This thesis dealt with the effect of innate temperament in having classical music as a hobby and a profession. The background of this research was my interest in temperaments and their effect on my own life, in the hobbies of childhood and in working life. The purpose of the work was to clarify how the traits of temperament influence on starting music as a hobby, in continuing this hobby towards a profession, and in the orientation of musicianship.

The material of the thesis consisted of literature on theories and researches of musicians dealing with temperament and personality traits. It also included two questionnaires developed to clarify one´s individual temperament. As a research method different theories and researches were analyzed and compared in bringing these in practice by using my own results of these two by reflecting them to my feelings about a music hobby as a child and a music teacher as an adult.

It is most interesting to notice that the most suitable traits of temperament differ from having music as a hobby or as a profession. On the basis of the study can, however, be deduced that it is easier to become a professional musician if the traits of temperament are close to average.

As the result of the study I am even more convinced of the importance of self-knowledge and one´s own traits of temperament. In addition to a child´s parents music schools and colleges should take a pupil´s individuality into consideration throughout all the levels of music education. The importance of self-knowledge of young adults is noteworthy because it facilitates and enriches working life and makes it as enjoyable as possible.