If you learned to play a musical instrument as a child you are more likely to go further in school, according to a new XM Canada / Leger Marketing survey. In fact, 7 out of 10 Canadians who learned a musical instrument as a child said it has had a positive effect on their lives and half agreed that learning an instrument helped them do better in school. Interestingly, 66% of Canadians say learning an instrument is as important as learning a second language.

The positive impact wasn't just academics. Reported lifelong benefits of learning this skill which can be carried throughout a person's career included: increased mental focus (46%), heightened creativity (45%), building confidence (32%) and ability to self-teach (32%). The positive relationship between education and music struck a chord when the poll results showed that those who learned to play an instrument were more likely to be college or university educated versus those who didn't (69% vs. 59% respectively)

"Learning to play an instrument is a huge part of many Canadians' lives and has significant impact years later," said Janet Gillespie, Marketing Vice-President, XM Canada. "Ensuring that Canadian children have access to music education is critical for keeping Canadian music alive and growing people not only culturally but personally. 

The first note
Canadians understand the importance of an education in music and almost unanimously believe that every child should be afforded the opportunity to learn an instrument (94%). Those who did learn to play instruments customarily begin at the elementary school age (61%) and more than three quarters of Canadians who learned to play an instrument cited parents (49%) and teachers (35%) as their top motivators. Additionally, 77% of Canadians agree that learning a musical instrument is just as important as playing sports.

Encore performance
Regret? You bet. The study also revealed that 72% of those who did not learn an instrument as a child regret it and more than half (62%) of Canadians who did learn an instrument regret giving it up and wish they could still play it today.

Additional Fast Facts

Across the country

• 66% of Canadians surveyed learned to play an instrument as a child.
• Residents of Quebec (73%) and Alberta (71%) were the most likely to indicate that they learned to play an instrument.
• Albertans are more likely than most to state that learning an instrument is as important as learning a second language (80%)
• Interestingly, the flute was immensely popular in Quebec, where 45% say that they learned to play this instrument as a child.

Music talent - it's personal

• Top three instruments Canadians learned as children? Piano (31%), Flute (18%), Guitar (15%)
• Parents and teachers were the most common motivators for children learning to play an instrument but some said celebrities were their inspiration [Men (9%) vs. Women 4%)]
• One third of Canadians said playing music was one of their favourite hobbies.
• One in six respondents still play their instrument at least once a week.
• Most Canadians admire accomplished musicians, and one third would give up their current jobs for a music career.

If you are intersted in learning, now is the time! Our Combo and Glee Club programs are starting soon. Learn more here.

Source: Newswire.ca