<p>That’s an interesting study, but judging from my own three kids, I think I’d nuance it a bit differently. All three of my kids started music lessons around the article’s critical cut-off age, and all three reached advanced levels. My oldest is not emotional AT ALL - we call him Spock. </p>
<p>I think this might have something to do with why he is the only one who didn’t major in music. He loves music, understands it very well, took music history for the fun of it, and has a deep and passionate love affair with his guitar. He started music lessons at 7½. </p>
<p>Second son is extremely emotional. As a child, he was either laughing hysterically or wailing. Often within the same moment. He’s calmed down much, but his passion comes through his music. He started formal lessons at 8, but we saw signs of his ability before he was 2. </p>
<p>Daughter is a definite cross between her brothers. She started violin at age 6.</p>
<p>So I’m wondering if the age of starting lessons has more to do with parents’ own musical talent or picking up on their kids’ interest in music. And that the emotional factor might be related to innate talent/ musical appreciaton rather than lessons?</p>