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.

Colourful wooden symbols of people and figures in wheelchairs against a dark background, representing equality, diversity and inclusion.

MU Becomes Disability Confident Employer

The MU has recently become a Disability Confident employer. We want to recruit and retain amazing people and by joining the Government's voluntary Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to practically demonstrate our commitments to supporting disabled workers.

Published: 11 July 2024

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Silhouette of two sound engineers, in front of empty stage at a mixing desk.

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

Silhouettes of crowd in front of a small festival stage in blue light.

Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has endorsed the MU’s Access Rider to its membership and will be holding a session to explain what access riders are, why we need them, and why festivals should adopt them as a standard part of all contracting.

Published: 03 June 2024

MU Motion on Benefits Reform Passed Unanimously at TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference 2024

The MU’s motion to reform the benefits system to better serve disabled musicians passed unanimously at last week’s TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference.

Published: 30 May 2024

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment.

Published: 30 April 2024

Members’ Voice: My Journey as a Blind Drummer, Sound Engineer and Educator

MU member Steve Burge reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his career in the music industry, and his hopes for more inclusive music teaching and playing.

Published: 14 March 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

Last chance to book

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

17 Jul 2024

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event for female musicians, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

See all events

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