american attitudes toward music

GA

LL

UP

THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION

March 2000

PRINCETON

American Attitudes Toward Music

Conducted for:

National Association of Music Merchants

THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION © 20002

Table of Contents

I.II.

III.IV.V.

VI.VII.

VIII.

Introduction and Executive Summary ……………………………Objectives and Methodology ………………………………………Current Players in Households…………………………………….Former Players in Households……………………………………..Ownership of Musical Instruments………………………………...Personal Experiences and Opinions of Respondents………………Attitudes Toward Playing a Musical Instrument………...………..Demographics for Year 2000 Study…………………………………

Questionnaire………………………………………………………...

3 8 10 24 33 43 53 70 74


I.Introduction and

Executive Summary


Introduction and Executive Summary

Introduction

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) commissioned The Gallup Organization (Gallup) to conduct a national telephone survey to profile household participation and attitudes regarding the playing of musical instruments and, where appropriate, compare these findings to previous national surveys conducted between 1978 and 1997.

Executive Summary

One half of households (50%) have at least one person, age five or older, who currently plays a musical instrument. This proportion of households with current players has increased substantially over the 38% reported in 1997.

Also, in 40% of households two or more persons play a musical instrument, compared to 34% in 1997.


The gender breakdown among those who play musical instruments remains at approximately 50% males and 50% females. In terms of age, there is a continuing decline in the proportion of players who are under age 35.

Most players continue to decide for themselves what instrument they will play. By gender, males continue to decide for themselves more often than females.

In nearly three-fifths of households (58%) someone has played a musical instrument but is no longer an active player, significantly higher than the 47% incidence for 1997.

In terms of age, former players were significantly less likely to be under age 18 in 2000 than they were in 1997.

Introduction/Executive Summary, Cont.


Half (50%) of households in 2000 can be classified as current player households compared to 38% in 1997. Related to this, nonplayer households have dropped from 34% in 1997 to 23% in 2000.

More than half (53%) of households in 2000 owned at least one musical instrument, compared to 43% in 1997.

A musical retailer is the source most likely to be considered when shopping for or buying a musical instrument.

Current player households are least likely to purchase new, while nonplayer households are most likely. Former player households are in-between.

Regarding how persons get motivated to initially start playing, significantly more were encouraged by their parents in 2000 than they were in 1997. Conversely, significantly less became interested on their own compared to 1997.



In both 1997 and 2000, the typical ages for first learning to play a musical instrument were 5 to 11. In both years, females were significantly more likely than males to first learn to play during these pre-teenage years.

As in 1997, most persons in 2000 said they first learned to play a musical instrument either through private lessons or lessons at school. In both years, females were significantly more likely to take private lessons than were male.

Compared to previous years, the respondents in the year 2000 survey gave significantly higher positive ratings to all of the general attitudinal statements included in the research. Likewise, the respondents gave significantly higher positive ratings to virtually all of the attitudes about music education in schools and children learning to play musical instruments.



II.Objectives and Methodology


Objectives and Methodology

OBJECTIVE Profile household participation and attitudes regarding the playing of musical instruments.

POPULATION All households in the United States.

RESPONDENT Persons 12 or older randomly selected.

NUMBER OF SURVEYS 1,504

METHOD Telephone interviewing conducted February 5-28, 2000.

REPORT NOTES For many of the findings “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the analysis.

However, where the data from previous studies is only available with them included, these responses are included so that the results can be compared to previous years. The 90% level of confidence is used for reporting statistically significant

differences.


III.Current Players in Households


50%

38%45%43%46%

51%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1985(n=1,554)

1994(n=1,500)

1997(n=1,740)

Incidence of Music Participation by Study Year - Percentage of HHs Who Currently Have At Least One Musical Instrument Player -

Questions 5 and 6, respectively: “Do you, yourself, play a musical instrument of any kind? Please consider all instruments that may be played, even if they are not owned?” AND “Do any other members of this household, five years of age and older, play a musical instrument of any kind? Again, please consider all instruments that may be played, even if they are not owned.” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Those who answered “yes” to either question were classified as a household with at least one member who currently plays an instrument. Except for 1978, were it shows no significant difference, 2000 is significantly higher at the 90% level of confidence than the previous years.

1978(n=1,521)

1990(n=1,002)

2000(n=1,500)


31% 28% 29%25%

37%

25%29%

23%28%29%32%

36%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%Respondent Plays Other Person, Five or Older, Plays

Incidence of Music Participation by Study Year - Percentage of Respondents Vs. Other HH Members Who Play a Musical Instrument -

Questions 5 and 6, respectively. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Compared to previous years, the respondent in 2000 was significantly more likely at the 90% level of confidence to play a musical instrument than were other family members. This difference may be a function of the completely random selection process employed in 2000 compared to previous years when a quota was set for persons 12-19. However, the proportion which the 12-19 age group represented in 1997 appears to be very similar to the proportion it represented in 2000.

1978(n=1,521)

1994(n=1,500)

1985(n=1,554)

1990(n=1,002)

2000(n=1,504)

1997(n=1,740)


40%34%35%37%37%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1992(n is NA)

1997(n=673)

Number of Persons in HHs Who CurrentlyPlay a Musical Instrument by Study Year - Among HHs With at Least One Person Who Plays -

Question 7: “How many household members, including yourself, aged five years or older, play a musical instrument of any kind.” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons aged five or older who play a musical instrument were asked this question. The number of players in 2000 was significant greater at the 90% level of confidence than it was in 1994 or 1997. NA = Not Available.

1990(n=413)

1994(n=437)

2000(n=737)

Percentage of HHs With Two or More Members Who Play


1%3%10%

27%

60%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2 4

Number of Persons in HHs Who Currently Play a Musical Instrument

- 2000 HHs With at Least One Person Who Plays (n=737) -

Question 7. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons aged five or older who play a musical instrument were asked this question. Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.

1 3 5 or More

Percentage Distribution

Mean = 1.58


51%50%52%52%53%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1990(n is NA)

1997(n is NA)

Gender of Persons Who Currently Play a Musical Instrument by Study Year

- Among HHs With at Least One Person Who Plays -

Question 8: “What is the age and gender of each person in the household, age five or older, who currently plays a musical instrument?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons aged five or older who play a musical instrument were asked this question. There were no significant differences at the 90% level of confidence between 2000 and any of the previous years. NA = Not Available.

1985(n is NA)

1994(n is NA)

2000(n=720)

Percentage of Players Who Are Female


29%33%32%29%

25%

56%57%61%61%

65%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%Percentage Under 18 (5-17) Percentage Under 35 (5-34)

1990(n is NA)

1997(n is NA)

Ages of Younger Persons Who Currently Play a Musical Instrument by Study Year


Question 8: “What is the age and gender of each person in the household, age five or older, who currently plays a musical instrument?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons aged five or older who play a musical instrument were asked this question. Compared to 1985, those in 2000 who played an instrument were significantly less likely to be under 35. While there were no other significant differences between 2000 and the previous years in the above age comparisons, there is a continuing trend toward fewer players who are under 35. NA = Not Available.

1985(n is NA)

1994(n is NA)

2000(n=727)


44%43%39%39%35%

21%19%17%17%16%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%Percentage 35 or Older Percentage 50 or Older

1990(n is NA)

1997(n is NA)

Ages of Older Persons Who Currently Play a Musical Instrument by Study Year


Question 8. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons aged five or older who play a musical instrument were asked this question. Compared to 1985, those respondents in 2000 who played an instrument were significantly more likely at the 90% level of confidence to be both 35 or older and 50 or older. While there were no other significant differences between 2000 and the previous years in the above age comparisons, there are continuing trends toward more players who are 35 to 49 and more who are 50 or older. NA = Not Available.

1985(n is NA)

1994(n is NA)

2000(n=727)


21%23%27%29%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

18-34 50 and Older

Ages of Persons Who Currently Play a Musical Instrument - 2000 HHs With at Least One Person Who Plays (n=727) -


5-17 35-49


Mean = 34


68%71%

80%81%73%

76%

32%29%

20%19%27%24%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100% Player Decides Someone Else Decides/Joint Decision

2000(n =615)

1997(n is NA)

Who Decides in HHs What InstrumentShould Be Played: All Players and by Gender

- For 1997 and 2000 HHs With at Least One Person Who Plays -

Question 10: “Who decided what instrument (each person in household who plays) would play?” Only households with one or more persons aged five or older who play a musical instrument were asked this question. For all players and by gender there are no significant difference between the years regarding who makes the decision. However, for both years, male players are significantly more likely at the 90% level of confidence to decide for themselves than are females. NA = Not Available.

1997(n is NA)

1997(n is NA)

2000(n=351)

All Players Males Females

2000(n =262)


11%16%

73%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

JointDecision


Player Himself/Herself

Decides

SomeoneElse

Decides


Who Decides in HHs What Instrument Should Be Played - For 2000 HHs With at Least One Person Who Plays -


7%11%

21%18%16%16%

29%23%23%

27%

7% 7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%Take Private LessonsParticipate in School Instrumental Music ProgramsTake Other Types of Instrumental Music Lessons

1994(n = NA)

Participation in Formal Music Activities Among PersonsWho Currently Play a Musical Instrument by Study Year


Question 9: “And does (each person in the household who plays) take private lessons, participate in school instrumental music programs, OR take other types of instrumental music lessons?” Each formal music activity was read separately. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes because the numbers from previous years are only available with them included. Only households with one or more persons aged five or older who play a musical instrument were asked this question. The percentage of participation in 2000 is significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence for each of the formal music activities for at least two of the previous years (for “Taking Other Types of Instrumental Music Lessons” for all three previous years). NA = Not Available.

1990(n = NA)

1997(n = NA)

2000(n=622, 612, & 618)


Conclusions--Current Players in Households

One half of households (50%) have at least one person, age five or older, who currently plays a musical instrument. The proportion of households with current players has increased substantially since 1997, where it had declined over a 10 year period to 38% from a high of 51% in 1978.

Also, in 40% of households two or more persons play a musical instrument, compared to 34% in 1997.

The gender breakdown among those who play musical instruments remains at approximately 50% males and 50% females. In terms of age, there is a continuing decline in the proportion of players who are under age 35. This proportion has dropped from a high of 65% in 1985 to a current 56%.


Conclusions--Current Players in Households, Cont.

Most players (73% in 2000 compared to 76% in 1997) continue to decide for themselves what instrument they will play. As well, by gender, males continue to decide for themselves more often than females.

Compared to previous study years, participation in the formal music activities assessed in the research has increased, usually significantly.


IV.Former Players in Households


47%

58%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1997(n=1,740)

Incidence of Former Music Participation by Study Year - Percentage of HHs Who Currently Have At Least One Former Player -

Question 11: “Have you, or has anyone else in your household ever played an instrument, but stopped? (If ‘Yes,’ ask): Is that you or someone else in your household? Note: If ‘Both,’ code as ‘Respondent has.’” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Those who answered “yes” to either question were classified as a household with at least one member who formally played an instrument. The proportion of households with former players in 2000 is significantly higher at the 90% level of confidence than it was in 1997.

2000(n=1,495)


30%27%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1997(n=858)

Number of Persons Who Formally Played a Musical Instrument by Study Year

- Among HHs With at Least One Person Who Formally Played -

Question 12: “How many members of your household, including yourself, who learned to play a musical instrument, don’t play anymore.” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons who formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. There were no significant differences at the 90% level of confidence between 2000 and 1997.

2000(n=826)

Percentage of HHs With Two or More Members Who Formally Played


1%1%5%

23%

70%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2 4

Number of Persons Who Formally Played a Musical Instrument

- 2000 HHs With at Least One Person Who Formally Played (n=826) -

Question 12. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons who formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.

1 3 5 or More


Mean = 1.39


55%53%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1997(n is NA)

Gender of Persons Who FormallyPlayed a Musical Instrument by Study Year


Question 13: “What is the gender of (each person in the household) who no longer plays?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons who formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. There were no significant differences at the 90% level of confidence between 2000 and 1997. NA = Not Available.

2000(n=845)

Percentage of Players Who Are Female


58%62%

89%90%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Percentage Under 18 (5-17) Percentage Under 35 (5-34)

1997(n is NA)

Ages at Which Younger Former Players StoppedPlaying a Musical Instrument by Study Year


Question 14: “At what age did that (male/female) stop playing?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons who formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. Compared to 1997, those in 2000 who formally played an instrument were significantly less likely to be under 18. NA = Not Available.

2000(n=813)


11%10%5%3%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%Percentage 35 or Older Percentage 50 or Older

1997(n is NA)

Ages at which Older Former Players StoppedPlaying a Musical Instrument by Study Year


Question 14. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons who formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. There were no significant differences at the 90% level of confidence between 2000 and 1997. NA = Not Available.

2000(n=813)


5%6%

31%

58%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

18-34 50 and Older

Ages at Which Former Players StoppedPlaying a Musical Instrument

- 2000 HHs With at Least One Person Who Formally Played (n=813) -

Question 14. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households with one or more persons who formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.

5-17 35-49


Mean = 20


Conclusions--Former Players in Households

In nearly three-fifths of households (58%) someone has played a musical instrument but is no longer an active player, significantly higher than the 47% incidence for 1997. As well, 30% of households in 2000 had two or more members for formally played, compared to 27% in 1997.

The was no significant gender difference for former players between 1997 (53% female) and 2000 (55% female).

However, in terms of age, former players were significantly less likely to be under age 18 in 2000 (58%) than they were in 1997 (62%).


V.Ownership of

Musical Instruments


34%

23%

50%

38%

28%28%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Current Player Households Former Player Households Nonplayer Households

1997(n =1740)

HHs by Player Type by Study Year - Among All HHs -

Questions 5, 6, and 11. These are the questions which ask if anyone in the household currently or formally played a musical instrument. The wording of these questions appears in other graphs. These three HH player types are mutually exclusive in that current player households are composed only of those who currently have players, while former player households are composed of those who have former player but no current players, and nonplayer households of those who never had players. In 2000 there were significantly more current player and significantly fewer nonplayer households at the 90% level of confidence than there were in 1997. The proportions for former player households are not significantly different between the two years.

2000(n=1504)


53%

43%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1997(n =1,740)

Someone in HH Owns a Musical Instrument by Study Year - Among All HHs -

Question 17: “Do you, or does anyone in this household, own a musical instrument of any kind?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. In 2000, households were significantly more likely at the 90% level of confidence to have a musical instrument than in 1997.

2000(n=1,503)


14%17%

81%77%

33%

NA0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Current Player Households Former Player Households Nonplayer Households

1997(n =708, 522, & 510)

Someone in HH Owns a Musical Instrument by Study Year - By HH Player Type -

Question 17. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. The three HH player types are mutually exclusive in that current player households are composed only of those who currently have players, while former player households are composed of those who have former player but no current players, and nonplayer households are those who never had players. In 2000, both current player and nonplayer households were significantly more likely at the 90% level of confidence to have a musical instrument than they were in 1997. The proportion of former player households that had musical instruments in 1997 is not available. As such, a comparison can not be made with 2000.

2000(n=748, 416, & 340)


41%

50%46%

58%55%

43%50%

42%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Northeast South Central North Central West

1997(n =302, 655, 470, & 313)

Someone in HH Owns a Musical Instrument by Study Year - By Region of the Country -

Question 17. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. In both years the West shows a pattern of greater ownership and is significantly greater than the proportion in the North Central region at the 90% level of confidence. Also, in 2000 the proportion in the West is significantly greater than it is in the South Central region.

2000(n=265, 528, 373, & 337)


12%15%

19%

54%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

MainstreamRetailer

ClassifiedAdvertisement

Sources Would Most Likely Consider if Shopping For or Buying a Musical Instrument

- Households Surveyed in 2000 (n=1,428) -

Question 18: “If you were going to shop for or buy a musical instrument, which of the following sources would you be the most likely to consider?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base size. Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. The examples mentioned for mainstream retailer were Costco, Toys R Us, and Sears. This question was not asked in previous years.

MusicRetailer

Internet



18%

39%43%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Either

Would Purchase New or Used When ShoppingFor or Buying a Musical Instrument - All Households Surveyed in 2000 (n=1,460) -

Question 19: “Would you look to purchase an instrument that is new or used?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base size. Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. This question was not asked in previous years.

New Used



41%

54%

40% 38%44% 44%

47%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Would Purchase New When ShoppingFor or Buying a Musical Instrument

- 2000 HHs by Region of the Country and HH Player Type -

Question 19. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. The South Central region is significantly greater than the North Central and West regions at the 90% level of confidence. Former player households are significantly greater than current player households, while nonplayer households are significantly greater than current and former player households.

NE

Region(n =258, 513, 364, & 325)

HH Player Type(n =732, 406, & 322)

SC NC W Current Former Nonplayer


Conclusions--Ownership of Musical Instruments

Revealing again the increase in the proportion of households with musical instrument players, 50% of households in 2000 can be classified as current player households compared to 38% in 1997. This large and significant increase is also reflected in the fact that nonplayer households have dropped from 34% in 1997 to 23% in 2000.

Also, 53% of households in 2000 owned at least one musical instrument, compared to 43% in 1997, another significant increase. At 81%, current player households are the most likely to own a music instrument. In both years, households in the West were more likely to own musical instruments than households in other regions of the country.

A music retailer is the source most likely to be considered when shopping for or buying a musical instrument. Fifty-four percent (54%) would shop there compared to 19% through classified advertisement, 15% via the Internet, and 12% at mainstream retailers. When purchasing, about equal number would consider purchasing new (43%) as opposed to used (39%). The rest (18%) would purchase either used or new.


Conclusions--Ownership of Musical Instruments, Cont.

Current player households are least likely to purchase new (38%) and nonplayer households most likely (54%). Former player households are in-between at 44%.


VI. Personal

Experiences and Opinions of Respondents


14%14%

34%38%

13%13%

41%

32%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%1997 (n=987) 2000 (n=976)

A TeacherEncouraged

How Initially Got Motivated to StartPlaying a Musical Instrument by Study Year- Among Respondents Who Currently or Formally Played -

Questions 20: “Who originally motivated you to start playing a musical instrument? Did (responses read)?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households where the respondent currently or formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. “Parents Encourage” was significantly higher and “Became Interested on One’s Own” significantly lower at the 90% level of confidence in 2000 than in 1997.

Became Interestedon One’s Own

ParentsEncouraged

Someone ElseEncouraged


34% 33%37%35%

23%29%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Got Motivated to Start Playing aMusical Instrument on One’s Own

- 2000 HHs by Region of the Country and HH Player Type -

Question 20. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households where the respondent currently or formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. As such, nonplayer households cannot be compared in the above graph. There were no significant differences by region. Current player households are significantly greater than former player households.

NE

Region(n =160, 321, 251, & 244)

HH Player Type(n =639 & 337)

SC NC W Current Former


6%7%

22%

63%

2% 5%6%

18%

68%

4%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%1997 (n=997) 2000 (n=975)

12-14 15-18

Age at Which First Learned toPlay a Musical Instrument by Study Year

- Among Respondents Who Currently or Formally Played -

Questions 21: “At what age did you first learn to play a musical instrument?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households where the respondent currently or formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. The 5-11 age group is significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence in 2000 than in 1997.

Before Age 5 5-11 After 18


6%8%

21%

62%

3% 4%3%

15%

73%

5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%Male (n=432) Female (n=541)

12-14 15-18

Age at Which First Learned toPlay a Musical Instrument by Gender

- Year 2000 Respondents Who Currently or Formally Played -

Questions 21. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households where the respondent currently or formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. Females were significantly more likely at the 90% level of confidence to learn when they are 5-11 years old, while males were significantly more likely to learn in their teenage years. This same pattern was observed in the 1997 study.

Before Age 5 5-11 After 18


4%6%

16%17%

28%36%

4%5%

14%14%

25%

37%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100% 1997 (n=997) 2000 (n=920)

Taught Self

How First Learned to Play a Musical Instrument by Study Year

- Among Respondents Who Currently or Formally Played -

Questions 22: “There are a number of ways to learn to play a musical instrument. How did you FIRST learn to play a musical instrument? You (responses read)?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households where the respondent currently or formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. “Took Band/Orchestra at School” was significantly lower in 2000 than in 1997. Otherwise, there were no significant difference by year at the 90% level of confidence across these factors.

Took PrivateLessons

Took Lessonsat School

FriendTaught

Took Band/Orchestraat School

Parent/Family Member

Taught


8%5%

20%13%

27%28%

2%6%9%

14%

24%

45%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%Male (n=412) Female (n=506)

Taught Self

How First Learned to Play a Musical Instrument by Gender

- Year 2000 Respondents Who Currently or Formally Played -

Questions 22: “There are a number of ways to learn to play a musical instrument. How did you FIRST learn to play a musical instrument? You (responses read)?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Only households where the respondent currently or formally played a musical instrument were asked this question. “Taught Self” and “Friend Taught” were significantly higher at the 90% level of confidence for males than for females, while “Took Private Lessons” was significantly higher for females. This same pattern was observed in the 1997 study.

Took PrivateLessons

Took Lessonsat School

FriendTaught

Took Band/Orchestraat School

Parent/Family Member

Taught


0%

100%

83%

17%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Yes

- Year 2000 Respondents -

No Yes

Knowledge and Opinion AboutSenior Citizens Being Involved in Music

Questions 15 and 16, as follows: Q15: “Some recent studies have shown that being involved with music is a very positive experience for senior citizens. Do you know of any senior citizens that have recently become involved or re-involved with music and playing an instrument?” Q16: “Do you believe this is a positive experience?” Only those who answered “yes” for Q15 were asked Q16. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes.

Believe Experience is Positive(Among Those Who Know)

(n=251)

Know of Senior Citizens Involved in Music

(n=1,497)

No


Conclusions--Personal Experiences and Opinions

Regarding how persons get motivated to initially start playing, significantly more were encouraged by their parents in 2000 (41%) than they were in 1997 (34%), and conversely, significantly less became interested on their own--32% in 2000 compared to 38% in 1997.

In both 1997 and 2000 the typical ages for first learning to play a musical instrument were 5 to 11. In 2000, significantly more current and former players said they first learned during these pre-teenage years (68%) than said they did in 1997 (63%). In both years, females were significantly more likely to first learn to play during these pre-teenage years. In 2000, 73% did compared to 62% for males.

As in 1997, most persons in 2000 said they first learned to play a musical instrument either through private lessons or lessons at school. The combined percentages for these two places to learn were 64% in 1997 and 62% in 2000. In both years, females were significantly more likely to take private lessons (45% in 2000) than were males (28% in 2000).


Conclusions--Personal Experiences and Opinions, Cont.

17% of the respondents in the year 2000 survey said they had knowledge of senior citizens being involved in music. Among these respondents, 100% said they believed that experience was positive for these seniors.


VII.Attitudes Toward Playing a Musical

Instrument


90%

17%23%

72%80%81%

22%

69%

82%84% 87%80%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1994 (n=1500) 1997 (n=1740) 2000 (n=1504)

Music Brings the Family Together

Agreement With Social Attitudes About Musicand Playing Musical Instruments by Study Year

- Percentages Who “Completely or Mostly Agree” Among All Respondents -

Question 23: “I am going to read you some statements about music and playing musical instruments. For each, please tell me whether you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree? How about (each item read and rotated)?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes because the numbers from previous years are only available with them included. The percentages in 2000 were significantly different at the 90% level of confidence for each of these social attitudes than in the previous years--significantly lower for “I’m Too Old to Learn to Play a Musical Instrument” and significantly higher for the others.

Music a Very Important Part

of My Life

Playing a Musical Inst. Something Always Glad You Learned

I’m Too Old to Learn to Play a Musical

Instrument


10%

92%92%92%

19%

80%

90%85%

31%

87%

77%

54%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Current Player HHs (n=747)

Former Player HHs (n=416)

Nonplayer HHs (n=340)

Music Brings the Family Together

Agreement With Social Attitudes About Musicand Playing Musical Instruments by HH Player Type

- Percentages Who “Completely or Mostly Agree” Among Year 2000 Respondents -

Question 23. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes for maintaining comparability with the study year graphs. For all of these statements respondents from current player households were more likely to answer positively than those from former player households, who in turn were more likely to answer positively than those from nonplayer households. Except for current player households versus former player households under “Music Brings the Family Together,” all of these differences are significant at the 90% level of confidence. These HH player type patterns also occurred for these statements in 1997.

Music a Very Important Part

of My Life

Playing a Musical Inst. Something Always Glad You Learned

I’m Too Old to Learn to Play a Musical

Instrument


85%87%91%93%95%

83%88%90%94%95%

91%93%97%97% 95%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1994 (n=1500) 1997 (n=1740) 2000 (n=1504)

Playing a Music Inst. Is a Good Means of

Expression

Agreement With Attitudes About Personal BenefitsAssociated With Playing Musical Instruments by Study Year


Question 23. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes because the numbers from previous years are only available with them included. The percentages in 2000 were significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence for each of these personal benefit attitudes than in the previous years.

Playing a Music Inst. Is a

Good Hobby

Playing a Musical Inst. Provides Sense of Accomplishment

Playing a MusicInst. Is Fun

Playing a MusicInst. Is Relaxing


94%97%97%98%99%89%94%96%97%99%

85%85%

94%93%89%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Current Player HHs (n=747) Former Player HHs (n=416) Nonplayer HHs (n=340)

Playing a Music Inst. Is a Good Means of

Expression

Agreement With Attitudes About Personal BenefitsAssociated With Playing Musical Instruments by HH Player Type - Percentages Who “Completely or Mostly Agree” Among Year 2000 Respondents -

Question 23. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes for maintaining comparability with the study year graphs. For nearly all of these statements respondents from current player households were more likely to answer positively than those from former player households, who in turn were more likely to answer positively than those from nonplayer households. Except for current player households versus former player households under the first three statement, all of these differences are significant at the 90% level of confidence. These HH player type patterns also occurred for these statements in 1997.

Playing a Music Inst. Is a

Good Hobby

Playing a Musical Inst. Provides Sense of Accomplishment

Playing a MusicInst. Is Fun

Playing a MusicInst. Is Relaxing


67%

85%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Wish Had LearnedTo Play a Musical

Instrument(n=1,228)

Agreement With Attitudes About Learning to Play Musical Instruments (Asked For First Time in 2000)


Question 23. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Because large numbers of respondents said these questions were not applicable for them because they already played a musical instrument, the results would be confounded if these responses were included.

Would Like to LearnTo Play a Musical

Instrument(n=1,403)


80%87%

60%

87%

50%

79%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Agreement With Attitudes About Learning to Play Musical Instruments (Asked For First Time in 2000)


Question 23. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. Because a large number of respondents said that the question was not applicable for them because they already play a musical instrument, the results would be confounded if these response were included. For “You Would Like to Learn To Play a Musical Instrument” respondents from current player households were more likely to answer positively than those from former player households, who in turn were more likely to answer positively than those from nonplayer households. Except for current player households versus former player households, this is also true for“You Wish You Had Learned to Play a Musical Instrument.” All of the differences are significant at the 90% level of confidence.

Wish Had LearnedTo Play a Musical

Instrument

Would Like to LearnTo Play a Musical

Instrument


78%71%

NA

70%

86%93%

96%

70%

NA

69%

88%90%95%

82%81%

95%97% 93%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1994 (n=1500) 1997 (n=1740) 2000 (n=1504)

Agreement With Attitudes About MusicEducation in Schools by Study Year


Question 24: “ Now, I will read you some statements about children and teenagers and playing musical instruments. For each, please tell me whether you completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree. How about (each item read and rotated)?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes because the numbers from previous years are only available with them included. Except for “School Band Good Way for Young People to Develop Teamwork Skills,” the percentages in 2000 were significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence for these attitudes than in the previous years. NA = Not Available.

School BandGood Way for

Young People toDevelop

Teamwork Skills

Schools ShouldOffer Inst. Music.

Instruction asPart of Regular

Curriculum

Participating inSchool Music

Corresponds With Better Grades/Test

Scores

Would BeProud To Be

in SchoolBand/

Orchestra

Music Part ofWell-Rounded

Education

States ShouldMandate Music Ed.

So All StudentsHave OpportunityTo Study in School


82%84%84%

95%97%97%

74%

83%77%

91%95%97%

75%76%77%

91%95%

91%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Agreement With Attitudes About MusicEducation in Schools by HH Player Type

- Percentages Who “Completely or Mostly Agree”Among Year 2000 Respondents -

Question 24. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes for maintaining comparability with the study year graphs. For the first three attitudes, current and usually former player households are significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence than nonplayer households. For the last three attitudes current player households are significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence than former and nonplayer households.

School BandGood Way for

Young People toDevelop

Teamwork Skills

Music Part ofWell-Rounded

Education

Schools ShouldOffer Inst. Music.

Instruction asPart of Regular

Curriculum

Participating inSchool Music

Corresponds With Better Grades/Test

Scores

Would BeProud To Be

in SchoolBand/

Orchestra

States ShouldMandate Music Ed.

So All StudentsHave OpportunityTo Study in School


87%88%95%96%

86%87%94%96%

89%96%98%

92%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1994 (n=1500) 1997 (n=1740) 2000 (n=1504)

Helps InstillAppreciation

of Arts/Culture

Agreement With Attitudes About Reasons a Child Should Learn to Play Musical Instruments by Study Year


Question 24. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes because the numbers from previous years are only available with them included. The percentages in 2000 were significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence for each of these attitudes than one or both of the previous years.

It’s an ActivityCan Enjoy AllHis/Her Life

Helps ChildrenMake Friends

Teaches ChildrenDiscipline


91%93%97%99%

93%93%98%97%

83%

93%96%

91%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Agreement With Attitudes About Reasons a Child Should Learn to Play Musical Instruments by HH Player Type


Question 24. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes for maintaining comparability with the study year graphs. For “Helps InstillAppreciation of Arts/Culture,”“Helps Children Make Friends,” and “Teaches Children Discipline” current and former player households are significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence than nonplayer households. For “It’s an Activity Can Enjoy All His/Her Life” current player households are significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence than former and nonplayer households.

It’s an ActivityCan Enjoy AllHis/Her Life

Helps InstillAppreciation

of Arts/Culture

Helps ChildrenMake Friends

Teaches ChildrenDiscipline


40%

55%60%60%

46%

59%63%63%

52%

64%65% 63%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%1994 (n=1500) 1997 (n=1740) 2000 (n=1504)

Performing in Front of Others Helps

Develop Poise/Confidence

Agreement With Other Attitudes About Reasons a Child Should Learn to Play Musical Instruments by Study Year

- Percentages Who “Completely Agree” Among All Respondents -

Question 24. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes because the numbers from previous years are only available with them included. With the exception of “Performing in Front of Others Helps Develop Poise/Confidence” in 1997, the percentages in 2000 were significantly greater at the 90% level of confidence for each of these personal benefit attitudes than in the previous years.

It Provides aSense of

Accomplishment

It Helps Develop aChild’s Creativity

It Helps a Child’sOverall Intellectual

Development


59%68%68%

72%

46%

62%63%62%

44%

56%55% 52%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Agreement With Other Attitudes About Reasons a Child Should Learn to Play Musical Instruments by HH Player Type - Percentages Who “Completely Agree” Among Year 2000 Respondents -

Question 24. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes for maintaining comparability with the study year graphs. For nearly all of these statements, respondents from current player households were more likely to answer positively than those from former player households, who in turn were more likely to answer positively than those from nonplayer households. Except for former player households versus nonplayer households under “It Helps a Child’s Overall Intellectual Development,”all of these differences are significant at the 90% level of confidence.

It Provides aSense of

Accomplishment

Performing in Front of Others Helps

Develop Poise/Confidence

It Helps Develop aChild’s Creativity

It Helps a Child’sOverall Intellectual

Development


73%75%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Learning a Musical Inst.Helps You Do Better in OtherSubjects, Like Math & Science

Agreement With Attitudes About Reasons a Child Should Learn to Play an Instruments (Asked For First Time in 2000)


Question 24. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes for maintaining comparability with the other graphs covering attitudes about children and musical instruments.

Teenagers Who Play anInst. Are Less Likely To

Have Discipline Problems

n=1504


77%80%

71%74%

68%65%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Agreement With Attitudes About Reasons a Child Should Learn to Play an Instruments (Asked For First Time in 2000)


Question 24. See earlier graph in this section for wording of question. “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are included in the base sizes for maintaining comparability with the other graphs covering attitudes about children and musical instruments. For“Learning a Musical Inst. Helps You Do Better in Other Subjects, Like Math & Science” respondents from current player households were more likely to answer positively than those from former player households, who in turn were more likely to answer positively than those from nonplayer households. Except for former player households versus nonplayer households, this is also true for “Teenagers Who Play an Inst. Are Less Likely ToHave Discipline Problems.” All of the differences are significant at the 90% level of confidence.

Learning a Musical Inst.Helps You Do Better in OtherSubjects, Like Math & Science

Teenagers Who Play anInst. Are Less Likely To

Have Discipline Problems


Conclusions--Attitudes Toward Playing a Musical Instrument

Compared to previous years, the respondents in the year 2000 survey gave significantly higher positive ratings to all of the general attitudinal statements included in the research. By category, these were:

Social Attitudes- Music is a very important part of my life- Music brings the family together- Playing a musical instrument is something you will always be glad

you learned to do- I’m not too old to learn to play a musical instrument

Personal Benefit Attitudes- Playing a musical instrument is a good hobby- Playing a musical instrument is a good means of expression- Playing a musical instrument provides a sense of personal

accomplishment- Playing an instrument is fun- Playing a musical instrument is relaxing


Conclusions--Attitudes Toward Playing a Musical Instrument, Cont.

Likewise, the respondents gave significantly higher positive ratings to virtually all of the attitudes about music education in schools and children learning to play musical instruments.

In almost every case in the year 2000 survey, current player households gave the highest ratings to the attitudinal statements.


VIII.Demographics for Year 2000 Study


79%

21%

62%

29%

9%

57%

43%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Male

- All Year 2000 Respondents -

Female 12-17 Yes

Gender, Age, and Whether a Student or Not

Questions D1, D2, and D4, as follows: D1: Gender--recorded, not asked. D2: “Please tell me how old you are?” D4: “Are you currently a student?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes.

35+

Student(n=1,502)

Gender (n=1,504)

Age (n=1,504)

18-34 No


45%

55%

23%28%

50%47%

53%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Yes


No Current <$45,000

Whether HH Has Instrument, HH Player Type, and HH Income

Questions 17, 5, 6, 11, and D11, as follows: Q17: “Do you, or does anyone in this household, own a musical instrument of any kind?” Q5, 6, & 11: See questionnaire or earlier graphs. These questions determined whether anyone age five or older in the household currently, formally, or never played a musical instrument. D11: “Is your total annual household income, before taxes, over or under $35,000 (ranges then asked to categorize the income)?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes. However, everyone answered questions 17, 5, 6, and 11. For D11 (HH Income), 133 out of 1,504 (9% ) said “Don’t Know” and 131 out of 1,504 (9%) “Refused.”

Nonplayer

HH Income(n=1,240)

HH Has Musical Instrument (n=1,503)

HH Player Type (n=1,504)

Former $45,000+


20%

80%

64%

36%36%

64%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Yes


No No White

Marital Status, Education, and Race

Questions D10, D3, and D6/D7, as follows: D10: “What is your marital status?” D3: “What is the highest level of education you have completed?” D6/D7: “Are you, yourself, of Hispanic origin or descent, such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or other Spanish background?” “What is your race? Are you white, African-American, or some other race?” “Don’t Know,” “Refused,” and “Not Applicable” responses are not included in the base sizes.

Race/Ethnicity(n=1,493)

Ever Married (n=1,490)

College Grad (n=1,498)

Yes Minority


Questionnaire

american attitudes toward music

Documents