Crossword Genius

Daughter with musical ability certainly not going for a song! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dear

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'certainly not going for a song' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'daughter with musical ability' is the wordplay.
'daughter' becomes 'd' (genealogical abbreviation).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'musical ability' becomes 'ear' (I've seen this in another clue).
'd'+'ear'='DEAR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dear that I've seen before include "Honey - costly" , "Costly (but loved!)" , "Darling" , "Pricey" , "Baby" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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