Personality correlates of musical talent

• Main Author: Tunstall, Walter W.
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 1980
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/5624; https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6699&context=etd

Existing commentary and research on the nature of musical talent was reviewed and found lacking in conception, primarily because previous researchers had failed to identify the unique creative element a musician contributes to a musical performance. The personality structures of 60 subjects, 32 males and 28 females, were analyzed via the 16PF. A Pearson Product Moment Correlation, an ANOVA, and a second order factor analysis were used to assess the relationship between personality and musical talent for 1) persons with little or no musical ability, 2) highly talented university music majors, and 3) professional performing musicians. Significant relationships were found for talent and perseverance, age, self-sufficiency, discipline, and creativity. Non-significant linear trends were found for nine other personality dimensions. Personality profiles were constructed for the three groups.