What is musical genius?

Abstract

-While musical genius must have neuro-biological basis it is defined and understood within prevailing cultural frameworks. In order to measure it historic and aesthetic traditions and assumptions need to be considered. Child prodigies and savants are discussed as well as traditional associations that suggest that depression and the melancholic personality have particular relevance in musical creativity and originality.

First Mathematics, Then Music: J. S. Bach, Glenn Gould, and the Evolutionary Supergenius in <em>The Outer Limits'</em> “The Sixth Finger” (1963)

“…12 Estimates hold that technical competence in music takes 10,000 hours to achieve while excellence takes at least 30,000 hours. 13 This excellence, when defined as genius, takes on almost superhuman qualities. Eysenk writes that a "'genius' is depicted as the possessor of a mystical gift that cannot be explained by the ordinary laws of human nature."…”

How Do You Picture a Genius? Children’s Images of Outstanding People

“…Genius is judged according to cultural norms, which change. The actions, works, and achievements of outstanding people are judged by mediocre people, while perhaps those who can appropriately make such judgments should also be considered geniuses (Robertson, 2008). Dean K. Simonton (2010) points out that genius manifests itself in artistry, creativity with a capital "C, " leadership (religious, military, political, or entrepreneurial), and proficiency in certain fields, such as chess or sports.…”