Brits find music teachers scarier than Freddy Krueger as they dreaded making mistakes

While goblins and ghouls are typically the culprits of childhood fears, a surprising 20% of Brits admit that piano recitals and stern teachers were the source of their terror.

In a study conducted by music technology firm ROLI, 11% of participants even confessed that Freddy Krueger, the infamous villain from A Nightmare on Elm Street, was less scary than their music teacher.

The survey, which involved 1,500 UK adults, revealed that a whopping 77% felt anxious when preparing for performances or exams at school.

A quarter (24%) dreaded making mistakes, while 16% were daunted by strict or domineering teachers during their childhood. Over a third (35%) of those who took piano lessons as children confess they didn't enjoy them at the time.

ROLI is now aiming to transform childhood music lessons from a nightmare into a treat this Halloween. With its innovative AI technology integrated into its piano system, ROLI can listen and watch as you play, providing real-time feedback.

It offers encouragement, guidance and personalised challenges - like having a supportive teacher who never raises their voice. The survey also disclosed that one-fifth of adults (20%) described traditional lessons as 'boring' or 'unmotivating', while 11% found them intimidating.

ROLI is transforming piano practice into a fun, stress-free experience, tailored to each learner's pace, helping individuals rediscover the joy of playing music without any pressure. A recent survey revealed that Brits find certain sounds from their childhood particularly distressing.

A third (33%) confessed that the sound of nails on a chalkboard was one of the most unsettling noises from their youth, followed by a teacher shouting their name in class (26%) and an out-of-tune recorder (15%).

Almost half (45%) claimed that hearing these sounds today would still make them feel tense or anxious. Over a third (37%) admitted they lacked confidence when it came to learning a new instrument as an adult.

Despite this lack of confidence, 43% conceded that learning at home at their own pace would be more enjoyable. Having fun, familiar music pieces to practice was also highlighted by a third (30%) of those surveyed.

The brand-new ROLI Piano and Airwave system, integrated with the ROLI Learn App, allows people to learn from the comfort of their own homes. It also offers a wide range of familiar songs to choose from, along with interactive lessons, exercises and games.

In celebration of the spooky season, ROLI has launched a new content series, created with animator Alex Benson, featuring real-life stories from people who endured music lessons in their youth.

Music Psychologist Dr. Claire Renfrew said: "Traditional music education often creates lasting anxiety by linking creativity with pressure and judgment.

"Early learning environments can condition negative emotional responses that persist into adulthood. To foster healthier engagement, music education should be supportive, individualised, and intrinsically motivating - replacing fear with expression.

"Positive musical experiences enhance discipline, creativity, emotional well-being and confidence, helping people sustain a lifelong, joyful relationship with music."

ROLI spokesman Tom Ford said: "The ROLI Piano and Airwave system redefines how people learn music. Illuminated keys guide your playing and Airwave's ROLI Vision technology gives real-time feedback on fingering and posture, helping learners build good habits from the start - like having a teacher by your side. Practice becomes personal, playful and confidence-boosting."

As conventional instruments and teaching approaches continue to haunt individuals decades afterwards, ROLI is eliminating anxiety from music education entirely, unleashing the delight of artistic expression for all.

To purchase and browse the range, visit https://roli.com/uk. To watch the full ROLI content series, visit