I read both books, The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle, and Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin, and found them useful. The Talent Code is a one issue book, and there is only so much you can say about myelin and how it works, without getting deep into science jargon. Coyle attempts to relate the discovery and comprehension of the role of myelin and learning, and provides us some strategies for most effective learning. Colvin's book, by contrast, explores the role of quantity of practice without the background knowledge of myelin. There is useful information in both books, and truthfully, someone could combine both in an updated book.
That said, I still believe that some students are gifted and while needing to do the same amount of work as anyone else to obtain technical excellence, the magic of artistry requires something special, and you either have it or you don't. That doesn't mean you cannot become a good musician and have an enjoyable vocation/avocation.
"Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn." -- Richard Henry Dann
Full-time Private Piano Teacher offering Piano Lessons in Olympia, WA.
www.mypianoteacher.com Certified by the American College of Musicians; member NGPT, MTNA, WSMTA, OMTA
