---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have come to the definite conclusion…"
description: "\"I have come to the definite conclusion that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed.\" — Shinichi Suzuki"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e16/shinichi-suzuki-14027_ability_i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-t_16140.jpg"
---

#  I have come to the definite conclusion that musical…

![“I have come to the definite conclusion that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed.” quote by Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e16/shinichi-suzuki-14027_ability_i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-t_16140.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e16/shinichi-suzuki-14027_ability_i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-t_16140.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e16/shinichi-suzuki-14027_ability_i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-t_16140.jpg)

> “I have come to the definite conclusion that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed.”

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Musical skill is a learned competence, not a fixed innate gift.

**In simple terms:** Skill can be cultivated through practice.

Key Takeaway

Practice builds ability.

Themes

learning music growth mindset skill acquisition education

Mood

inspirational optimistic

Type

educational motivational

When to use this quote

- music lessons
- self‑study
- school band
- community choir

Key Concepts

deliberate practice neuroplasticity teacher-student relationship

Practical Applications

- designing curricula
- motivating beginners

Questions to Reflect On

- How does this view affect music education policy?
- What evidence supports skill development over talent?

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Conclusion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conclusion/) [Music](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/music/) [Musical ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/musical-ability/) [Talent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talent/)

## Related quotes

> [Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/musical-ability-is-not-an-inborn-talent-but-an-ability-which-can-be/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Creative ability is often mistakenly attributed to inborn talent. It is about all the ability to connect one thing with another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/corita-kent/creative-ability-is-often-mistakenly-attributed-to-inborn-talent-it/)

[Corita Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/corita-kent/)

> [“a fixed ability that needs to be proven, and a changeable ability that can be developed through learning.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carol-s-dweck/a-fixed-ability-that-needs-to-be-proven-and-a-changeable-ability-that/)

[Carol S. Dweck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carol-s-dweck/)

> [I listened more than I studied... therefore little by little my knowledge and ability were developed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-haydn/i-listened-more-than-i-studied-therefore-little-by-little-my/)

[Joseph Haydn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-haydn/)

> [Someone with inborn talent isn't happy. It's those who have worked hard for someone precious to them and who can be hot-blooded that are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/masashi-kishimoto/someone-with-inborn-talent-isn-t-happy-it-s-those-who-have-worked/)

[Masashi Kishimoto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/masashi-kishimoto/)

> [I think it is an inborn talent - just luck. Some people can learn languages; some can throw a ball. Most people have something.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-thompson/i-think-it-is-an-inborn-talent-just-luck-some-people-can-learn/)

[Mike Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-thompson/)

> [Good style happens in one of two ways: the writer either has an inborn talent or is willing to work herself to death to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/haruki-murakami/good-style-happens-in-one-of-two-ways-the-writer-either-has-an-inborn/)

[Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/haruki-murakami/)

> [Cooking is like anything else: some people have an inborn talent for it. Some become expert by practicing, and some learn from books.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-colwin/cooking-is-like-anything-else-some-people-have-an-inborn-talent-for/)

[Laurie Colwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-colwin/)

> [Unless you had a popular video on YouTube or could perform shows in front of thousands, musical ability meant nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-sparks/unless-you-had-a-popular-video-on-youtube-or-could-perform-shows-in/)

[Nicholas Sparks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-sparks/)

> [Metaphysicians are musicians without musical ability.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rudolf-carnap/metaphysicians-are-musicians-without-musical-ability/)

[Rudolf Carnap](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rudolf-carnap/)

> [It's definitely about the rhythm of the words and how they sound together, writing one sentence and then another and another and cutting something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-j-miller/it-s-definitely-about-the-rhythm-of-the-words-and-how-they-sound/)

[Mary J. Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-j-miller/)

> [We must ask why apparently general musical abilities should be restricted to a chosen few in societies supposed to be culturally more advanced. Does…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-blacking/we-must-ask-why-apparently-general-musical-abilities-should-be/)

[John Blacking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-blacking/)

> [I think at times the very strong feelings I have about my country coincide with my musical ability, and I'm able to actually turn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-fogerty/i-think-at-times-the-very-strong-feelings-i-have-about-my-country/)

[John Fogerty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-fogerty/)

> [By the grace of God, I'm the only person in my family with any musical ability.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jordan-fisher/by-the-grace-of-god-i-m-the-only-person-in-my-family-with-any-musical/)

[Jordan Fisher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jordan-fisher/)

> [We often say that psi is like musical ability: it is widely distributed in the populate, and everyone has some ability and can participate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-targ/we-often-say-that-psi-is-like-musical-ability-it-is-widely/)

Russell Targ

## More by Shinichi Suzuki

> [“If he or she really goes about it in earnest, anyone can cultivate ability in ten years, I believe. Even in one year, shortcomings…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/if-he-or-she-really-goes-about-it-in-earnest-anyone-can-cultivate/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Art expresses man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/art-expresses-man/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [“To deceive oneself is worse than to deceive others." These harsh words pierced me to the core.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/to-deceive-oneself-is-worse-than-to-deceive-others-these-harsh-words/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [“First character, then ability.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/first-character-then-ability/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Music exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/music-exists-for-the-purpose-of-growing-an-admirable-heart/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [If I simply do my best, I cannot complain even if I am taken to hell.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/if-i-simply-do-my-best-i-cannot-complain-even-if-i-am-taken-to-hell/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [“Live by looking for things to do for other people.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/live-by-looking-for-things-to-do-for-other-people/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus ten thousand times is skill.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/knowledge-is-not-skill-knowledge-plus-ten-thousand-times-is-skill/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [A child's slowness in any subject indicates a deficiency in his environment, educational or otherwise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/a-child-s-slowness-in-any-subject-indicates-a-deficiency-in-his/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Art Exist for the human species I think that all of the people who love art, those who teach art, and all of you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/art-exist-for-the-human-species-i-think-that-all-of-the-people-who/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Children learn to smile from their parents.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/children-learn-to-smile-from-their-parents/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [An unlimited amount of ability can develop when parent and child are having fun together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/an-unlimited-amount-of-ability-can-develop-when-parent-and-child-are/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [The rose is a flower of love. The world has acclaimed it for centuries. Pink roses are for love hopeful and expectant. White roses…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/the-rose-is-a-flower-of-love-the-world-has-acclaimed-it-for-centuries/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/musical-ability-is-not-an-inborn-talent-but-an-ability-which-can-be/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

> [Talent is no accident of birth. In today's society a good many people seem to have the idea that if one is born without…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/talent-is-no-accident-of-birth-in-today-s-society-a-good-many-people/)

[Shinichi Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

[Explore all 48 Shinichi Suzuki quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/)

## More Ability quotes

> [I don't think there's a direct correlation between my sexuality and my skiing ability. But I think because I was so concerned about it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gus-kenworthy/i-don-t-think-there-s-a-direct-correlation-between-my-sexuality-and/)

[Gus Kenworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gus-kenworthy/)

> [“the importance of ability. The things that make a great job great, I discovered, are rare and valuable. If you want them in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cal-newport/the-importance-of-ability-the-things-that-make-a-great-job-great-i/)

[Cal Newport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cal-newport/)

> [Ambition drives you on, ability certainly helps, but the fickle finger of fate and luck are great things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fergus-henderson/ambition-drives-you-on-ability-certainly-helps-but-the-fickle-finger/)

[Fergus Henderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fergus-henderson/)

> [The ability of the gospel to unite us on common strengths and common truths is one of the great miracles . . . of the gospel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-r-holland/the-ability-of-the-gospel-to-unite-us-on-common-strengths-and-common/)

[Jeffrey R. Holland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-r-holland/)

> [Maybe law enforcement would like the ability to turn on the camera on your Mac.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-cook/maybe-law-enforcement-would-like-the-ability-to-turn-on-the-camera-on/)

[Tim Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-cook/)

> [I've seen guys come along with more ability - they've been faster or bigger or stronger - but they never worked hard to develop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-largent/i-ve-seen-guys-come-along-with-more-ability-they-ve-been-faster-or/)

[Steve Largent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-largent/)

> [The youth of India has the strength to move the entire World with a click of a mouse, we have generated that ability!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/narendra-modi/the-youth-of-india-has-the-strength-to-move-the-entire-world-with-a/)

[Narendra Modi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/narendra-modi/)

> [Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine, Nor age so eat up my invention, Nor fortune made such havoc of my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/time-hath-not-yet-so-dried-this-blood-of-mine-nor-age-so-eat-up-my/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

> [An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the ability to stand up under punishment, both the punishment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/irwin-shaw/an-absolutely-necessary-part-of-a-writer-s-equipment-almost-as/)

[Irwin Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/irwin-shaw/)

> [I'd be more frightened by not using whatever abilities I'd been given. I'd be more frightened by procrastination and laziness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denzel-washington/i-d-be-more-frightened-by-not-using-whatever-abilities-i-d-been-given/)

[Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denzel-washington/)

> [Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Take what I cannot give: my heart, body, thoughts, time, abilities, money, health, strength,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-prentiss/bring-into-captivity-every-thought-to-the-obedience-of-christ-take/)

[Elizabeth Prentiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-prentiss/)

> [You can only do the work to the very best of your ability.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christine-baranski/you-can-only-do-the-work-to-the-very-best-of-your-ability/)

[Christine Baranski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christine-baranski/)

> [Judge a person not by his ability to make money but by his ability to retain it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/judge-a-person-not-by-his-ability-to-make-money-but-by-his-ability-to/)

[Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/)

> [Balance is the ability to be happy in the midst of the most chaotic or even boring or transient circumstance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/balance-is-the-ability-to-be-happy-in-the-midst-of-the-most-chaotic/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [Bobby had faith in my ability as a singer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julie-london/bobby-had-faith-in-my-ability-as-a-singer/)

[Julie London](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julie-london/)

[Browse all 9,990 Ability quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "I have come to the definite conclusion that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Shinichi Suzuki"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-that-musical-ability-is-not-an/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Ability"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-that-musical-ability-is-not-an/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e16/shinichi-suzuki-14027_ability_i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-t_16140.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e16/shinichi-suzuki-14027_ability_i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-t_16140.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e16/shinichi-suzuki-14027_ability_i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-t_16140.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“I have come to the definite conclusion that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can…” — Shinichi Suzuki",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Shinichi Suzuki",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shinichi-suzuki/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "I have come to the definite...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-that-musical-ability-is-not-an/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shinichi-suzuki/i-have-come-to-the-definite-conclusion-that-musical-ability-is-not-an/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
