Musical abilities?

Question:are learned? genetically inherited? a combination of both?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: are learned? genetically inherited? a combination of both?

Bit of both. I'd say the genetics contribute to the speed of progress in instrument playing but not always.

i'd have to say your born with it. my parents and brothers don't have any musical ablitiy but i do and the only other person in my family that does is my uncle

Combination of both. I learned playing the flute and the recorder since I was grade 4. Playing the piano, violin and guitar are both inherited from my parents... ^_^

A combination of both. You can be taught somethings, but you need some initial talent.

To some extent, musical ability is something you are born with; however, plenty of people show raw talent. Average joe musician is separated from the best musicians because the prodigies possess a combination of extreme natural talent as well as high-level training. Most musical things can be taught, the things that you can't learn (ie: are born with) are pitch and rhythm, and if you don't have at least one of those, you're probably out of luck my friend.

We all have the ability to make and appreciate music - we are not all talented at it though!

If you love playing music, don't let anyone tell you that you don't have the talent for it. Our wonderful church pianist had her first piano teacher tell her mother she shouldn't waste her money on lessons. She went on to be a professional pianist and teacher. 50 years later she's still proving that teacher wrong.