Development involves progressive changes in knowledge and abilities that occur across the life span. Current research on musical abilities suggests that the development of skills necessary for musicality begins in utero and continues through adulthood. Many of these skills, such as the ability to carry a tune, move in time to music, and respond emotionally to music, progress as part of normal cognitive maturation and development. Others, such as explicit musical knowledge and musical performance, require in-depth learning and practice for future musical development to occur. This article provides a compilation of key musical developmental milestones and learning characteristics from prebirth through adolescence gathered from the research literature. A brief summary of relevant information is provided, as well as charts outlining specific points from the literature.
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