Child prodigies have been observed in a range of disciplines - particularly music, mathematics, chess, and art. The question of what makes a prodigy has long been controversial. Some have dismissed the notion of giftedness, arguing that most famous prodigies had strong parental, cultural, and environmental influences that helped them develop their extraordinary abilities. One recent theory suggested that anyone could achieve outstanding success in whatever endeavour they wanted with a minimum of 10,000 hours of practice. Nevertheless, many studies of prodigies have suggested that there might be strong underlying cognitive differences, regarding their use of short-term versus long-term memory, spatial memory, imagery, and language. Whatever the arguments - for those interested in child development - prodigies remain a fascinating subject of study when considering questions about creativity, intelligence, development, and the impact of nature versus nurture.

This books breaks new ground in presenting the first scientific exploration on the topic of musical prodigies. It brings together research from a range of disciplines, including psychology, neurobiology, and genetics, to provide a thorough exploration of prodigious talent. In addition, the book includes fascinating case studies of prodigies and also looks at their long-term development into adulthood - many child prodigies have had problems making the transition into adolescence and adulthood.

Musical prodigies will be required reading for anyone interested in child development, music, and the arts

https://www.amazon.com/Musical-Prodigies-Interpretations-Psychology-Ethnomusicology/dp/0199685851/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1476484828&sr=1-1&keywords=musical+prodigies

Thanks for sharing. Michael and Stevie are legendary prodigies and treasures. The book looks interesting!

[Edited 10/17/16 0:09am]

Where is the disconnect here? Musical Prodigies and no mention of Prince. For real, Prince was a true musician who did it all and was a complete genius. No question over Stevie, but putting MJ in over Prince, that is messed up yo!

Adorecream said:

Adorecream said:

Where is the disconnect here? Musical Prodigies and no mention of Prince. For real, Prince was a true musician who did it all and was a complete genius. No question over Stevie, but putting MJ in over Prince, that is messed up yo!

Prince is great but didnt come on to the world stage till he was teenager mj was like 10. This book is about child prodigies. Theres really no evidence prince was a prodigy he couldve been a guy who worked really hard at alot instruments and slowly developed his skills overtime. Mj came out with etheral singing and dancing rivialing any adult at 10 years old thats freakish talent.

Adorecream said:

Where is the disconnect here? Musical Prodigies and no mention of Prince. For real, Prince was a true musician who did it all and was a complete genius. No question over Stevie, but putting MJ in over Prince, that is messed up yo!

The book is about CHILD prodigies and Prince is not a CHILD prodigy.

Michael most definitly is above Prince in that respect and this takes nothing away from the genius of Prince but give credit where credit is due.

Sorry did not read the part about child prodigies. The book cover just says Prodigies, not child prodigies, it was late at night, so was concentrating on all four burners. I was in cruise mode.

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Because of that I agree, Prince may have been gifted as a child, but he was not a recording artist until he was 19 and was not really playing band music before his early teens. MJ was spinning around, singing and being a star at 7 and Stevie Wonder was 12 when he signed with Motown - so fair enough