Musical potential

Download
Citations
Altmetric
Author
McPherson, G; Hallam, SDate
2008-12-04Source Title
The Oxford Handbook of Music PsychologyPublisher
Oxford University PressUniversity of Melbourne Author/s
McPherson, GaryAffiliation
MusicMetadata
Show full item recordDocument Type
ChapterCitations
McPherson, G. & Hallam, S. (2008). Musical potential. The Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology, (1), pp.255-264. Oxford University Press.Access Status
Open AccessAbstract
<p>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<italic>enables</italic>rather than<italic>constrains</italic>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.</p>
Keywords
Performing Arts and Creative WritingExport Reference in RIS Format
Endnote
- Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format" and choose "open with... Endnote".
Refworks
- Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format". Login to Refworks, go to References => Import References