skip to main content

Women in Music Panel Offer Their Advice for #IWD2016

We asked each member of our International Women’s Day, Women in Music panel for the one piece of advice they would offer women working in the industry.

Published: 16 March 2016 | 12:00 AM Updated: 05 July 2021 | 5:14 PM
Portrait of Rita Ray at Women in Music Panel

We asked each member of our International Women’s Day Women in Music panel for one piece of advice for women working in the industry. Here’s what they had to say…

“Look after each other; it’s not a competition. Speak up and speak out.” – Claire Mooney (songwriter and performer)

“Get on and do it.  No-one owes you a living. If you want to do it, you’ll find a way. Find other women who are doing it and connect with them.” – Rita Ray (writer, composer, DJ)

“Focus on educating people. Find other types of music, music that isn’t as popular and connect with that.” – Sara Lowes (writer and performer)

“If you can’t find it, create it yourself. Most successful women made a point of not settling. Don’t take shit from anyone.” – Rebecca Pickles (vocalist, event manager and one-third of The Pipettes)

“Don’t forget how far we have already come. Don’t limit yourself and do it for you.” – Jote Osahn (violinist, string arranger and composer)

“I’m never going to apologise again. Never apologise for being yourself.” Natalie McCool (singer, songwriter and guitarist)

Catch up with the highlights of our Women In Music panel event, in which Claire, Rita, Sara, Rebecca, Jote and Natalie discuss the challenges facing women in the music industry, and how we can overcome them.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords