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.

Neil Patterson giving his speech to conference.

MU Motion on Benefit Application Process Passes at STUC Disabled Workers Conference

At the STUC Disabled Workers Conference, the MU called on the STUC to lobby the Government on streamlining the benefits application process and other modifications to make benefits more accessible to disabled workers.

Published: 05 December 2023

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

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

A group of diverse people of differing ages surrounding a piano singing while two play. Representing community music groups.

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Elizabeth J. Birch shares how the community music space saw her potential, and how she integrates inclusivity into her work.

Published: 24 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Call Out to MU Members Working in Health, Wellbeing and Music

The MU invites members who work in health and wellbeing to discuss workplace challenges and opportunities, including how the MU could help.

Published: 15 November 2023

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Government has withdrawn all plans to close rail ticket offices, following the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch objecting to the proposals in their entirety. Thank you to all MU members who responded to the consultation.

Published: 08 November 2023

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

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

Plan ahead

Close up of group of people playing drums, therapy by music concept.

29 Jan 2024

Online Health and Wellbeing MU Members Meeting