Argument: Child Prodigies

Wolfgang was an instrumentalist and child prodigy of his time. He was exposed to music a young age and learned his first notes by observing his older sister. His talents brought him to places like London and Mannheim where he played rehearsed or improved ensembles. Neuroscientist and musicologist Daniel J. Levitin believed in the “circular logic of talent” when “we think we mean that they have some innate predisposition to excel, but in the end, we only apply the term retrospectively, after they have made significant achievements” (64). Explain how the study of child prodigies, such as Wolfgang, challenges the view of “talent innateness”. Also include external influences that are able to shape such talent over time.