One in four Brits who play a musical instrument say it is their most prized possession – and nearly four in ten claim they would be “devastated” if their instrument was stolen.
Musically-inclined Brits typically spend four hours a week playing their instrument, according to a poll of 1,000 people who play the drums, piano, or guitar.
A quarter feel a sense of escapism when they play, while a third (31%) feel more relaxed – and 35% say it boosts their mood.
Three in ten musicians instantly feel more positive as soon as they start to play, and 29% are 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 one in four (26%) are most likely to play their instrument after a stressful day at work, whilst 22% will play when they have money worries.
A further 22% find they deal with an injury or illness better when bashing out a tune.
Sadly though, 24% of musicians have had their instrument stolen – and more than a fifth (22%) said they would feel “lost” or “empty” if their instrument went missing.
However, an encouraging 42% did go on to recover their lost item.
Reaching out to family and friends (50%), going back to the last known location (47%), and asking for CCTV footage (40%), were some of the top lengths people went to in order to retrieve their possession.
The research was conducted to celebrate the launch of a new website which allows musicians from across the UK to register lost, stolen, and found instruments online for free.
A number of 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.
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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% 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% admit they envy people who can play an instrument, with 29% having this on their “bucket list”.
However, one in four (26%) 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%), piano (34%), and the drums (16%).
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