The State of the Arts and Who to Thank

Music education is an important aspect of learning for students globally. It is known to have significant positive impacts on the overall development of a child, including cognitive, social, and emotional aspects. The size of the music education market is thus an important indicator of how important this field of study is.

In this report, we will explore the global size of the music education market, the countries with the most and least take-up, typical price per lesson and duration, and how music education compares with other after-school activities like tennis, soccer, and personal 1:1 coaching. We will also touch on the increase of music education post-pandemic and how emotional intelligence awareness is on the rise.

The arts and emotional intelligence

The arts have always been an essential component of human civilisation, providing a means for individuals to express their creativity and emotions. From music and dance to visual art and theatre, the arts have played a crucial role in shaping our culture and society.

In recent times, I've observed more of a take-up of students learning to play musical instruments and musicians teaching them, possibly as a means to cultivate greater emotional intelligence. Playing an instrument requires not only technical skills, but also emotional expression and creativity. When musicians play, they're often communicating their emotions and thoughts through the music they create. This can be a powerful way to connect with others and to explore and express one's own emotions.

The act of teaching an instrument can also develop emotional intelligence. As a music teacher, one needs to be able to communicate effectively with their students, understand their individual needs and learning styles, and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. A good music teacher also needs to be able to provide constructive feedback and encouragement to their students, which requires empathy and emotional intelligence.

There are also other benefits to learning a musical instrument, including improved cognitive function, increased discipline and focus, and a sense of accomplishment and confidence. It is therefore no surprise that more students are taking up instruments and more musicians are teaching, as the pursuit of emotional intelligence and personal growth becomes increasingly important in our modern world.

Why I wrote this report

Having worked as a music teacher for more than two decades in both public and private schools nationally and internationally, and being a strong proponent of music education for young children, I have personally observed the numerous benefits that music learning can have on students and their families. In light of this, and as a means of validating my own commercial endeavours, I conducted some market research and compiled my findings in this short report.

As the founder of SAMii — Student Administration Management Interactive Intelligence software — I believe that technology can play a vital role in enhancing and streamlining arts education, which in turn will keep our great educators in the industry longer.

Size of the global music education market

According to a recent market research report by Mordor Intelligence, the global music education market was valued at USD 2.12 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2021 to 2026. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for music education among students of all ages, the rise in the number of music schools, and the availability of online music lessons.

The global online music education market held a market size of USD 130.74 million in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 421.92 million by 2027 — a CAGR of 18.4% over the forecast period. Online music education increases interactivity through videos, audio and graphics. Children find learning online less daunting and beneficial since they can ask questions without fear of being judged, and re-visit lectures any time via recorded videos and audio. Online music education also allows learners to be trained by highly experienced professionals from any remote location.

On the other hand, teachers can keep track of their students' data, schedules, and other related materials using these platforms. Increased mobile-device usage and growth in digitisation across the globe have driven demand for online music education sharply upward in recent years. The trend of online education and training is here to stay.

COVID-19 posed a big challenge to the learning industry. Lockdowns across the globe resulted in the slowdown and closure of all learning and training institutes. An online platform for music education was of great help to students and trainers alike. Significant investments continue to be made by market players to expand features and better serve clients.

How many students, how many educators

It is estimated that over 300 million students are learning music globally, which accounts for approximately 5% of the world's population. The majority of these students are children and teenagers, between 4 to 15 years old. Many adults also take up music lessons as a hobby or for professional development.

If each educator serves 40 students on average, we can estimate the number of educators required as:

300 million students ÷ 40 students per educator = 7.5 million educators

It's a rough estimate — the actual number varies depending on the level of instruction, the type of music education, and the availability of qualified educators.

Global financial impact

If each educator gives 40 lessons per week, the revenue generated per educator per week would be:

40 lessons × USD 26.81 per lesson = USD 1,072.40 per educator per week

Total revenue generated by all educators in one week:

7.5 million educators × USD 1,072.40 = USD 8.043 billion per week (≈ AUD 11.024 billion)

Or, looked at another way: 300,000,000 lessons per week × USD 26.81 = USD 8.043 billion per week.

If we assume an academic year of 40 weeks, the total revenue generated by the industry in one year is:

USD 8.043 billion × 40 weeks = USD 321 billion per year (≈ AUD 440.97 billion)

It's important to note that 40 lessons per week may not be realistic or sustainable — it can lead to burnout and decreased quality of teaching. Having a platform such as SAMii to manage the back office takes away the burden of running a teaching business. I successfully manage 60–70 student lessons per week with ease.

Countries with the most and least take-up

The countries with the most take-up of music education are the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. These countries have a long tradition of music education and are home to some of the world's leading music schools and conservatories. The United States alone has over 6 million students enrolled in music lessons.

The countries with the least take-up are primarily located in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, due to limited access to music schools and a lack of resources to invest in music education programmes.

Typical price per lesson and duration

The price of music lessons varies widely depending on the location, the teacher's experience and credentials, and the type of lesson. On average, a one-hour lesson can cost anywhere from $30 to $150. Many music schools and conservatories offer group lessons, which reduce the cost per student. Online music lessons are becoming increasingly popular and can be more affordable than in-person ones.

Most lessons are typically one hour in length, though some teachers offer shorter or longer sessions depending on the student's needs and abilities.

Comparison with other after-school activities

Music education is just one of many after-school activities that children and teenagers may participate in. Others include sports like tennis and soccer, and personal 1:1 coaching in areas such as academics or leadership.

It is estimated that around 240 million children globally participate in organised sports like tennis and soccer. These activities typically involve regular training sessions with a coach, plus competitions and tournaments. Costs vary widely depending on location and level. Personal 1:1 coaching is increasingly popular among students looking to improve their academic or personal skills, and costs vary with the subject and the coach's experience.

Pandemic and beyond

Despite strong interest in music education, the industry faces challenges: funding cuts to music programs in schools, limited access in remote and regional areas, and a shortage of qualified music teachers. COVID-19 exacerbated these challenges, with many providers forced to transition to online delivery and facing significant financial and operational difficulties.

Despite those challenges, there are real opportunities for growth and innovation. The increased focus on social and emotional learning, and the growing recognition of music's benefits for mental health and wellbeing, provide a strong foundation for continued development and expansion of music education programmes.

Music in Australia

Music education has long been an important part of Australia's cultural heritage and educational system. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 40% of 5–14 year olds had received some form of music education in the previous year.

Estimates suggest that around 60–70% of primary school children and 30–40% of high school students study music in some capacity. Approximately 500,000 Australians participate in community music activities like choirs, orchestras, and bands — highlighting continued interest in music education beyond formal schooling.

There's a range of music education providers in Australia, including private music schools, conservatories, individual tutors, and programmes offered through schools and community organisations. Costs range from $30 to $150 per hour.

With thanks

Music educators play a vital role in society by fostering creativity, promoting social and emotional development, and enhancing cognitive abilities. Their impact goes far beyond teaching music; they help shape the next generation of individuals who will go on to become leaders in a wide variety of fields.

Music education has been shown to have a positive impact on the brain's development, particularly in young children. Studies show that early exposure to music can help develop language skills, spatial-temporal skills, and memory. Music also promotes creative thinking and problem-solving — essential skills for success in any field.

By encouraging experimentation and improvisation, music educators teach students to think outside the box and find new ways of solving problems. Through music, students can learn to express their emotions in a safe and healthy way, build self-esteem and confidence, and grow social and emotional skills in a supportive environment.

Music educators are also essential in preserving cultural traditions and promoting diversity. They teach students about different musical styles and traditions, exposing them to new cultures and ideas — helping promote understanding and respect for different cultures, and breaking down cultural barriers. And they are central to promoting lifelong learning: through music, students learn to appreciate and understand the world around them, and continue developing their musical skills throughout their lives.

In summary

This report explores the current state of the music education market globally. The arts, including music education, have always played a crucial role in human civilisation, and more students are taking up instruments and more musicians are teaching today than ever before.

The report covers the size of the global music education market, the countries with the most and least take-up, the typical price per lesson and duration, and a comparison with other after-school activities. It also touches on the post-pandemic rise of music education and the growing awareness of emotional intelligence.

It is, ultimately, a call to work towards a brighter future for the next generation of artists and creatives — and a thank-you to the educators making it happen.