I recently read an interesting article in a science magazine on the subject of talent in which the writer sought answers to that very pertinent question: does talent really exist (or, in my opinion) is it driven purely by a person’s determination to conquer challenges?

The article examined talent in a variety of forms, be they sport, musical or otherwise, and tried to cite examples where science might provide answers. Although a large chunk of the findings which dealt with musical talent were lifted without reference from research I had read by musicologist Jane Davidson some years earlier, it certainly did incite further consideration on my part, particularly when it becomes apparent that not always do the most talented see the course through.

One of the principal flaws with the article is that it never considers that there is any distinction between initial and emerging talent. For instance, it is not always true that the strongest performers were the brightest stars from day one. Similarly, I have had pupils that have found the initial learning stage challenging – almost to the point where they may have thought about giving up – only to be pleasantly surprised that a latent talent emerged several months or years later. I am often asked whether I can spot talent from day one, and although my radar is fairly well-tuned now, it is more often the character of the student that determines whether success or failure looms rather musicality alone.

But just what is musical talent and how does it differ from other talents? I suppose many would consider a talent as a way of describing a candidate with a skill or gift that is denied to many. But I refute that suggestion to some extent. Sadly, many pupils give up not because they do not have the talent but they lack the determination to triumph over the obstacles laid before them. Certainly, pupils that have a range of established skills that may be transferrable to the new hobby will find the initial learning of a musical instrument more rewarding, and this in turn has an impact on whether they are likely to continue their study beyond the foundations, however, initial talent alone will only get you so far. There simply is no substitute for perseverance

In the early 1990s psychologist K Anders Ericsson and two colleagues from Berlin’s prestigious Academy of Music completed interesting research concerning the standard of the school's violinists. In short, their findings highlighted that although their violinists all had similar backgrounds – for example starting at a very young age – typically around five years of age – it was literally those that invested the most practice time during their adolescence were the one that were destined to be the virtuosos of tomorrow.

Let’s not forget that most professional musicians entering the profession at age 21 are likely to have completed their musical training over at least a ten-year period (if not longer). This would amass around three thousand sessions of practice and, depending upon the length of practice – perhaps as much as 1-2 hours a day at advanced levels – this would total some six thousand hours of practice! That’s almost 250 days of continual practice!

Is this simply talent alone or sheer hard work? In my opinion, that determination to succeed—that little voice inside which says “I can do this!” followed by lots of practice—is far more important than talent alone. I’ve taught quite a few beginners that have been blessed with a talent given to few, yet lack the discipline to improve, particularly when things get difficult. Good teaching has an important and influential role, yet the student’s character remains the principal deciding factor.

Perhaps there are some of you out there battling away at grade 1 and thinking that’s not true. “I’ve worked my socks off but it’s not getting easier”, I hear you cry. All I can say really is if you get chance to talk with any of my performers you hear tonight, ask them their opinion on that. Many will assure you it does get easier but talent can only do so much—you have to want it so badly that nothing else gets in the way.

At the end of the day, if you want musical glory, it’s yours for the taking. Just don’t be shy about putting in the practice. So, next time you see musical wizardry be it on the TV or in the concert hall, don’t use the cheap shot that they’re simply blessed with talent. Yes, that’s an important criterion but not the whole story.