Casio calls for music funding in schools as research reveals that music education has a positive effect on exam results across many subjects

The survey of 2000 people showed that of all students who achieved 11 GCSEs at grades A*-C, the percentage of those who also played the piano was higher. In addition from all those questioned those with no musical background achieved on average 7 GCSEs grade A*-C, less than their musical counterparts.

The research also revealed that over 80% of people in the UK have at one time or another had lessons in playing a musical instrument, however, shockingly well over half were not able to develop their skills to a reasonable level due to financial barriers and lack of resource in schools.

63% of survey respondents stated that lessons were too expensive for them to continue and in the case of upcoming talent, 41% cited poor facilities in schools and 29% not enough teaching resources to facilitate lessons as the strongest reasons why children were hindered in their musical development. Supporting the findings into exam results 63% of those who did keep playing felt it had actually helped improve their educational achievement.

As a result of the research, Casio and EMI Music Sound Foundation have launched a UK wide initiative fronted by classical sensation Myleene Klass, the Pianos for Schools initiative. The scheme will see 50 pianos given to children in schools throughout the UK and aims to ensure children with budding musical talent are given the best opportunity to get them playing, develop their skills and become the superstars of tomorrow.

Myleene Klass says; “We know that in order to flourish, children need all round education in subjects from sport and maths to music and this research highlights this. Obviously my passion is music and I would love to see more support in schools in this area. Schemes like this can give children who may not otherwise get the chance to engage with music in school the opportunity to and this can only enhance their all round learning experience and build a good bank of talent we can rely on in the future.”

Tim Gould from Casio says; “Investment must be made to ensure we give children every opportunity to succeed in school and support should be given across all subjects to allow children to develop their all round educational experience and ultimately results. By partnering with EMI Music Sound Foundation on the Pianos for School initiative we’re aiming to give children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to engage in music access to cutting-edge instruments and encourage and all round educational experience.”

Janie Orr,Chief Executive EMI Music Sound Foundation says; “This research endorses our own findings that the majority of secondary schools sponsored by the Foundation have seen an improvement in all examination results due to the high importance with which they value Music and Performing Arts. We are delighted to support this scheme to provide more schools with pianos they would otherwise be unable to afford.”

The research also found that 68% of those questioned who hadn’t learnt to play the piano wish they had done so whilst half of all respondents also felt that there was not as much musical talent coming through in current times as in previous decades.

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If you have any questions or require further information, please contact:
Sophie Jones at Hill & Knowlton Tel: 020 7973 4401
Email: casio@hillandknowlton.com

Richard OBrien at EMI Music on Tel: 020 7795 7447
Email: Richard.Obrien@emimusic.com

ABOUT CASIO

CASIO is a leading international manufacturer of consumer electronics. In line with the principle of “creativity and contribution,” the company has been dedicated to developing products that stand out for their cutting-edge technology and innovative design ever since it was founded, in 1957. Today, the product palette of CASIO around the world includes watches, digital cameras, mobile phones (not in the EU), electronic dictionaries, calculators, musical instruments, projectors, cash register systems, handheld terminals, and electronic components such as LCDs (not in the EU). In total, CASIO Computer Co., Ltd. employs a staff of more than 12,300 people worldwide. The company ships more than 100 million products each year, and in the fiscal year from April 2008 to March 2009 alone, CASIO posted net sales revenue of 518 billion yen (about 3.8 billion Euros). You will find news and product information about Casio at www.casio.co.uk.For further information, please visit www.casio.co.uk

ABOUT EMI Music Sound Foundation

EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to by EMI to improve young peoples’ access to music education in the UK & Ireland. The Charity has donated over £3.5 million in support of music education.

EMI Music Sound Foundation is the single largest sponsor of Specialist Performing Arts Colleges and has created vital bursaries at eight music colleges/organisations to assist music students in need of financial support. EMI Music Sound Foundation has also helped over two thousand schools, individual music students and music teachers improve their access to music through the purchase or upgrade of musical instruments and equipment. Patrons of the EMI Music Sound Foundation are Sir George Martin, Sir Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Cliff Richard, Diana Ross and Tina Turner.

www.emimusicsoundfoundation.com

For more information on EMI Music Sound Foundation
contact: Janie Orr, Chief Executive Tel: 0207 795 7000
orrj@emigroup.com

Limited edition PX-3 and PX-7 models released

Casio has launched two exclusive new editions to their Privia line of electronic pianos to commemorate 30 successful years in the electronic musical instrument market. The newly developed PX-3 and PX-7 models are equipped with special design features such as the “Limited Edition” inscription, which are sure to make them stand out from the crowd.

The Privia PX-3 is a professional stage piano with all the sounds and various functions for playing live in a band. With its slim body in line with the rest of Privia range, the PX-3 is set apart from the standard models through a range of exclusive features, most notably its weight which comes in at an extremely light 11 kilos. The powerful master control functions have been enhanced and the PX-3 can be freely programmed for practically any kind of performance.

The second edition is the Privia PX-7. The piano is based on the hugely popular PX-730, though boasts a stylish white wooden-like finish, with both the body and stand matching in colour. The piano’s refined matte keyboard provides a comfortable surface for the fingertips, while its overall look and feel projects a high-class image befitting a special commemorative model. Just 3,000 PX-3 and 5,000 PX-7 models will be available worldwide. With such a limited product run the pieces will be highly sought after by musicians passionate about their instruments and the intricate details and the quality they can offer.

To further celebrate the launch of the limited edition pianos for their 30th anniversary, Casio has recruited classical chart-topping Myleene Klass as an ambassador for the campaign. Myleene is involved in the launch of the PX-3 and PX-7, through Point of Sale promotions and activities throughout the campaign such as the Pianos for Schools Initiative with EMI Music Sound Foundation.

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If you have any questions or require further information, please contact:

Sophie Jones at Hill & Knowlton Tel: 020 7973 4401 Email: casio@hillandknowlton.com For further information, please visit www.casio.co.uk

ABOUT CASIO

CASIO is a leading international manufacturer of consumer electronics. In line with the principle of “creativity and contribution,” the company has been dedicated to developing products that stand out for their cutting-edge technology and innovative design ever since it was founded, in 1957. Today, the product palette of CASIO around the world includes watches, digital cameras, mobile phones (not in the EU), electronic dictionaries, calculators, musical instruments, projectors, cash register systems, handheld terminals, and electronic components such as LCDs (not in the EU). In total, CASIO Computer Co., Ltd. employs a staff of more than 12,300 people worldwide. The company ships more than 100 million products each year, and in the fiscal year from April 2008 to March 2009 alone, CASIO posted net sales revenue of 518 billion yen (about 3.8 billion Euros). You will find news and product information about Casio at www.casio.co.uk

Latest addition to CELVIANO range released to commemorate Casio’s 30th anniversary

To mark their 30th anniversary of producing world class digital pianos, Casio have launched the limited edition AP-6 – a stunning cabinet style piano combining magnificent sound with elegant style, complete with a celebratory “Limited Edition” inscription.

Based on the AP-620, the top-of-the-line piano in the CELVIANO series, the AP-6 offers exclusive design features and with just 2,000 models being produced the piano is certain to be coveted by music enthusiasts worldwide.

To celebrate the launch of this limited edition product as well as their 30th anniversary, Casio has recruited classically trained Myleene Klass as an ambassador. Myleene is involved in the launch of the AP-6, through Point of Sale promotions and activities throughout the campaign such as the Pianos for Schools Initiative with EMI Music Sound Foundation.

The AP-6 comes equipped with a high-output amplifier and four 2-way speakers, a damper pedal with continuous half-pedal operation, 250 various instrument tones and an SD memory card slot. The new model will of course also make the most of Casio’s highly acclaimed technologies for basic performance, including the company’s original Linear Morphing AIF Sound Source technology, which realistically reproduces the fine nuances of a grand piano, from lilting pianissimos to powerful fortissimos, and the Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard for exceptional playability.

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If you have any questions or require further information, please contact:

Sophie Jones at Hill & Knowlton

Tel: 020 7973 4401

Email: casio@hillandknowlton.com

For further information, please visit www.casio.co.uk

ABOUT CASIO

CASIO is a leading international manufacturer of consumer electronics. In line with the principle of “creativity and contribution,” the company has been dedicated to developing products that stand out for their cutting-edge technology and innovative design ever since it was founded, in 1957. Today, the product palette of CASIO around the world includes watches, digital cameras, mobile phones (not in the EU), electronic dictionaries, calculators, musical instruments, projectors, cash register systems, handheld terminals, and electronic components such as LCDs (not in the EU). In total, CASIO Computer Co., Ltd. employs a staff of more than 12,300 people worldwide. The company ships more than 100 million products each year, and in the fiscal year from April 2008 to March 2009 alone, CASIO posted net sales revenue of 518 billion yen (about 3.8 billion Euros). You will find news and product information about Casio at www.casio.co.uk

Casio is proud to announce its partnership with classical music sensation Myleene Klass, to celebrate the company’s 30 year anniversary of producing world class digital pianos. .As part of the anniversary celebrations, Casio, with the active support of the EMI Music Sound Foundation launch their new Pianos for Schools initiative, aimed at encouraging children’s involvement in music. Classical star Myleene Klass will be fronting the campaign, which will see 50 pianos given to children in schools throughout the UK to enhance their music education experience, give them the chance to learn the piano and ultimately get them playing.

Tim Gould, Head of Marketing, Casio says; "After three decades of successfully delivering musical products, Casio continues to bring music into the lives of enthusiasts of all ages. With our experience in the industry, we are in the perfect position to give children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to engage in music access to cutting-edge instruments and hopefully encourage our next generation of musicians."

Janie Orr, Chief Executive, EMI Music Sound Foundation says; "Music offers powerful potential to enrich pupils’ learning experiences and this has been the prime focus of the Foundation since its 1997 launch, and something we feel passionately about. Myleene is the perfect ambassador for the Pianos for Schools initiative - with one of Britain’s most popular, musically talented celebrities on board, we share Casio’s ambition is to spark school children’s enthusiasm for music throughout the nation."

The 30th anniversary campaign will also see limited edition Casio products being released, with Myleene involved in the launch of stunning new anniversary additions to Casio’s Privia and Celviano ranges¹.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact: Sophie Jones at Hill & Knowlton Tel: 020 7973 4401 Email: casio@hillandknowlton.com

ABOUT CASIO

CASIO is a leading international manufacturer of consumer electronics. In line with the principle of "creativity and contribution," the company has been dedicated to developing products that stand out for their cutting-edge technology and innovative design ever since it was founded, in 1957. Today, the product palette of CASIO around the world includes watches, digital cameras, mobile phones (not in the EU), electronic dictionaries, calculators, musical instruments, projectors, cash register systems, handheld terminals, and electronic components such as LCDs (not in the EU). In total, CASIO Computer Co., Ltd. employs a staff of more than 12,300 people worldwide. The company ships more than 100 million products each year, and in the fiscal year from April 2008 to March 2009 alone, CASIO posted net sales revenue of 518 billion yen (about 3.8 billion Euros). You will find news and product information about Casio at www.casio.co.uk.For further information, please visit www.casio.co.uk

ABOUT EMI Music Sound Foundation

EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and to improve young peoples’ access to music education in the UK & Ireland. EMI Music Sound Foundation has donated over £3.5 million in support of music education.

We are the single largest sponsor of Specialist Performing Arts Colleges and have created vital bursaries at eight music colleges/organisations to assist music students in need of financial support. We have also helped over two thousand schools, individual music students and music teachers improve their access to music through the purchase or upgrade of musical instruments and equipment.

For more information please contact:
Louisa Rose, Manager EMI Music Sound Foundation
0207 795 7000
louisa.rose@emimusic.com
Or please visit www.emimusicsoundfoundation.com

ABOUT CASIO PRODUCT

CELVIANO AP-6

A top-end model finished in a black polish akin to a grand piano Based on the AP-620, the top-of-the-line piano in the CELVIANO series, the AP-6 has been beautifully finished in a black polish even more befitting a grand piano. Equipped with a high-output amplifier and four 2-way speakers, a damper pedal with continuous half-pedal operation, 250 various instrument tones, and an SD memory card slot, the AP-6 inherits the high specs of the AP-620 flagship model.

Privia PX-3

A professional stage piano with all the sounds and various functions for playing live in a band With a slim body like every Privia piano, the newly developed PX-3 is a genuine stage piano packed with functions that set it apart from standard models. The powerful master control functions enable a total of eight banks of tones—four internal banks and four external banks—to be separately controlled by four zones. Players can assign two tones to each of the low and high registers of the keyboard. With the high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP), 64 effects can be applied to two tones, and with two assignable buttons for allocating effects such as modulation, the PX-3 can be freely programmed for practically any kind of performance. The internal tone banks offer a wealth of various instrument sounds, including highly realistic pianos and electric pianos that are often used in live performances.

Privia PX-7

A stylish digital piano with a white wooden finish Based on the popular PX-730, the standard model in the Privia lineup, the PX-7 boasts a white wooden-like finish, with both the body and stand matching in color. The piano’s refined matte keyboard provides a comfortable surface for the fingertips, while its overall look and feel project a high-class image befitting a special model.

The annual music show held in Frankfurt is the largest event of its kind in Europe and is one of the key events in Casio’s musical diary. Traditionally this event sees the launch of the coming years new instruments, and this year was no different particularly given this year is Casio’s 30th anniversary of producing musical instruments. Over the last 30 years Casio have produced over 70 million instruments of all types, but always with an emphasis on keyboards and latterly digital pianos.

One aspect of this years Casio stand was the 30th Anniversary keyboard display, showing milestone instruments through the years. This included the ‘Casiotone 201’ which was the worlds first portable keyboard launched in 1980. This display created a lot of interest from the visitors to the show and demonstrated Casio on-going commitment to the keyboard market.

30th Anniversary Models

Casio have introduced three special ‘limited edition’ instruments, the PX-3, PX-7 and AP-6. All three models utilise the latest ‘linear-morphing’ sound generation and ‘tri-sensor’ keyboard action, making the piano experience of the highest quality. Weighing in at less than 11kgs the PX-3 is the perfect instrument for the pianist on the move. For the demanding stage performer a host of advanced options are available including a 4 band equalizer and variable DSP settings. The PX-7we and AP-6bp perfectly demonstrate the two sides of the Casio digital piano range. The PX is housed in a compact and contemporary cabinet, finished in an attractive white colour, while the AP-6, the ultimate Celviano, offers a beautiful black polished cabinet finish. Full specifications of these three models are available from this website.

As with all Casio products, these instruments offer a unique combination of quality and value in today’s market place.