A new survey commissioned by the London Concertante chamber orchestra has found that 34% of adults have stated they regret giving up their initial interest in music — from learning an instrument or singing to studying or playing recreationally.
More startling perhaps is that the figure increases dramatically in younger adults. 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds said they wished they had continued with music, rising to 45% among those aged 25 to 34.
Music study down
Recent figures stated that less than 4,700 students studied for music A-Level in England in 2026, down 4.9% from 2025 and 51% since 2008.
Most of those asked said they regretted not continuing to play an instrument, whilst 6% said they regretted not carrying on playing in an ensemble, orchestra or band.
Interestingly though, only 3% of the 2,000 people surveyed said they regretted that they had not continued their studies in subject such as engineering, accountancy and finance, economics, business studies or law.
