAPACITIES CHANGE IN ADOLESCENCE

Abstract

Experimental data from an eight year period in adolescence document the development of musical talent — measured with Wing's Standardized Tests of Musical Intelligence — and of creative musical behavior — assessed on the basis of original compositions and/or improvisations. Comparison of spatial and verbal test scores obtained at the same time with the musical data indicated that, although a complex interaction of social, cultural, and biological factors can be assumed to influence the course of development, possible hormonal influences — both prenatally and in adolescence — play a role in musical and cognitive performances.