Would you want to know your musical potential?

Here is one hell of a tricky question – if your musical potential, meaning your likelihood of being successful at learning music (whatever that really means) could be measured, would you want to know?

This study looks into the specific parts of the brain that are enhanced by music training and how theses enhancements might transfer to other types of learning. What they found was that the areas that music training specifically developed was the increased grey matter volume, enlarged Heschl’s gyri area, which is part of the primary auditory cortex, and enhanced right–left hemispheric synchronization. This paper contributes further information about what the “musician’s brain signature” is, in terms of some of the specific functions and structures of the brain.

Further into the paper, the researchers suggest a model which they are calling the “Neurocognitive model of competence development”, or in other words, a model of the different nature and nurture elements that could lead to what they call the development of competence on a musical instrument. It is essentially trying to show the interactions between the brain predispositions we have at birth or develop during our early years, the impact that the way we teach has on those predispositions and how natural growth (maturation) impacts on both of these factors.

But should this type of research lead to brain scans of young children to determine their potential profile? Thus, giving those with a “better chance” of competence the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, and for those who don’t, the chance to take up another activity that fits the potential profile. This approach might seem more like science fiction, but it is one way to apply research findings.

We are not saying this is the right way; it is just one way. Either way, it is very interesting that we are getting closer to what might be the musician’s brain signature.

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