Record classes down in class as instrument’s reputation wanes | EUROtoday

Only one in six kids at the moment are studying the recorder at college, new analysis has discovered, marking a big drop in its reputation over the previous ten years.

A report by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exhibits that simply 16 per cent of kids surveyed performed the recorder in 2024, in comparison with 28 per cent in 2014. This decline comes as a widening vary of devices are taught in faculties and by music lecturers.

The ABRSM examine, which in contrast a brand new survey of over 1,000 kids aged 5 to 17 with earlier analysis, highlights evolving musical tastes amongst younger learners. While the recorder’s reputation has waned, different devices have seen a surge in curiosity.

The piano and keyboard stay the preferred selections for youngsters studying to play, however the electrical guitar, drums, flute, violin and ukulele have additionally gained traction in recent times.

The report says: “Instrument choice and the range of instruments taught by music teachers is widening, reflecting both a shift in learner tastes and the need for music teachers to respond to this.”

Overall, 17 per cent of kids mentioned they play the electrical guitar, up from 13 per cent in 2014, and 15 per cent of kids play the flute, up from simply 7 per cent in 2014, the report discovered.

Shifts are “likely to reflect trends in instrumental tuition at school”, in addition to a wider vary of devices being provided by personal music lecturers, it added.

The report mentioned the recorder is likely one of the most “given up” devices.

Piano (16 per cent), keyboard (13 per cent) and recorder (11 per cent) are the most typical devices that respondents mentioned they beforehand performed however now not do.

ABRSM chief govt Chris Cobb mentioned: “Children get to play an instrument for the first time in large classes.

“The recorder has been great for that but schools are now looking at other instruments that can be used – the ukulele and acoustic guitar among them. Singing is also a key part of whole-class music-making.”

He added: “The mental health benefits of music are hugely important at a time when mental illness is so rife but there are so many other benefits too.

“The tragedy is that the same research shows how young people disengage from music learning, both when they shift to secondary school and when they start GCSEs.

“The challenge facing us all is how we can support schools and the communities around them to help young people continue experiencing the benefits of music.”