Maria Manturzewska’s model of the lifespan development of professional musicians in the light of recent research and cultural changes

Abstract

The lifespan trajectory of musical achievement in the field of classical music and the factors that promote or hinder the development of talent in music are the focus of Manturzewska’s model of the lifespan development of professional musicians. This article aims to describe Manturzewska’s model briefly, relate it to recent research, and explore the extent to which it fits the diversity of musical careers of contemporary professional musicians. A brief depiction of the developmental model provides insight into the six developmental phases of the model and the factors that influence them. Recent research investigating talent development and career research in music suggests that Manturzewska’s theoretical model is largely consistent with findings from expertise research, research examining the determinants of musical development, and current models of talent development. The development of musicians with traditional careers as orchestral musicians in permanent, full-time employment or as successful soloists in contemporary musical culture is likely to be represented largely accurately in Manturzewska’s model. However, the diversity of typical portfolio careers, characterized by simultaneous irregular musical and non-musical activities in musical and non-musical fields, cannot be depicted in a single, more-or-less linear development model. Appropriate research, especially long-term studies that model the lifetime development of professional musicians (not only) in classical music, is lacking. Furthermore, Manturzewska’s model addresses important aspects that have been insufficiently studied by others, such as the development of professional musicians in the second half of life, and provides a sound and inspiring basis for future research.