Child Prodigies In Music

Child prodigies are defined as children who possess unusual talents showing great mastery of a certain subject, art or skill. Usually, children no older than 11 years old who show extreme proficiency in certain adult-related fields are called prodigies. Today, scientists are still studying this mystery and trying to determine whether prodigies are a product of genetics or upbringing. I think we can safely say that it's a combination of both. Here are several profiles of prodigies in music:

Music Prodigies of the Past

• Georges Bizet - He attended the Paris Conservatory of Music before he turned 10.

• Frédéric Chopin - He composed his Polonaises in G minor and B flat major 9 when he was 7 years old.

• Franz Liszt - He had his first major concert at the age of 11.

• Felix Mendelssohn - He was making public concert appearances at the age of 9.

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - At the age of 5, he already wrote a miniature allegro (K. 1b) and andante (K. 1a).

• Franz Schubert - Began composing before the age of 12.

Music Prodigies of Recent Years

• Lang Lang - Piano prodigy, started playing the piano at age 3.

• Derek Trucks - Guitar prodigy, began playing the guitar when he was 9 years old.

• Vanessa Mae - Violin prodigy, started playing the violin at age 5.

• Yo-Yo Ma - Cello prodigy, started playing the cello when he was 4.

• Charlotte Church - Vocal prodigy, started performing at age 3.

Know of other musical prodigies who should be on this list? Email it to musiced.guide@about.com.