Built-In Music

 

Is the ability to play music genetic? It is probably more epigenetic. Music relies on imitation to a large degree (as does language), but basic language ability isn't genetic; It's something we absorb.

Playing music became more popular once people thought they could get popular in the process, and certainly rock 'n' roll stoked the desire. Prior to that, playing music had a certain prestige, especially if there was a high skill level. There could be some genetic component to learning music quickly and having a good memory.

I think almost everyone has the capacity to play music because of its intimate connection with language. People learn languages because they are spoken in the home as a child grows up, and music always playing in the home has the same effect.