_ The recent survey undertaken by charity, Music for All (MfA) reveals the importance people place on the provision of music lessons and opportunities in schools. Over 90% of respondents believed it was ‘very or quite important’ that the Government continues to financially support this. It is clear they recognise the countless benefits music brings to a child’s creativity, intellectual development and social skills such as listening and teamwork.
The survey also proves conclusively that not only are more people than ever playing musical instruments, but more would like to learn. It shows that 28% of the UK population now plays a musical instrument compared to 21% in 2005. The most popular instruments played are guitars (by 42% of instrument players), pianos & keyboards (by 40%) and woodwind (by 25%). Some 67% of guitar players are male whilst 56% of piano/keyboard players and 62% of woodwind players are female.