McPherson, G; Hallam, S; (2008) Musical potential. In: Hallam, Susan and Cross, Ian and Thaut, Michael H, (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology. (pp. 255-264). Oxford Academic: Oxford, UK.

PDF (Hallammcpherson2009musical255.pdf) Hallammcpherson2009musical255.pdf - Other Access restricted to UCL open access staff Download (148kB)

Abstract

An ongoing controversy persists regarding the extent of individual variability in musical potential and the extent to which observable differences in acquiring musical skills result from social contexts that facilitate learning, genetic factors, or interactions between the two. This article outlines key elements of these debates and considers how 'musical potential' has been assessed. It argues that what children are born with enables rather than constrains what they will eventually be able to achieve. While a range of generalized abilities may come into play when learning music, a host of environmental and personal catalysts work in combination with teaching and learning processes to develop particular types of talent. These talents form the basis of the many professional, amateur, and informal forms of meaningful engagement that individuals can have with music.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONCSVXML

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as XMLJSONCSV

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLJSONCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item