Rehearsals are permitted for working bands and individuals whose work cannot be carried out at home. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Please note: This guidance has now been updated, following confirmation from DCMS that bands can rehearse from home.
The guidance we’ve received from DCMS confirms that bands and individuals can still rehearse from Covid-secure venues, such as rehearsal studios, provided that they are a “working” band or individual, and that their “work” cannot be carried out at home.
By a “working” band – we understand this to apply to both professionals and part-time professionals, provided they are meeting with the purpose of rehearsing towards potential or actual paid engagements.
The same would apply to an individual musician who is unable to practice at home, and would need to use a rehearsal studio to keep their skills in order, for when they are able to return to live performance again.
This does mean that rehearsing together as a group of amateur musicians during lockdown – for example as a community choir or brass band who may perform but do not see that activity as an income stream – would not be allowed.
Members should only be rehearsing in venues which can be considered Covid-secure. We have recieved confirmation that rehearsing in private homes which are Covid-secure is also okay. You may find our further guidance on Covid-secure venues useful.
This is a developing situation with new Government guidance issued only yesterday. Members should contact their MU Regional Office with any queries. We are in the process of developing more detailed advice on this topic, which will be published as soon as possible.