Disabled Musicians

Disabled musicians face various challenges working in the music industry. Access to music education, securing access requirements, disability discrimination and assumptions about what disabled musicians can and can’t do are some of the issues disabled artists experience.

Guidance for disabled musicians

Workplace Rights for Disabled Musicians

Guidance on disabled musicians' rights at work

Using Access Riders

Get advice on how to use our Access Rider template

Working with Neurodivergent Musicians

Find out about what neurodiversity means, how to support colleagues in the workplace, and where to find further support and help

News & features

Latest updates for deaf & disabled musicians.

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

A pair of hands holding paper cut outs of human figures.

10 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for Disabled Musicians

The Musicians' Census' Disabled Musicians Insight Report revealed multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more inclusive for disabled musicians. Here we look at the recommendations we think can make that happen.

Published: 26 November 2024

Wooden blocks representing equal rights for disabled people.

Musicians’ Census Reveals Disabled Musicians Experience Discrimination, Financial Challenges and Poor Wellbeing

New findings from the Musicians’ Census reveal that disabled musicians are facing significant challenges when it comes to discrimination, financial security and fair pay, as well as poor physical and mental wellbeing.

Published: 26 November 2024

Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

In our second member blog for Disability History Month 2024, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neil Patterson reflects on his journey as an MU member and advocate for inclusion in the music industry.

Published: 21 November 2024

Maddie Morris for Disability History Month: "There Were Lots of Unspoken Rules in the Industry"

In our first member blog for Disability History Month 2024, folk musician Maddie Morris reflects on the barriers facing disabled musicians and how the MU has provided support.

Published: 14 November 2024

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Musicians from across the UK recently came together in London for the first meeting of the Union’s new Members’ Assembly, which will explore MU policy issues and campaigns from diverse perspectives.

Published: 09 August 2024

In all areas of music, there are disabled music makers, making a hell of a noise.
Ben LunnConductor and composer

At the MU we lobby on an inclusive music education, fair and equal representation and an independent living for disabled musicians.
John ShortellMU Head of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion

Imagine having to explain that you were not at your orchestral desk on time because you have just had to sit quietly in the corner eating a banana
Maya Kashif on "invisible illness"Freelance cellist, music curator

Organisations we work with

The OHMI Trust

Attitude is Everything

Drake Music

Representing and advocating on behalf of disabled musicians

At the MU we advocate on behalf of disabled and/or neurodivergent musicians to ensure their rights are upheld and strengthened – where they encounter discrimination, we’ll challenge it.

Join our Disabled Member Network

The Disabled Members Network is a space for MU members who identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent to meet and discuss issues that impact their communities, shape MU policy, and change the music industry and the MU for the better.

Join the Disabled Member Network

Representing and advocating on behalf of disabled musicians

Upcoming events

Upcoming

Young woman on director's chair on stage, in front of empty theatre seats.

11 Jan 2025

Ladies of the Stave: Secrets of the Keys

A training day based in London, for female pianists, keyboard players and musical directors.

London

See all events

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