Parents believe more can be done to engage children in classical music

More than nine in 10 parents think more could be done to engage their children in classical music, according to new research by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO).

The organisation released the findings on Thursday as children across the country receive their exam results, amid a 25.6% fall in music GCSE entries in England since 2010.

The Joint Council for Qualifications found that music GCSE entries increased by 6.1% across the UK in 2025 after an 8.7% rise in 2024.

The RPO surveyed 2,000 adults across the UK to ask about ways to encourage children to be more involved in classical music, with 94% of parents believing more could be done.

The organisation found that 31% of parents surveyed called for more music lessons where young people could listen to music at school.

Meanwhile, 30% of parents felt that children should be encouraged to play in orchestras to build their enthusiasm.

The data also showed that 29% of parents think an increase in school trips to classical or orchestral concerts would be beneficial, while 23% felt further involvement in it would be encouraged if it was available in mainstream music charts.

The RPO also explored which instruments are being played by schoolchildren, with 35% of parents saying their child plays the piano, 28% play the guitar and 22% play the drums.

The organisation said the playing of instruments such as French horns and trombones were “endangered”, with the children of just 3% and 5% of respondents playing them, respectively.

However, the RPO added that playing of orchestral instruments such as the violin, trumpet and recorder are on the rise.

Sarah Bardwell, managing director of the RPO, said: “While it is of course heartening to see a rise in music GCSE uptake – something we hope to see continue in the 2026 results – it is clear that more needs to be done to safeguard the musicians and audiences of tomorrow.

“The RPO’s engagement work with young people is a vital way of filling the gaps left by underfunding in formal music education, and our players find it hugely fulfilling.

“But this latest data shows that we need more action at a government level to build more opportunities for young people to enjoy orchestral music.”

Published: 20/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub