A major study carried out by researchers at Goldsmiths University in London has found that some of the most economically deprived areas of the UK are also amongst some of its most musically sophisticated.
Perception
The likes of Blaenau Gwent in Wales and the London Boroughs of Haringey and Hackney have bucked the perception that it is only in the more affluent parts of the country that music is most appreciated.
The research was carried out by Goldsmiths, the University of London and BBC Lab UK, and looked into the correlation between how musical people were and the average income of the area where they lived.
94,000 participants
More than 94,000 participants answered questions on their musical background and habits and took part in a range of objective musical tests.
The results found that Blaenau Gwent, one of the poorest areas of Wales, and home to British Open champion Tredegar and Fourth Section National Champion Ebbw Valley, is a haven of musical appreciation compared to Redditch in Worcestershire — home to One Direction star Harry Styles.
Highest level
The residents of Hastings in East Sussex were judged to have the highest level of musical sophistication, followed by West Somerset and North Dorset, whilst Redditch, Ashfield and Richmondshire were judged to the least.
Dr Daniel Mullensiefen, lead researcher on the project from the Department of Psychology at Goldsmiths, said: "It was fascinating to be involved in this study — the largest of its kind ever to be undertaken — and it was exciting to map out for the first time how musical expertise is spread across an entire nation.
The most intriguing result for me is to be able to see on a map how musical skills are related to the social conditions of our modern lives."
Not surprised
4BR Editor Iwan Fox was asked to appear on BBC Radio Wales on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the findings with Dr Mullensiefen, and told him that he wasn’t that surprised at the results.
"When you consider the rich history of amateur music making in the Welsh valleys, which of course includes many community brass bands, it isn’t that much of a shock.
For well over 50 years, local authorities supported wonderful peripatetic music services that provided the basis of a life-long love of choral, instrumental and artistic music making.
That was enhanced by community organisations such as brass bands providing further education and appreciation of all sorts of musical genres — from Tom Jones to Tchaikovsky."
He added: "We may be economically poor in Blaenau Gwent — but as the likes of Tredegar and Ebbw Valley have shown, we are amongst the musically richest too."
We may be economically poor in Blaenau Gwent — but as the likes of Tredegar and Ebbw Valley have shown, we are amongst the musically richest too4BR Editor Iwan Fox
Top and bottom
The top ten most musically sophisticated local authority areas in the UK are:
1. Hastings
2. West Somerset
3. North Dorset
4. Blaenau Gwent
5. Haringey
6. Sevenoaks
7. Shetland Islands
8. York
9. Hackney
10. Gwynedd
And the areas where residents are least musically sophisticated are:
1. Redditch
2. Ashfield
3. Richmondshire
4. Anglesey
5. Christchurch
6. North Lincolnshire
7. Boston
8. Maldon
9. East Lindsey
10. Swale
