A new Gallup poll commissioned by the National Association of Music Merchants finds:

• Someone plays a musical instrument in 60% of American households (up from 52% in 2006)
• 85% of people who do not play an instrument wish they did
• 59% said that lack of time and work commitments kept them from playing music
• 80% or more thought that music improves intelligence
• 90% thought it improved creativity in children
• 94% said playing an instrument was a relaxing activity
• 87% of people said that music was an important part of their lives