Adults turn to musical instruments when in need of a pick me up

By Lucy Brimble, 72Point via SWNS

Music is the key to tranquility as adults turn to their instruments when in need of a pick me up.

A poll of 1,000 people, who play the guitar, piano and drums, found a quarter experience a sense of escapism when they play.

Meanwhile, 35 percent of musicians say playing boosts their mood while 31 percent feel more relaxed.

Three in 10 instantly feel more positive when they pick up their instrument with 29 percent feeling inspired to be more creative.

Sandeep Jassi, from Allianz Musical Insurance, which commissioned the survey, said: “Playing a musical instrument has many benefits - with mood boosting being one of them.

“They provide a sense of escapism that’s difficult to find elsewhere, so it’s no wonder people turn to instruments for relaxation and happiness.”

The research also found 26 percent are most likely to play their instrument after a stressful day at work, whilst 22 percent will play when they have money worries.

A further 22 percent find they deal with an injury or illness better when bashing out a tune.

Those who are musically inclined spend an average of four hours a week playing their instrument, with a quarter claiming it is their most prized possession.

Sadly though, 24 percent of musicians have had their instrument stolen - with a large amount being emotionally impacted by the loss.

Nearly four in 10 said this loss devastated them and 22 percent said they would feel lost or empty if their instrument went missing.

However, an encouraging 42 percent did go on to recover their lost item.

Reaching out to family and friends (50 percent), going back to the last known location (47 percent) and asking for CCTV footage (40 percent) were the top lengths people went to in order to retrieve their possession.

The research was conducted to celebrate the launch of a new website that allows musicians from across the UK to register lost, stolen and found instruments online for free.

Many musicians have been parted from their instruments over the years, with many making headlines in musical history.

Famously, Paul McCartney had his Hofner Violin bass stolen in 1969 and Eric Clapton was also a victim in 1966, when he had his Gibson Les Paul guitar stolen.

Sandeep Jassi added: “It’s clear how much instruments can mean to their owners so seeing the impact it can have when it is stolen is really sad.

“We understand that not only are instruments an invaluable tool of the trade for a professional musician, but they also often hold huge personal and sentimental value.

"This is why we’re committed to reuniting as many musicians as possible with their beloved lost instruments.”

The OnePoll research also surveyed 1,000 adults, who don’t play a musical instrument, to gauge their opinions on the topic.

It emerged 28 percent admit being able to play one would help them relax while a quarter claim they would generally be happier if they were able to use an instrument.

And 41 percent admit they envy people who can play an instrument, with 29 percent having this on their bucket list.

However, 26 percent have previously tried to learn one only to give up after a short period of taking it up.

The instruments people would most like to learn include the guitar (38 percent), piano (34 percent) and drums (16 percent).