I haven't read the book, but does he make any distinction between talent and skill, or does he equate them. Many pianists have great skill, but true talent is a different animal altogether. I have no doubt at all that great skill can be learned through practice. But to become a Mozart or an Art Tatum requires more than great skill. It requires imagination and the ability to see what others cannot.
>>For lots of reasons, but particularly if you have children, I think you will gain a lot of insight from this book:
>>
>>Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin
>>
>>
http://tinyurl.com/befdnx>>
>>Unlike what most of us believe, that talent is something we either have or not, it turns out that talent can actually be learned and developed, which will come as a surprise to many I'm sure. The author clearly explains and shows with extensive relevant research how it can be achieved and, amazingly, by most anyone. But the price for becoming truly talented, whether in sport, business, or any other field, is a high one.
>
>After following this thread I bought the book and found it fascinating. Here is what you may call "anecdotal evidence" for the book's argument:
>
>1yr old video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znu_0I9l4b0&feature=related>Expressive young pianist (2yr old)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElSFFQE1yoI&feature=related>Green Sleeves by a 4 Year Old Pianist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09RKtUCyagY&feature=related>pianist(5years old girl): Bach minuet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIx48a9bXUQ&feature=channel>pianist( 5 years old ):L.v.Beethoven ' Fur Elise '
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR9r1RiCL00&feature=channel>pianist(5years old girl): Bach minuet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIx48a9bXUQ&feature=channel>pianist (6years old girl):Mozart Sonata K331 Allegretto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXjbz4TQOyM&feature=related>
>I am not totally sure it is the same girl, but it seems to be the same (kind of) piano in all of them. The dates don;t seem to jibe, though.
>
>Here is an article on the same subject.
http://141.14.165.6/users/cokely/Ericsson_Preitula_&_Cokely_2007_HBR.pdf>
>Alex
