Instrumental Christmas

Piano Tops Pressie List for Musical Future

In the run up to Christmas, PRS for Music, the organisation that collects royalties on behalf of composers and songwriters, reveals that the piano is the instrument which the UK population would most like to learn.

With tens of thousands of musical Christmas presents set to be shared this coming season, whether it’s an actual instrument, music lessons or games such as Guitar Hero, the PRS for Music was keen to see what would top people’s Santa list.

The information is based on a survey of over 1,500 UK respondents conducted by PRS for Music.

Seventy per cent of the population regret not learning a musical instrument. Whilst I would want to stress that the list of possible instruments is vast most of us hanker after some old favourites. Whether it’s an ambition to play at Wembley or just for fun, or even cathartic release, we would say that giving someone the gift of leaning a musical instrument is one of the most rewarding presents that can ever be offered.

I've been playing the piano since I was 5 years old, and later learned the flute, clarinet and harp, then branched out into more unusual electronic instruments like synthesizers and sequencers as I got older. Music was, and always has been everything to me, and especially as a child it provided an amazing focus, a place for me to be creative as well as a way to release my feelings and emotions. Playing an instrument is also an incredible social tool, enabling you to meet other like-minded people and enjoy the experience of creating and playing together. So many people that I speak to now regret giving up or not trying to play when they were younger, and I think taking up an instrument is something that should be encouraged in young and old people alike.