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From: stevens@prodigal.psych.rochester.edu (Greg Stevens)
Subject: Re: Thought Question
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Date: Sat, 21 Jan 95 17:35:51 GMT
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In <jqbD2oBpD.DBK@netcom.com> jqb@netcom.com (Jim Balter) writes:
>In article <1995Jan19.060823.19335@galileo.cc.rochester.edu>,
>Greg Stevens <stevens@prodigal.psych.rochester.edu> wrote:

>>... I would guess that when it comes to musical
>>talent, and other talents, tequnique is learned and ability is inborn,
>>though the two are often confused because of the presence of over-learned
>>people with no talent surpassing under-practiced people with great amounts
>>of talent.

>What is your basis for making this guess?

Ha, ha.  Just life.  I know people who have practiced the same amount and
had large discrepencies in the level of mastery they attained, leading
me to believe there is an innate componant (i.e. a componant other than
learning, even if just predisposition).  I have gotten very good at
playing piano over five years, to the point where some people are impressed.
Others have gotten to the point I'm at in two.  But most of the arts
acknowledge that some technique is necessary -- unless you think that
a scam to keep art teachers employeed.

Greg Stevens

stevens@prodigal.psych.rochester.edu

