Gallup: Americans Want To

Play Music

DANBURY — According to a new US Gallup Poll, Americans of all ages are continuing to make music in ever-increasing numbers. Among the findings:

Americans are making music more than any other nationality.

The US market accounts for 42.7 percent of all musical instrument purchases.

More than one-half of all US households have at least one person who currently plays a musical instrument, as compared to only 37 percent in the UK and 36 percent in Australia.

The fastest growing segment of music makers is between the ages of 18 and 34, which represents a five percent increase since 2003. The number of people participating in school instrumental music activities and private lessons has increased by 11 percent since 2003.

Music is part of a well rounded education and that schools should offer instrument music instruction as part of their regular curriculum, believe 94 percent of the respondents; and 85 percent believe that participation in school music corresponds with better grades and higher test scores.

“These results mirror our own findings,” said Jeff McGill, director of The Music Learning Center in Danbury. “Throughout the greater Danbury area, there is more desire for personal musical expression, not just among school-aged children, but among adults and seniors as well. Our expanded curriculum is meant to address that.”

Mr McGill, who lives in Newtown, announced recently that his school would begin offering new learning and ensemble programs for adults and children.

“We continue to see a rise in interest across a broad spectrum of instruments, playing styles, and ages,” said Mr McGill. “It seems that now, more than ever, people are finding great comfort and satisfaction from music.”

The Music Learning Center has offered music and vocal instruction for over 13 years in the greater Danbury area. The school offers private and group instruction on a wide range of instruments, including piano, guitar, strings, percussion, brass and voice.  It has over 300 students currently enrolled, learning styles from classical to jazz to blues and rock.

New Ensemble Enrichment programs make music learning and sharing with others a fun experience that increases skill and confidence.  These group programs focus on band instruments, blues, rock and jazz, guitar, keyboard, strings, percussion and voice, and are available in three sections for all age groups from grade 6 to adult.

Other individualized instruction and increased, flexible scheduling are meant to make it easy for new and returning students to satisfy their appetites for music making.

More information about the Music Learning Center is available at MusicLearningCenter.org or call 748-1444.