Report: Games inspiring young musicians

A new report has claimed that music simulation games have inspired 2.5 million children in the UK to play a real instrument and make their own music.

The study, conducted by charity Youth Music, revealed that 19% of young people say games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band have motivated them to learn a real musical instrument.

Andrew Missingham, a music industry expert and report author, told The Telegraph: "Music games are popular because they are family friendly and inclusive."

"And it is this take-up of the games that is credited with the take-up of musical instruments, the development of transferable musical skills and even the development of performance confidence," Missingham added.

"This research for the first time shows conclusively that young people are being inspired to make their own music by games that first piqued their interest."

Canadian rock band Nickelback previously criticised Guitar Hero for contributing to a perceived lack of new American rock groups.