Taking up a musical instrument is an exciting and potentially life-changing experience which not only allows you to exorcise a few creative urges, but it might also impress your mates. What better release can there be from the drudgery of everyday life than the pure escapism that music allows?

When deciding to take up an instrument, there are many things to consider, especially for the uninitiated. First you will have to decide what instrument to take up, how much time you will have to dedicate to your practice and, indeed, where you will practise. You should also take advice on what make of instrument to buy and how much you should spend on it. It is for this reason that we asked you, the musically-minded Community, to work in perfect harmony with other Researchers who are about to embark on their musical careers - here is what you had to say.