Westwick says even otherwise reputable music schools are getting in on the revenue-generating game of DNA testing. ”Magic Fidler is a company running children’s music classes with a sideline in DNA testing to determine musical ability,” she writes. The Magic Fiddler website boasts that “for $2,000 the scientific results can pinpoint your child’s strengths and weaknesses in 40 areas, including IQ, EQ, memory as well as artistic and athletic abilities.” An extra $800 will get you “the DNA Test plus 12 weekly music classes.”

None of these tests are based on actual science, as the LA Times points out. “Even well-respected researchers in the field of genomics are struggling to come up with clear, verified links between complicated traits and specific genes.” Westwick thinks, however, that “the genomics juggernaut is on a roll, bringing with it more robust links between personality traits and DNA sequence.” She wonders, ”When predictive testing finally comes of age, should we allow children to be tested?” Would you?