Talent doesn't exist

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching a lot of young children (aged 3-5) and giving them an introduction to music and the piano. This is an immense responsibility and challenge, but I derive a great deal of satisfaction from working with those children. After a few lessons, parents often ask if their child shows any 'talent.' While I can't comment on this—because talent is not something we're born with, but something that can develop through hard work and time—I can speak to the child’s interest and enthusiasm in lessons. These are much better indicators of potential growth.

So what does it take to successfully train a musician? I’d like to briefly consider three important elements: time, personal circumstances, and mindset.

It takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill; there is certainly some truth in the old adage, ‘practice makes perfect.’ However, today’s more widely accepted version is: ‘perfect practice makes perfect.’ Quality practice, focused on developing specific skills, is key to making those 10,000 hours count.

It's vital that the home environment is supportive, offering ample opportunities for musical growth. Parents can play a crucial role by singing to their child from day one, which enhances brain development and lays the foundation for musical skills. Listening to your child perform, assisting them with practice, and enjoying music together—whether through recordings or live events—helps maintain their interest and motivates them to strive for more advanced musical abilities.

Learning is often uncomfortable, as it requires the brain and body to engage in new tasks. Music education, in particular, equips us with tools to learn more effectively. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in our mindset. A growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance—plays a crucial role in mastering music. When children experience setbacks, encouraging them to embrace the process of learning and keep pushing forward will ultimately lead to greater success.

When a child starts early, has the support of encouraging parents, and receives proper training, they have the potential to excel in music. Talent alone isn’t what makes a great musician—it's the time invested, the right mindset, and the belief that growth is always possible. With these in place, any child can become a skilled and passionate musician.