Music and musical talent in society

Speaker: Joseph

Do you think musical talent is something people are born with or something that can be developed through practice?

I’d say it’s a bit of both, though I lean towards the “nurture” side of the argument. While some individuals are clearly born with an innate “ear” for pitch or a natural sense of rhythm—what we often call “raw talent”—that potential usually remains dormant without rigorous, disciplined practice. Conversely, someone without much initial aptitude can become highly proficient through sheer persistence. So, while talent might give you a head start, it’s the thousands of hours of practice that actually cross the finish line.

How important is music in people’s everyday lives?

It’s absolutely fundamental. For most of us, music acts as a soundtrack to our daily routines, whether it’s a high-energy playlist to get us through a workout or some lo-fi beats to help us focus at work. Beyond just entertainment, it serves as an emotional regulator; it has this unique ability to articulate feelings that words sometimes can’t. In a sense, it’s an essential tool for mental well-being in a very hectic world.

Should music and singing be taught as compulsory subjects in schools?

I’m a firm believer that they should. Education shouldn’t just be about ‘the basics’ like reading and writing; it should be about developing the whole person. Learning music actually rewires the brain in a way that makes it easier to grasp abstract concepts, which is why students who play instruments often excel in subjects like math. Moreover, singing in a choir or playing in a band teaches kids how to collaborate and listen to one another. Removing it from the curriculum would really limit a child’s creative and mental growth

What benefits can learning music bring to children and young people?

The benefits are manifold. On a cognitive level, it improves memory and attention span. On a personal level, it’s a massive confidence builder. Mastering a difficult piece of music provides a sense of accomplishment that translates into other areas of life. Plus, for many young people, music becomes a vital form of self-expression and a way to find their identity during those somewhat turbulent teenage years.

Why do you think some people are more interested in music than others?

It often comes down to early exposure. If a child grows up in a household where music is constantly playing or where parents play instruments, they’re much more likely to develop a deep-seated passion for it. There’s also a personality component; some people are more auditory learners or have a higher level of “openness to experience,” which makes them more inclined to seek out and appreciate complex musical compositions.

Do you think traditional music is still popular among young people today?

It’s definitely seen a bit of a resurgence, though perhaps not in its “purest” form. You often see young artists sampling folk melodies or traditional instruments and blending them with modern genres like electronic music or hip-hop. This “fusion” approach keeps the heritage alive while making it relevant to a contemporary audience. So, while they might not be listening to archival recordings, the cultural DNA of traditional music is still very much present.

Can music influence people’s emotions or behaviour? In what ways?

Without a doubt. Music has a way of tapping straight into our feelings, almost like a shortcut to our emotions that bypasses the logical part of our brain. A fast-tempo song can physically increase our heart rate and adrenaline, which is why it’s so popular in gyms or retail stores to encourage fast movement. On the flip side, slow, minor-key melodies can induce a state of reflection or even sadness. It’s a powerful tool for mood manipulation, often used by filmmakers to tell the audience exactly how to feel at a specific moment.

Is it easier or harder to become a successful musician today compared to the past?

It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s easier than ever to produce and distribute music; you can record a hit in your bedroom and upload it to the world instantly. The “gatekeepers” of the old record industry have lost their power. However, because the barrier to entry is so low, the market is completely saturated. Standing out in a sea of millions of tracks is arguably harder now than it was when you just had to impress a few talent scouts.

Should governments spend money supporting musicians and artists?

I believe they should. The arts are what give a society its cultural identity and “soft power” on the global stage. Many artistic ventures aren’t immediately profitable in a commercial sense, but they provide immense “social value.” If we leave everything to the free market, we risk losing experimental or culturally significant works that don’t have mass-market appeal. Government subsidies ensure that a country’s creative heartbeat keeps pulsing.