Feel the Music in Your Genes

 A recent study utilizing identical and nonidentical twins determined that a person's genetics determines how much they enjoy music, and which ways. Around 54% of the difference between music enjoyment comes from genetic factors. Identical twins answered surveys about music enjoyment much more similarly than identical twins. 

There are also proven links to musical ability, like detecting melodies and rhythm. This study found that music enjoyment is NOT genetically linked to music ability, and they are separate from each other. These findings call for more studies on which genes code for music enjoyment, and how music has adapted when compared to brain pathways. Music has been integrated into health for a while, with music therapies becoming more popular. Having a genetic link to music enjoyment may be helpful when determining good treatment plans. 

News Article: https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/some-people-are-wired-to-connect-with-music-on-a-deeper-level-study-of-9-000-twins-finds

Research:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58123-8

Beethoven's Report Card

This entertaining article discussed if the famous musical composer from the late 16th century, had genetic predisposition to be a gifted musician, and if we have the means to confidently make such a claim. This sounds like a drunken bet someone would make at a bar, but whoever said scientist can't get out and have a good time?

    It turns out Beethoven's genome was already sequenced in 2023 by researchers using a lock of his hair (I'd love to hear the story of how someone got their hands on his hair!). So these researchers working together from different international universities were able to analyze the sequence and run a polygenic test on 'beat synchronization'; basically testing if Beethoven could hold a rhythym (a 1 and a 2 and a). Unfortunately, Beethoven's scores were nothing to write to the queen about. 

   So what's the value in this? Well obviously Beethoven was and is and exceptional musician, so this actually points us to the reliability of the test. Polygenic tests are used when multiple genes are thought to influence a disease, trait, or behaivor. We compile data from a population for these tests, and then can use them to predict the likeyhood or intensity someone will have said disease, trait, behaivor. It's a lot to get into, but two important things to know: is music ability influenced by our genes: partially, Yes. Can we rely on a tests to say whether someone's unborn child will be musically gifted: No, that would ruin the suprise.

Posted by Michael Breslin

 

Source: https://news.vumc.org/2024/03/26/beethovens-genes-reveal-low-predisposition-for-beat-synchronization/#:~:text=Ludwig%20van%20Beethoven%2C%20one%20of,Aesthetics%20in%20Frankfurt%20am%20Main%2C