Polling commissioned by UK Music shows about a million adults took up an instrument in lockdown.
The survey highlights how important music is, and has been, to the nation's mental health during the pandemic.
57% of respondents said music helped them cope with the lockdowns, with about a third turning to music when they feel anxious. 39% said music's importance in their lives had grown over the past year.
71% said they think it makes them more productive when working or studying.
The findings also show an eagerness to return to live events: two-thirds plan to attend more gigs than before Covid-19 and nearly half (45%) said they worry their local music venues may not survive financially.
UK Music CEO Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said:
"Combined with the huge economic contribution the music industry made pre-Covid-19, this is further evidence that the UK music industry is a key national asset that should be protected and supported by Government."