Fewer children making music

Almost two thirds of children do not play any musical instruments, a survey has found.

Only 34 per cent of parents did not play an instrument as a child, but that figure has dropped massively, according to the survey by the BBC to mark the launch of their Zingzillas magazine aimed at children.

Stephanie Cooper, its editor, said: "Fewer children are now learning musical instruments and parents may not be aware of just how beneficial music can be to a child's development.

"Young children love responding to music by dancing, singing, creating pictures or talking about what they hear, which gives them creative confidence. Hearing musical rhythms, patterns and sounds is beneficial for early literacy learning and experimenting with everyday things to make music gives them the chance to learn about science."