skip to main content

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

New guidance from the Scottish Government means that singers, and brass and woodwind players, can rehearse in groups, provided certain conditions are met.

Published: 18 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Trumpet player in a red t-shirt performing to an audience who are blurred in the background. Just the hands of the player are visable.
The relaxation of the restrictions will make a real difference for singers and brass and woodwind players. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The new guidance from the Scottish Government states that professional singers, brass and woodwind players can play in groups indoors and outdoors – provided that they keep a distance of two-metres between them. This is down from the three-metres of distance previously required for professionals.

Non-professional musicians can also play in groups indoors and outdoors, provided they follow the Scottish Government’s permitted numbers for social distancing – which is currently six people from a maximum of two households (excluding children under 12 from those households). Non-professionals are also required to stick to two-metre distancing measures.

We’re waiting for clarification on how this new relaxation of restrictions may affect singing, brass and woodwind music in schools and will be updating members when we know more. Members note that local restrictions will still apply in all cases.

The relaxation of restrictions will make a real difference

Our National Organiser for Scotland, Caroline Sewell, welcomed this news:

“The MU welcome this latest update to the Performing Arts and Venues guidance and the relaxation of the restrictions which will make a real difference for singers and brass and woodwind players, both professional and those involved with non-professional music making.

“We will continue liaise with the Scottish Government and the wider music sector on this guidance and members should contact the Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Office for any questions they may have relating to their work.”

For further details, see the Scottish Government’s Performing Arts and Venues guidance for Playing Music.

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

The UK and EU flags, waved together in front of Big Ben in London.

MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme

The EU/UK Culture Forum has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin Creative Europe from 2027. The programme supports funding and cultural collaboration across Europe, and the MU is encouraging members to sign and show their support.

Published: 26 February 2026

Read more about MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme
A crowd with their hands raised at a music festival.

MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham

Taking place from 7-9 May, FOCUS Wales is an international showcase spotlighting over 250 artists and featuring industry sessions, arts events, film screenings and more. The MU will be hosting a series of coffee morning drop-in sessions, as well as an afternoon mixer event.

Published: 24 February 2026

Read more about MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham
Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

Read more about Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks