Do many Polish people enjoy classical music?

Hi, this is my first message after finally registering. I hope I write comprehensibly in English after my brain and tongue having been invaded(?) by Polish language....

I am a music student in Warsaw and recently, as I've been thinking about teaching musical instruments in Poland, the question arose.

In Warsaw, with all the F.Chopin related concerts and events, I can kind of feel that Classical music is still cherished by many people(or at least music of Chopin is since he is the national hero). In fact, many churches seem to hold regular musical events too.

But as I have no knowledge of music education in Polish schools, I couldn't even guess how many children are (interested in) learning musical instruments and performing classical music as hobby. or perhaps how many Polish parents consider music education to be important for their children.

It would be ever so helpful if you could tell me from your experience. For example, when you were at school, how many friends among you were learning to play instruments... or simply your experience/opinion about this subject.

Thank you for reading! Pozdrawiam!

Whats the deal with that screen name?

When I was a kid it was more of my parents choice rather than me being interested in playing an instrument. It's probably similar in other families, if there's a family tradition of playing the instruments than next generations will have that kind of things imposed. I'm talking about instruments such as piano or violin because at certain age kids start being interested in instruments like guitars (certainly more rebellious than a piano). There weren't many kids who played the piano beside me in my ground school, later in secondary there were lots of guitar players...

Some (4 maybe 5, per 25 - 30 students) at class. From my school experience the most populat was guitar, some students were learning to play a piano, some - violin. At common polish schools not many polish children learn playing professionally, although sometimes they attend at private lessons.

At music primary or high schools children learn to play 2 chosen instuments by them and then they practise at home a lot, so I think that these are places where you will find students rather easily.

Also private schools, where parents pay for their kids learning, offer many additional courses including learning to play classical instuments.

A good option could be visiting some schools and giving out your cards to pupils, or talking to parents at "wywiadówka" (meetings teachers with their students parents which has a place once a month or twice a semester (it depends). Some teachers for sure will let you present your offer (don't forget to ask a headmaster for permission before).

Some parents will be delighted having a teacher who will not only teach their kids to play an instrument, but will be also a native speaker of a differrent language.

Good luck!