Longitudinal Changes in Mindsets in Music dur-ing Adolescence

Abstract

The believe that individuals are either musically talented or not is widespread in the general population. Thus, a central challenge for music education is to overcome this believe which can restrict individual musical development. However, little is known about the development of mindsets regarding musicality. This study addresses this research gap by analysing longitudinal data from 2,193 adolescents using multilevel modelling. The findings reveal that mindsets of musicality become more stable over time. Different developmental trajectories are associated with musical experience, individual instrument instruction, and a musical home environment. The development of mindsets differs between the domains of musicality and intelligence. The study contributes to the discussion on the relevance and consideration of musical mindsets for music education.