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Chapman sat in front of a piano, talking to Claudia Winkleman on set for Channel Four’s show The Piano.

Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education

Why are disabled musicians still so rarely seen in the UK’s conservatoires, orchestras and freelance workforce? For Chun, the parent of accomplished young MU member Chapman, the answer lies not in a lack of talent, but in post-16 structures that continue to close doors on disabled progression.

Published: 08 May 2026

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Marcelo and another busker in yellow M U campaign t-shirts holding pink cut out guitars at a demo last August.

Protecting Amplification in Busking

One year on from the Leicester Square busking ban, MU member Marcelo Cervone reflects on how amplification shapes public space, challenges misconceptions on busking volume and makes the case for protecting performers’ pitches.

Published: 08 May 2026

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MU at The Great Escape Festival 2026

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Conference in Brighton, engaging with key industry topics and advice on Thursday 14 May 2026.

Published: 07 May 2026

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MU Stands with Staff and Students Fighting Nottingham University Cuts

MU officials joined staff and students at the University of Nottingham yesterday to protest proposed job and course cuts, including the suspension of music courses for new entrants, as concerns grow over the wider threat facing arts subjects in higher education.

Published: 07 May 2026

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Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

The MU will once again be attending the annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath on 27 June, joining trade unionists, community groups and families for a day celebrating the history of women’s industrial action and its lasting legacy today.

Published: 05 May 2026

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The Arts and Minds Campaign: One Year On

One year after its launch, our Arts and Minds Campaign has helped put arts education back on the Government’s agenda. The next challenge is ensuring those commitments deliver meaningful change for teachers and pupils.

Published: 01 May 2026

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Upcoming events

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A finger following a music score on a sheet of paper.
14 May 2026

Workflow and Score Appearance in Sibelius

An online workshop exploring workflow efficiency in Sibelius and suggestions for improving the speed with which you input your music. For members based in Scotland and Northern Ireland as a priority (limited places available for members outside the region).

Online (Zoom)
Read more about Workflow and Score Appearance in Sibelius

Last chance to book

Upcoming

A row of miniature wooden blocks on a table. They show the outline of three people, one is an image of a head with a heart in the brain area to represent good mental health.
19 May 2026

Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

Join the MU and BAPAM for a one-hour online session with Dramatherapist Heather Turkington, exploring stress and burnout, their signs and causes, practical coping strategies, and when and where to seek support, free for MU members in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Online
Read more about Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

Upcoming

A group of young professionals at a cafe.
20 May 2026

RSM on the Road: Glasgow

Meet the Royal Society of Musicians (RSM) team, and local members and musicians, hear what the Society has been up to and find out about the support RSM offers should you ever need it.

Glasgow
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Upcoming

21 May 2026

RSM on the Road: Edinburgh

Meet the Royal Society of Musicians (RSM) team, and local members and musicians, hear what the Society has been up to and find out about the support RSM offers should you ever need it.

Edinburgh
Read more about RSM on the Road: Edinburgh

Upcoming

Upcoming

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession

No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Have you been asked to work for no fee?

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession