Our research conducted by Obsurvant for the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) finds strong public support for modernising music education in the UK.
The nationally representative survey found that 51% of Britons would have been more interested in studying music if modern music production had been taught at school. Six in ten (60%) said their school music lessons did not reflect the music they listened to outside the classroom, while 54% believe DJing and music production should be recognised as legitimate career paths rather than simply hobbies.
The research also found that 45% believe the current music curriculum fails to prepare young people for careers in today’s music industry, and 41% said they would have been more likely to pursue a music qualification if electronic music production had been offered.
Alex Morrison, Co-Founder of Obsurvant, said:
“The findings point to a disconnect between traditional music education and the way people experience and create music today. Music lessons can have a lasting influence, but the curriculum needs to reflect the full range of creative and technical routes now available to young people.”
Methodology and data tables
Obsurvant conducted an online survey for the NTIA of 2,017 UK adults on behalf of the Night Time Industries Association between 2 and 9 April 2026. Respondents completed the survey on mobile and desktop devices. The study was conducted as independent primary research and the sample was nationally representative of UK adults. The questions about music education made up one section in a wider survey around consumer nightlife and the night time economy.
Fieldwork dates: 2nd – 9th April 2026
Method: Online survey
Geographic coverage: United Kingdom
Overall sample: 2,017 UK adults – nationally representative quotas were in place for age, gender and region
For further methodological or data-quality information, contact hello@obsurvant.com.