Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
4mo ago

Recorder Playing Declines to 16% as UK Schools Expand Instrument Choices

A decade-long shift sees recorders fall out of favor among students, with rising interest in guitars, flutes, and ukuleles, according to the latest ABRSM report.

Image
Image
Half as many children are playing the recorder as a decade ago

Overview

  • The ABRSM's 2025 report reveals that only 16% of children aged 5 to 17 played the recorder in 2024, a sharp drop from 28% in 2014.
  • The recorder is one of the most frequently abandoned instruments, with 11% of children reporting they previously played but no longer do.
  • Piano and keyboard remain the most popular instruments, while interest in electric guitars, flutes, and ukuleles has grown significantly over the past decade.
  • The study highlights a widening range of instruments being offered in schools and by private teachers, reflecting evolving musical tastes and teaching methods.
  • Music participation typically declines during key educational transitions, such as starting secondary school and GCSEs, despite the recognized mental health and social benefits of music education.