Talent development at the Voice of Holland: Identifying and Developing Singing Talents to Grow into Professional Performers

Abstract

There is a lack of research into talent identification and talent development in the field of performing arts. The
Voice of Holland (TVOH) has been the subject of a longitudinal empirical study as a good example of a setting
for talent identification and talent development in this field. The study involved a literature review on talent
approaches, talent identification, talent development, and performance. The study sought answers to the question
how coaches at TVOH identify the singing talents of participants and contribute to develop these talents to a
higher level of performance necessary for growth into a professional performer. Data were collected by desk
research, participative observations, and qualitative interviews. The study revealed that talent identification and
talent development intertwine, transformational coaching is part of performance coaching, and the preparation of
talents in the field of the performing arts benefits a more integrated approach on talent development to enhance
the overall performance needed to grow into a professional performer. Although the findings and conclusions are
context specific for TVOH, they might be useful for teachers, coaches, and talents in the field of the performing
arts and anyone else interested in the education and preparation of talents in general.