More than three quarters of UK children aged 5-14 say they ‘know how to play an instrument, a new study has revealed.
Research from ABRSM, the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music, showed that the figure is up from 41 percent recorded in 1999.
The report showed that the piano is now the most popular instrument to learn with the electric guitar, drum kit, bass guitar and keyboard all seeing a surge in popularity.
Further findings revealed that 21 percent of five to 17 year olds who play are ‘self-taught’ while 15 percent of five to 17 year olds have never played an instrument before.
Lincoln Abbotts, director of strategic development at ABRSM, said: ‘It shows us that there is plenty to celebrate when it comes to music education: an increasing number of people are making music; more people are learning an instrument; new technologies are encouraging greater engagement; and government interventions (designed to encourage more children to engage in musical activity) have had a positive effect.
‘But while there’s plenty to celebrate, this report also shows that there is still much that can be improved upon if the music education sector and policy makers work together.’
Further findings from the study showed that 74 percent of children from affluent backgrounds have had instrumental lessons compared to 55 percent from disadvantaged social groups.
Visit the ABRSM website to find out more on the report.
Research from ABRSM, the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music, showed that the figure is up from 41 percent recorded in 1999.
The report showed that the piano is now the most popular instrument to learn with the electric guitar, drum kit, bass guitar and keyboard all seeing a surge in popularity.
Further findings revealed that 21 percent of five to 17 year olds who play are ‘self-taught’ while 15 percent of five to 17 year olds have never played an instrument before.
Lincoln Abbotts, director of strategic development at ABRSM, said: ‘It shows us that there is plenty to celebrate when it comes to music education: an increasing number of people are making music; more people are learning an instrument; new technologies are encouraging greater engagement; and government interventions (designed to encourage more children to engage in musical activity) have had a positive effect.
‘But while there’s plenty to celebrate, this report also shows that there is still much that can be improved upon if the music education sector and policy makers work together.’
Further findings from the study showed that 74 percent of children from affluent backgrounds have had instrumental lessons compared to 55 percent from disadvantaged social groups.
Visit the ABRSM website to find out more on the report.
