Current findings in talent identification and development research have acknowledged that potential for future performance cannot be identified from single evaluations of performance or anthropometric factors (e.g. Abbott and Collins 2004). Recognising the role of psychological characteristics at elite levels, it is pertinent to consider the role that psychological characteristics of developing excellence (PCDEs) play as promoters of talent. Fifteen young musicians were purposefully sampled and data were collected using semi-structured interviews within a sliding population's longitudinal design. Results suggest that a range of PCDEs facilitate the effective development of classical musicians. However, it was also found that the application of PCDEs appeared to be on a developmental continuum from "others" promoting PCDEs predominant in the early years towards an almost universal self-application of PCDEs at later stages of development. In summary, different combinations of PCDEs were applied differentially, depending on the musician's focus, stage of development and level of maturation. (Contains 1 figure and 3 tables.)