How X Factor has inspired the top 10 most popular instruments pupils try to learn

A study has found that the number of pupils taking up pop instruments has increased due to the influence of reality TV shows.

18:14 16 September 2014

Based on research conducted by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, more and more pupils are now abandoning traditional instruments in favour of electric guitars, drums, and keyboards because of the influence of reality TV programmes such as The X Factor.

The report said: “Role models are an important factor with almost a quarter of child participants opting to play an instrument after seeing someone else play one.

“The dominant profile of pop music over other genres in digital and traditional media – coupled with young people’s independent access to these channels – is reflected in the increasing take-up of musical instruments associated with popular music genres.”

Meanwhile, Lincoln Abbotts, director of strategic development at ABRSM, said: "The X Factor principal is a really strong one. The quick win – 'I want to be like her', 'I want to be like him' – we come across a lot.

"Role models are everywhere in the traditional media world of TV, with high-profile rock and pop musicians getting lots of exposure, but it's not to say that there aren't role models in western classical music too, of course."

The top 10 most popular instruments for students:


2014

1. Keyboard – 30%
2. Piano – 28%
3. Recorder – 28%
4. Acoustic guitar – 20%
5. Drums – 14%
6. Electric guitar – 13%
7. Violin – 12%
8. Flute – 7%
9. Percussion – 6%
10. Bass guitar – 5%