The impact of biological factors on musicality

Anne Lehtimäki

Published online on December, 2013

Abstract

This paper discusses the impact of biological factors on the musicality of an individual. Researchers offer various definitions of musicality, such as a having good judgment skills in music. Evolutionary theories aim to explain musicality in terms of biological factors. Charles Darwin related musicality to sexual selection, a trait worth passing on. Later on, it was emphasised that in evolutionary terms music aids the survival of an infant. Furthermore, twin and family studies are research methods used to explain the biological effects of musicality. A previous twin study concluded that auditory development was caused by 80 percent of genetic components. Additionally, as the result of three family studies, a gene variant, arginine vasopressin 1a receptor gene (AVPR1A), was discovered and associated with musical aptitude. The studies concluded that 50 percent of the determination of an individual’s musicality is the result of genes. Musical development is also dependent on environmental factors. Previous study has listed categories such as motivation, quality practice and coping with pressure, which were all involved in the musically defined participants’ environments. Based on the results of the studies, it can be concluded that genetics constructs an important basis for musicality, and specific genes related to music and language make humans susceptible to be musical. However, even though genetics consists of over 50 percent of one’s musicality, it is only consistent exposure to a stimulating environment that ultimately activates these musical genes.

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About the author

Anne Lehtimäki (born 1993) is an undergraduate student at the University of Helsinki. Her subjects of interest include psychology, biology, music and human resource management.

Cite as
Lehtimäki, A. (2013). The impact of biological factors on musicality. European Journal for Young Scientists and Engineers, 2(1), 3–14.