Perspectives

Four friends were observing the Grand Canyon for the first time—a geologist, an environmentalist, a photographer, and a poet. The geologist scientifically appraised the ancient formations of rock before him, examining and explaining fine details of this wondrous sight to his friends. The environmentalist stood close to the edge, peering into the canyon. She began a brisk dialogue with her scientific friend, pointing to different vegetation and the winding river in the canyon floor, explaining her views of the contextual changes of nature and its impact on the canyon. The photographer listened halfheartedly, busily clicking one shot after another, catching the changing light and shadow against the canyon walls. The poet listened attentively to the friendly scientific banter. She smiled while watching her photographer friend immersed in his work and sat quietly with pen and pad in hand, savoring the unique aesthetic experience. Four very different perspectives of the Grand Canyon—one analytically defined, one naturally developmental, one phenomenological, and one reflective. You observe this scene. You realize the value of each perspective of the Grand Canyon experience. You also are aware of the behavior of distinct personalities as they connect with the environment. Their views are specialized and focused to their particular interests. If you try to understand these perspectives and synthesize them with your own, you discover that you can enjoy a richer aesthetic awareness of the Grand Canyon. With imaginative juices in high gear, visualize the concept of musical talent as that vast Grand Canyon. Part I of this book offers unique perspectives of “what talent means” from specialists across different fields. The more specialized a person becomes in a respective field, the more a perspective becomes intensely focused and defined. The scientific psychometricians convey the importance of measuring music aptitude, the sensory base of musical talent. Developmental psychologists offer ideas about the growth of talent through musical learning. Performers and teachers of performers focus on the attributes of the talented performer. You may find the parameters of “talent” stretched in our discussions of musical creativity.