What makes talented musicians excel at their craft? While there is substantial evidence suggesting that some people are naturally gifted, research indicates that approximately half of musical ability is inherited. Even with this genetic predisposition, it is not a prerequisite to possess musical talent in your DNA in order to excel at instruments like the bass, oboe, or drums. Even those fortunate enough to be part of a musical family must still dedicate themselves to studying, practicing, and receiving expert guidance to perform well. As a music professor and conductor, I have observed the significant roles that practice and experience play in driving musicians towards mastery and success. Various factors may help a musician begin their journey, and heredity might be one of them. However, musical proficiency ultimately comes from a combination of extensive practice and high-quality instruction.
Many renowned musicians are indeed related to other musical stars. For example, Liza Minnelli, the famous actress, singer, and dancer, is one of the three children of the late entertainer Judy Garland. Jon Batiste, the bandleader, pianist, and composer for “The Late Show,” has at least 25 musicians in his family. The Marsalis family includes saxophonist Branford, trumpeter Wynton, trombonist Delfeayo, and drummer Jason, all sons of pianist Ellis Marsalis. Norah Jones, the singer, and pianist is the daughter of the Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar, though she had limited contact with her famous father while growing up. Absolute pitch, or perfect pitch, is the ability to identify and name any note heard anywhere, and researchers have found this trait may be hereditary. But perfect pitch is not necessary to become a great musician.
I define musical ability as either having talent or potential—the capacity to achieve something musical. Skill, on the other hand, is what one acquires through effort. Basic musical ability is required to develop musical skills—without the ability to hear and understand pitches and rhythms, one can’t reproduce them. However, the role of genetics might be overestimated, as almost everyone, with very rare exceptions, can perceive pitches and rhythms. My research on children’s musicality suggests that singing skills are typically distributed across the population, with most people being average singers, very few being far below or above average. Recent studies by my team indicate this distribution is true for rhythm as well as pitch.
Some musical skills are correlated. More training in specific musical skills generally leads to better performance in related areas, likely due to musical experience enhancing other musical capabilities. An emerging body of research shows that while practice doesn’t result in perfection, it significantly improves performance for most people.
Even those who claim they cannot keep a beat usually can if they truly try, just lacking enough practice. Personally, the last time I tested someone doubtful of their rhythm perception, they excelled. For both rhythm and singing, some people need encouragement to dispel assumptions of lacking talent. One cannot claim incapability without putting in the effort.
Certain researchers and journalists claim it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master a new skill. While innate ability gives individuals different starting points toward musical mastery, skill development is influenced by various factors such as getting lessons, practicing frequently, and perhaps being in a musical family. For example, Lizzo, a hip-hop superstar and classically trained flutist, benefited from growing up in a music-loving family with diverse musical tastes. Her success exemplifies why a well-rounded musical education for youth is so valuable. In the choir I lead at Penn State, singers come with varying experience levels. However, they soon learn to select a good key and starting pitch as they become familiar with their voices.
Practicing more doesn’t alter your fundamental potential; rather, it enhances what you can currently achieve. If you repeatedly practice a specific song, you will naturally improve at it. Jonathon Heyward, the Baltimore Symphony’s new conductor, who has no musicians in his family, has worked tirelessly to succeed. Beginning cello lessons at age 10, he has continuously played, practiced, and studied ever since.
Socioeconomic factors also play a role. During my research, I noticed that college students from high-income families with more musical experience outperformed peers from lower-income backgrounds with fewer opportunities. While genes might offer an advantage, having a quiet place to practice or a digital workstation could be a more decisive factor in a child’s musical prospects. Money for private lessons or access to free classes can also be crucial. Nonetheless, many top musicians, including jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, rose to greatness despite challenging circumstances.