Third of Parents Can’t Afford for Their Child to Play a Musical Instrument
Learning how to play a musical instrument is an exciting childhood pastime or hobby, but many children are missing out on the chance to get to grips with their musical side as the cost of instruments, lessons and classes is too high for families.
Almost a third of parents say their children don’t play a musical instrument because the family finances won’t allow it.
Music shouldn’t be seen as a luxury, solely for the children of the well-off but we only have to look at the conversations between the millions of mums who visit Netmums every week to see that most...
The findings have highlighted the potential for a lost generation of musicians, and sit against a backdrop of increasing and continual pressure on family budgets.
The study, commissioned by Arts Council England’s ‘Take it away’ scheme in conjunction with parenting website Netmums, aimed to understand attitudes towards children learning to play a musical instrument.
Mary-Alice Stack, Director of ‘Take it away’, said: “This research exposes a real conflict between parents wanting to encourage music and feeling they can’t afford to.
“Over 98 per cent of parents we spoke to believe playing an instrument has a positive effect on a child and yet so many felt unable to support their children’s interest.
“It’s frightening to think we’re losing out on potential talent and that children are not reaping the rewards that music offers – especially living in a country with such a rich musical history.”
The ‘Take it away’ scheme offers interest free loans for the purchase of musical instruments and is open to parents purchasing an instrument for their child, as well as 18-25 year olds who can apply in their own right.
It allows people to apply for an interest-free loan between £100 and £5,000 for the purchase of any kind of instrument and spread the cost over nine or 18 monthly repayments with a 10 per cent deposit at the point of sale.
Mary-Alice added: “Now more than ever parents need the opportunities that Take it away offers. By giving families interest-free loans to buy musical instruments, this scheme removes the financial barrier that may be stopping children from enjoying music.”
The ‘Take it away’ survey also found that parents believe an increase in self-confidence is the biggest benefit of playing a musical instrument, followed closely by an improvement in coordination.
The top benefits of playing an instrument according to parents included; increases self-confidence, improves coordination skills, teaches discipline, improves focus at home, teaches how to work with others, improves focus at school; and improves general well-being.
Siobhan Freegard, Founder of Netmums.com said: “Music shouldn’t be seen as a luxury, solely for the children of the well-off but we only have to look at the conversations between the million mums who visit Netmums every week to see that most families in this country are struggling and day-to-day finances are a real worry.
“So it’s no wonder nearly 90 per cent of the parents that took part in this research said they thought the costs associated with learning an instrument are prohibitive to many families. This is why schemes like Take it away are so important."
Jane Tustin from Birmingham has supported her daughter Emma in achieving Grade 7 in viola, violin, piano and saxophone. Talking about the Take it away scheme, Jane says: “I can’t thank Take it away enough. Without it I would not have been able to afford the instruments Emma needed to pursue her dream of becoming a music teacher.
“It would have meant finding a way of paying the full amount upfront so it’s great that we were able to spread the cost.”
‘Take it away’ also works in conjunction with Music for All in offering the annual ‘Learn To Play Day’ which sees music stores nation-wide open their doors to offer free taster music lessons.
With Jools Holland recently becoming Patron and supported by comedian and drummer Al Murray, this year’s ‘Learn To Play Day’ will be held on Saturday 16th March.
Information on how to apply for an interest-free loan through the ‘Take it away’ scheme, visit www.takeitaway.org.uk
Tagged in Parenting Money children Family Parenting News