In my dissertation (Merkelbach, 2022) I developed the concept of talentification and the musical body. Professor Tyler Bickford, my 1. opponent, had this to say about the neologism talentification:
“The author (Merkelbach, 2022) puts forward a number of neologisms that inform her analysis. The most significant concept she introduces is “talentification,” which is the process of ascribing talent to performers or performances. I agree that a term is needed for these activities that distinguishes the social and discursive processes of ascribing talent from musical talent or ability itself, especially since musicological and music education scholarship is often itself involved in a project of ascribing talent to a performer or performance” (Tyler Bickford, personal communication, February 24, 2022).
Some Findings
Musical talent, as found on YouTube, is a dynamic and context-dependent ability cocreated in an identifiable process I called [cyborg] talentification.
The concept of [cyborg]talentification, placed in a music pedagogical context, represents an innovative approach to learning and working with musical talent. This implies musical expressions beyond normative ideas on talent, gender and ethnic identity, allowing an increased feeling of mastery in and through a Musical Body.
In the Norwegian curriculum L20, cyborg talentification may enforce—and become enforced by—interdisciplinary subjects and deep learning strategies.
Music, Media, and Education 