Those with More Education and Higher Household Incomes are More Likely to Have Had Music Education
by Dan Wiese
January 11, 2008
Music education Influences Level of Personal Fulfillment for Many U.S. Adults
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – November 12, 2007 – Whether it’s chorus, band or just violin lessons, music impacts Americans’ lives. While singing in a chorus or playing an instrument is fun, it can also provide important skills like creative problem solving that can help lead to higher education and incomes as well as personal fulfillment.
Three-quarters (75%) of American adults were involved in some type of music program while in school. Half (51%) were involved in chorus while 42 percent had some type of formal instrumental lessons. Just over one-third (35%) were in a school instrumental ensemble, such as an orchestra or band while 14 percent were part of an informal group, such as a garage band and 12 percent had formal vocal lessons.
Music education is associated with those who go on to higher education. In looking at what groups may have participated more in music, education shows the largest differences. Two-thirds (65%) of those with a high school education or less participated in music compared to four in five (81%) with some college education and 86 percent of those with a college education. The largest group to participate in music, however, are those with a post graduate education as almost nine in ten (88%) of this group participated while in school.
Music education is also associated with higher incomes.
Three-quarters of people (74%) with household incomes of $34,999 or
less and 72 percent of those with incomes of $35,000-$49,999
participated in music, compared to 83 percent of those with incomes
of $150,000 or more.
The Harris Poll® #112, November 12, 2007
By Regina Corso, Director, The Harris Poll, Harris Interactive.
