Getting into music early is linked to family influences, both genetic and environmental, which, combined with more hours of training, increase the chances of becoming a great musician later in life.
- Earlier starting age is associated with musical aptitude, both among amateurs and professional musicians.
- Genetic factors have a substantial influence on the age at which individuals begin musical practice and their future musical aptitude.
- Children who show more talent in a particular area, such as music, are encouraged to start practicing earlier.
The question “where does a musician’s talent come from” comes up regularly without any definitive answer being able to be given at the present time. “It is a common observation that successful musicians often begin their musical training early.observed Laura Wesseldijk, a researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. A much-discussed explanation is that there may be a period in early childhood when the brain is particularly sensitive to musical stimulation. We have found, however, that explaining why an early start matters can be more complicated and interesting than previously thought..”
A genetic factor
Although the new study supports the idea that an early start is associated with higher levels of musical skill and achievement in adulthood, the underlying reasons lie elsewhere. The researchers believe that this is rather to be sought on the side of family influences, both genetic factors and an encouraging musical family environment. Along with that, they add, is more practice time than for musicians who start later in life. They presented the results of their work on December 14 in the journal Psychological Science.
For their study, the researchers recruited 310 professional musicians from various Swedish musical institutions, such as orchestra and music schools. They also used data from an existing research project, the STAGE study of adult twins. Participants in both studies were tested on their musical abilities and accomplishments. They also answered a series of questions that measured how often they practiced and when they started musical training. STAGE data also provided genetic information about its participants.
The more talent, the more the child is encouraged to start early
By comparing the results of these two independent studies, the researchers were able to show that an earlier starting age is associated with musical aptitude, both among amateurs and among professional musicians. They then assessed the starting age in a way that takes into account genetic data from the STAGE study. The results indicate that genetic factors have a substantial influence on the age at which individuals begin musical practice and their future musical ability. When controlling for family factors, namely shared genetic and environmental influences, such as a music-infused home environment, there was no additional association between earlier starting age and musicality.
Researchers believe that children who show more talent in a particular area, such as music, are encouraged to start practicing earlier. Another possibility put forward is that a musically active, interested and talented family provides a musical environment for the child, while passing on their genetic predispositions to engage in music.
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