The proportion of children who know how to play a musical instrument has almost doubled in the last 15 years, but poorer youngsters are still more likely to miss out, according to a report.

Long-term music education is often still the preserve of the rich, the study warns, with the cost of learning to play and taking lessons a "major barrier".

It also shows that technology and music trends are having an impact, with the electric guitar overtaking the violin in popularity.

The study, by ABRSM, the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music, compares the results of a new survey of youngsters with research conducted by the organisation previously.

It says about 5.5 million five to 14-year-olds (76 per cent) say they know how to play an instrument, up from 3.2 million (41 per cent) in 1999.

The study also suggests there are still significant gaps between the proportions of rich and poorer youngsters who play an instrument. About nine in 10 (90 per cent) of those from the wealthiest backgrounds will have played an instrument, according to the survey conducted by ABRSM this year, compared to 80 per cent of those from other social backgrounds.

"Children from lower socio-economic groups continue to be significantly disadvantaged compared with their peers from more affluent backgrounds," the study says.

"The cost of learning to play and of taking lessons is a major barrier and children without access to tuition are significantly less likely to carry on playing."

Lincoln Abbotts, director of strategic development at ABRSM, said: "It is hoped the report will be used to influence, change and further improve the ­circumstances in which ­children and adults engage with music.

"The political environment has shifted considerably in recent times with significant government investment, sector lead ­initiatives and increased enthusiasm among young people for all the extraordinary joys and benefits of making music."