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Guidance for disabled musicians

News & features

Latest updates for deaf & disabled musicians.

Musician with short pink hair, sat in a wheelchair at a desk in front of a laptop, mic and pop shield.

MU Supports Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s First Conference on Disability and Music

This May Cheltenham Jazz Festival will host the first Access To Music Conference, which will see industry figures gather together to explore the challenges faced by disabled people participating in music and live events. Tickets are now on sale for both in-person and online attendance.

Published: 21 February 2024

Read more about MU Supports Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s First Conference on Disability and Music
Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Read more about 2023 End of Year Round Up

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Read more about Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here
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Ben Lunn

In all areas of music, there are disabled music makers, making a hell of a noise.

Ben LunnConductor and composer
John Shortell

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
Maya Kashif

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

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

Plan ahead

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