- Encouragingly a high proportion of Gen Z (18-27 year olds) and Millennials (28-43 year olds) believe listening to or participating in classical music has a positive impact on health and wellbeing in the community (72%)

- 65% of all UK adults feel classical music has a positive effect on developing transferable skills

- UK orchestras aim to reach goal of providing one million children and young people with live music making opportunities in 2025

New research has revealed that over three quarters (78%) of UK adults aged 18-43 believe it is important that British orchestras provide live music making opportunities for children and young people, through youth orchestras, after-school programmes and group music activities like bands.

The survey[1] of 2,050 UK adults, conducted by Opinium on behalf of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) found that a quarter (24%) of Gen Z and Millennials (18-43) support increased investment by the government in music education in schools. In addition, half (51%) of all respondents believe cutting opportunities for live music making to children and young people could limit their potential.

The results echoes a recent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra survey[2] which identified that 80% of UK adults call for more government support for the arts. This support, particularly from Gen Z and Millennial adults, highlights an appreciation for the opportunities available to children and young people through access to live music making.

The survey findings demonstrate the growing trend of younger audiences engaging with classical music – Gen Z and Millennials not only recognise the impact classical music has on our everyday lives, but are also aware of the impact a lack of access could have on future generations. 75% of respondents aged 18-43 feel that listening to or participating in classical music can have a positive impact on the development of transferable skills, compared to 52% of those aged 65+. The same age group feel classical music also had a positive impact on their own health and wellbeing – 60% of Gen Z and Millennials compared to 55% and 45% of those in the Gen X (44-59) and Baby Boomer (60-78) age groups respectively.

Over three in five (62%) believed access to classical music can provide a benefit through taking part in health and wellbeing initiatives in local communities.

Through the An Orchestra in Every School initiative, the ABO and its members pledged to deliver over a thousand live music making opportunities in 2025, with the aim of giving over one million children and young people the opportunity to experience power of live music, no matter their school resources, abilities or disability. These activities take the form of workshops, training sessions and live performances, all of which encourage student engagement.

Judith Webster, Chief Executive, the Association of British Orchestras, said: “It is encouraging to see how many of the younger generations feel so positively about the impact access to live music making in schools can have on children and young people.

“It is clear that young people believe there is real value in having a music education, and that they recognise the benefits it offers, including the development of important life-skills. At a time when there seems to be increasing mental health challenges for young people, this survey underscores what we know from previous research conducted by Artis Foundation[3]access to live music making opportunities can have a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of children and young people, as well as academic achievement, attendance and the development of friendships.

“Our campaign, An Orchestra in Every School, champions the works our member orchestras are doing to offer over one million children and young people access to live music making opportunities through 2025.”

To find out more about how you can support ‘An Orchestra in Every School’, access the free resources, and find your nearest ABO member orchestra, please visit: https://abo.org.uk/what-we-do/championing/anorchestraineveryschool

[1] Nationally representative sample of 2,050 UK adults between 26 - 28 November 2025

[2] Classical Music Magazine, Eight in 10 adults call for more government support for the arts. (12 November 2025)

[3] https://artisfoundation.org.uk/news/how-music-in-schools-boosts-child-development/