The Royal Albert Hall released new research today which proves the emotional health benefits that listening to live Music has on our wellbeing. The study of 2,000 adults in the UK shows that two-thirds (69%) of Brits feel 'more stimulated' and 'happier' when listening to live music.
Imagine when you have heard live music, be it in a restaurant, bar, on holiday, at a music festival or even a wedding or event. How good does it make you feel? I was on the London underground only yesterday and a man was playing the guitar and singing in the carriage and it immediately lifted by spirits and took me out of where I was, crammed under someone's hot and sweating armpit, even if just for the few minutes until my next stop.
According to the survey, the British public are also ‘more engaged’ (68%) and ‘more sociable’ (59%) when live music is playing. Almost three quarters (73%) agree that ‘live music can make an event feel more special’.
With technology and online streaming services, music is more accessible than ever before and affordable too. A quarter of the British public are deciding to choose technology over live music with 25% admitting they would choose to use their tablet or smartphone to play music as opposed to hiring live music at a special event. However, despite being dependent on technology, us Brits do still enjoy the positive effects of live music. A lot of the nation, 51%, would like to know about venues which offer free live music and 42% are keen to attend events beyond the main stage at large venues.
Lucy Noble, Artistic and Commercial Director at the Royal Albert Hall, believes venues need to do more to make live music more accessible to everybody. She commented: “The positive effects of live music are undoubtable. We must do all we can to ensure that live music is accessible and affordable to all and not just the privileged and wealthy.”
Additionally, the survey showed that half the British public (45%) do not feel they are able to afford the price of a ticket to experience live music. In 2016 the Royal Albert Hall hosted 50 charity performances and 867 education and outreach events aimed at ensuring the venue is accessible to all.
Lucy Noble added: “At the Hall, we pride ourselves on our Education & Outreach programme. The initiative is designed to ensure the Royal Albert Hall is accessible for all. Free live music concerts are held throughout the year, from the venue’s pioneering Songbook initiative to Free Friday Music, all of which aim to increase access to the arts for all.”
Free Friday Music is a regular event in the Royal Albert Hall’s calendar, providing everyone from all walks of life with free live music in the Hall’s Italian restaurant, Verdi. Find out more information and book Tickets
Free Friday Music - John Crawford
Friday 30th June, 8pm
Free Friday Music - Alex Hitchcock & Will Barry
Friday 14th July, 12pm
Free Friday Music - Alex Hutton
Friday 20th October, 8pm
Friday 27th October, 8pm
