Is musical ability a genetic trait, or a tangible talent which can be learned?

Question

Traits like hair and I eye color are for the most part absolutely predetermined. But are traits such as musical ability genetic, resulting in only a limited amount of people has that trait? Or, is it something that's learned and can be possessed by anyone? Is it possible to take steps prior to the birth of a child to ensure that he/she is born with embedded musical talent?

Answer 1

"Talent" is a tough call as to how much is genetic component and how much is environment. It seems that to truly excel in an area repetition, muscle memory etc, are absolutely necessary, meaning that environment trumps genetics, and yet there clearly is an intangible aspect to things like music where emoting and style is a large part that really don't seem to be taught or learned.

I think there are a lot of genetic pre-dispositions, but when it comes to talent, I think for the most part, the environment is a larger factor than the genetics.

Answer 2

As far as singing, you are either born with vocal ability or you're not. You can learn to use what you have better if you are born with the ability, but if you are born without it, it cannot be changed anymore than you can change your skin color.

With playing a musical instrument, it can go either way. Some people have abilities that are obvious from a very young age - like the people who can play piano by ear perfectly without ever having had one lesson. For others, it is just that a love of music and/or a certain instrument is strong enough that they strive to learn and excel - no different than someone who strives to excel at a sport that they love.

There is no way to control who is born with what. Most people in my family sing or play instruments, we've been musical for generations, but my son has zero interest, even though he has a great voice. All you can do is introduce a child to as much music as possible and see where it goes. If nothing else, there's plenty of research around these days to show that it does something in the brain that helps them understand math and science better. But don't push a child whose real interests lie elsewhere. Many people just enjoy music as a listener only, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Answer 3

A person has to be born with some inate abilitiy (thus, genetic) to have any musical talent. I am a person who has none. I cannot appreciate music. It is just noise to me. Some of the "noise" a real irratant to me. I cannot tell if a stringed insturment is in tune or not. I was pushed during grade school age to learn music, but never did. My husband is the same. He cannot tell on a piano which note is "higher" or "lower" until you get about 5 notes apart.

Answer 4

A bit of both, plus also possibly kind of an extra random factor like when someone is 'gifted' but there doesn't seem to be any genetic basis for it. I'd be playing heaps of different types of music and also making sure that in the early years children also hear many different types of accents.

Answer 5

i think the mechanical aspect of learning an instrument is something that can be learnt. for example, i believe you can teach someone the notes on a piano and how to play a piece of music.
however, i believe that interpretation of the music and 'feeling' that someone plays with is somewhat genetic. there are just some people who can take notes on a page and make it into the most beautiful sounds you have ever heard. i don't think you can teach someone how to do that.

Answer 6

Yes, musical talents can be learnt. I have many friends whose parents do not have much talent in music, yet they have musical talents.

Answer 7

it is genitic but you also have to learn to do it say your mom and dad both played drums vwery well you would probaly be good at it as well but you have to learn to do it