The bibliography "Kindling the Spark" gathers perspectives on musical talent from psychological, musical, and educational fields. It is the unique source that defines musical talent and provides practical strategies for its recognition and development. Joanne Haroutounian uses her experience as a teacher, researcher, and parent to clarify the central issues of talent recognition and development in a way that will engage a broad audience.

The book describes the different stages of development in music education, including guidelines for finding suitable teachers at various levels, social and psychological aspects that influence music education, as well as research on talent development across ages and stages from infancy to adolescence. A significant feature of the book is the "spark exercises" designed to elicit observable talent behavior in home, school, and studio settings.

The book also includes an Appendix of Resources listing books, media, and organizations.