The most recent survey of Music Services reports that nationwide, nearly 440,000 pupils between the ages of 5 and 16 are currently learning to play a musical instrument at school. Most encouragingly, since 2002 there has been an increase in key stage 2 pupils taking lessons from 7% to 13%. In the largest study ever undertaken in this area, it was also discovered that although the number of boys having lessons had increased to 40% of the whole, there is still a large gap between the sexes in the choice of instruments learned.
The research also pointed out that learning to play a musical instrument is important for all children and not just those who are considered to have high musical ability. Having consulted music educators, the report concluded "They believe that the benefits of learning to play an instrument include the development of social skills, gaining a love and enjoyment of music, developing teamwork, developing a sense of achievement, confidence and self-discipline, and developing physical co-ordination."
However, the study also concluded that the Government would fail to meet its target of giving all seven to eleven year olds the opportunity to learn an instrument unless the way that lessons are funded is radically changed.
Full report - http://education.independent.co.uk/news/article336085.ece
