Study shows that the earliest period of a child’s life is when the mind is most receptive to musical training – Edexlive

According to a recent study, there might be a particular developmental phase during the first period of children’s lives, when their minds are most receptive to musical training. Among the many holiday traditions scuttled by pandemic restrictions this year are live concerts with skilled musicians. These talented artists can often perform with such ease that it’s easy to underestimate the countless hours of practice that went into perfecting their craft. But could there be more to mastering music? Is there, as some have suggested, a developmental period early in life when the brain is particularly receptive to musical training? The answer, according to new research published in the journal Psychological Science, probably isn’t.

“It is a common observation that successful musicians often start their musical education early,” said Laura Wesseldijk, researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and first author of the article. “One 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 is important may be more complicated and interesting than previously thought. “

While the new study supports the idea that an early start is associated with higher levels of musical skill and success in adulthood, the underlying reasons for this may have more to do with family influences – such as genetic factors and an encouraging musical family environment – in addition to accumulating more total practice time than those who start later in life.

To untangle these effects, Wesseldijk and his colleagues recruited 310 professional musicians from various Swedish musical institutions, such as orchestral and music schools. The researchers also used data from an existing research project, the Study of Adult Twins: Genes and the Environment (STAGE). Participants in both studies were tested on their musical skills and achievements. They also answered a series of questions that measured how often they practiced and the age at which musical training began. STAGE data also provided genetic information about its participants.

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 professional musicians, even after controlling for accumulated practice time. They then assessed the starting age in a way that took into account the genetic data from the STAGE study.

The results indicate that genetic factors – possibly related to musical interest and talent – have a substantial influence on the age at which individuals begin playing music and their future musical aptitude. When controlling for family factors, namely shared genetic and environmental influences, such as a family environment steeped in music, there was no additional association between an earlier starting age and musicality.

One possible explanation for these results could be that children who show more talent in a particular field, such as music, are encouraged to start practicing earlier. Another possibility is that a musically active, interested and talented family provides a musical environment for the child, while also transmitting his genetic predispositions to engage in music. “I think we’ve really studied the effects of the age when you start your musical training to the max,” said Wesseldijk. “Personally, as a music practitioner, it’s always great to shed light on some of the factors, within the interplay of genes and the environment, that influence musical skills.”