Residents say live music is at the centre of cultural life in the West Midlands

Music is central to the identity and cultural life of Birmingham, with an overwhelming majority of residents saying they enjoy it as part of their everyday lives, a study has found.

A survey commissioned by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) found that 96% of people living in and around the city enjoy music as a regular soundtrack to daily life. 

Relaxing after a busy day is the most common occasion for listening, cited by 68% of respondents, followed by cooking or doing household chores (57%), commuting (40%) and gaming (20%). For 35% of those surveyed, that everyday enjoyment extends to attending live concerts.

Live music ranked among the top three factors shaping cultural life in the region, cited by 33% of respondents. Only eating out with friends and family (43%) and watching live sport (40%) ranked higher.

A city with much to be proud of

Ninety per cent of adults said they believe Birmingham has aspects of arts and culture to celebrate on the national or international stage. 

Around a third pointed to the city’s heritage of iconic rock bands (33%), the quality of its orchestras and concert halls (32%), theatre and ballet (32%) and its creative festivals (32%).

The research also revealed strong public appetite for greater government investment in music. Some 44% said the top priority should be giving more children the opportunity to learn music at school, with support climbing to 72% among parents of pre-school-age children.

Emma Stenning, chief executive of the CBSO, said: “As part of our ongoing listening campaign with communities across the city, we would like to thank the hundreds of people in and around Birmingham that took time to share their views with us. 

“These new research findings underscore how Birmingham’s track record for music innovation is mirrored by the importance the residents attach to the music they love. For many, music unites people, it is core to the health of the city and, for many, everyday experiences result in people supporting the venues that deliver outstanding concerts on people’s doorsteps. 

“At the CBSO, we will be announcing our new season next month and, later in the summer, we will once again take to the streets for another week of free concerts for CBSO in the City.”