Influences on the talent development process of non-classical musicians: Psychological, social and environmental influences

Abstract

Twelve professional, non-classical musicians were interviewed about the impact of internal and external factors on their development as musicians. The data were qualitatively analyzed, and observations concerning psychological characteristics of developing excellence (PCDEs), social and environmental influences are reported. The insights of the musicians help to provide a rich source of descriptive information about the specific characteristics present during the process of their musical development. Three major findings emerged from this study. First, the results suggest that PCDEs are associated with non-classical musical ability which develops outside a structured developmental process. Second, in terms of social influences, the findings indicate that, for non-classical musicians, teachers and parents play a smaller role, and peers play a larger role than identified in previous research. Finally, the results suggest that various sources of media play an influential role in non-classical music talent development. The reasons for these findings and related implications are discussed.