The Misunderstanding of Music

There is still a common misconception that humanity is divided into two groups of people: the musical and the unmusical. The bases for this misunderstanding are many and various, being a product of cultural myths, sustained by inadequate or inappropriate education. The latest neuropsychobiological research, however, is unequivocal: we are designed to be musical. It is an integral feature of humankind. Nevertheless, the development of our musicality and the realisation of our potential are shaped by experience. The outcome is a unique personal musical profile. The paper reviews the research basis for this proposition and the critical role that education plays in promoting or hindering musical development.