The genetic basis of singing ability: A twin study.

Grant number: DP170102479 | Funding period: 2017 - 2020

Completed

Abstract

This project aims to explore the heritability of music ability, focusing on singing and the contribution of genetic and environmental influences. Research suggests that deliberate practice (more than 10,000 hours) produces skilled musicianship, with minimal investigation of genetic influences. Mapping the human genome has opened up a new scientific frontier, and this project’s findings are expected to lead to the discovery of genes for singing. This will help design and deliver music education programmes that take individual differences into account, differentiating between heritable aspects of musicianship and those more influenced by training.

Related publications (22)

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The molecular genetic basis of music ability and music-related phenotypes

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In the past decade, researchers have sought to uncover potential genes that underlie various musical traits through molecular gene..

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Musical prodigies: Early manifestations, development and outcomes

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Presentation to the Mozart and the Mind symposium. Continuing Medical Education (CME) symposium, sponsored by Mainly Mozart, June ..

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Musical potential

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Playing an Instrument

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The Child as Musician: A handbook of musical development

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Videoconferencing for teaching and learning using highly interactive pedagogy

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2015-12-06

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Foreword

P SMYTH

2015-01-01

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Motivation to study music in Australian schools: the impact of music learning, gender, and socio-economic status

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2015-01-01

This study extends an eight-country mapping exercise undertaken (McPherson & O’Neill, 2010; see RSME issues 2010-2011) to now incl..

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Musical literacy: Reading traditional clef notation

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Musical Prodigies: Early Manifestations, Catalysts and Outcomes

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2015-01-01

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Practice quantity, practice quality, motivation, and their roles in improving performance

P Evans, G MCPHERSON

2015-01-01

Background For musicians in the highest levels of training in music conservatories, practice is one of the key activities for deve..

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Underlying mechanisms and processes in the development of emotion perception in music

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This chapter proposes a spiral model to explain the development of the perception of emotion in music from infant to adolescent. D..

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The genetic basis of music ability

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2014-06-27

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Foreword

G McPherson

2012-12-01

By focusing on the benefits of active music engagement across the entire lifespan, Lifelong engagement with music: Benefits for me..

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The Child as Musician: A Handbook of Musical Development

Gary McPherson

2012-03-22

© Oxford University Press 2006. All rights reserved. This book is a handbook of musical development from conception to late adoles..