The theme was chosen in response to the recent trend in music psychology to investigate musical ability over the entire lifespan. Here is a brief summary of the various presentations. The age at which soloists, orchestral musicians, and instrumental teachers begin their early childhood lessons varies widely. He criticized certain preconceptions from older research on musical talent, such as the idea that the more talented need to practise less, learn more easily, or are more internally motivated than the less talented.
Motoric practice is determined by a specific goal, and by the intention to improve skills.
The optimal duration of a single practice session is determined by the learner. External conditions such as the search for a teacher will generally be overcome. Krampe looked at variations in the amount of time devoted to practice over the entire lifespan, taking data from several practice diaries that had been maintained for a long period. Addressing the theme of the conference, he then asked how differences between young and old experts might be explained. Practice can thus become a considerable burden, especially for older people.