In Germany, almost one in five people makes music in their free time – that corresponds to 14.3 million people. According to a study, the proportion is even higher among children and adolescents up to the age of 16. In this age group, almost half learn an instrument or sing, the German Music Information Center reported on Wednesday in Bonn about a representative survey on amateur music making.
The numbers highlight the enormous importance of making music in your free time, said Stephan Schulmeistrat, the head of the center supported by the German Music Council. For the first time, the study offers a comprehensive presentation of the hobby music sector. After that, the most popular instruments from the age of 16 onwards are guitar, piano, as well as electric piano, keyboard and synthesizer. The piano came first among the young musicians, followed by the recorder and guitar.
The recreational musicians come to music at an average age of eleven and are therefore relatively young. “The earlier people start making music, the higher the likelihood that they will stick with it,” said the school administration council. Only about 13 percent of those over 30 make music. With around 30 percent, many found access through private and public music schools. “Private teachers are surprisingly important,” commented Martin Krüger, President of the Music Council. Private teachers also had a share of almost 30 percent.
“There are sometimes serious differences in the various socio-demographic groups,” explained the study commissioners. According to this, well-educated people with a higher income make music about twice as often as those with less income and less education. The class differences can already be found in children and adolescents. Most of the recreational musicians can be found in the south of Germany. “The proportion of amateur musicians among people with a migration background is also disproportionately high,” the study says.
80 percent play an instrument – many of them are men. On the other hand, women are more interested in singing. “Singing is a woman’s domain, while men are more likely to play instruments,” explained the music information center. Among older amateur musicians, one percent played the clarinet, six percent played drums or drums, eight percent played the accordion, and five percent said they make music digitally. The practice is very different: According to the survey, eight out of ten make music in their private environment, a quarter sings in a choir, almost a fifth in church. Music is also made in bands, brass bands, orchestras or at traditional events.
Ulrike Hofsähs
–
