Specialist Musicians' Health Services

Health and wellbeing for musicians: Our services

^{The Musicians’ Union is not liable for any theft, damage, financial losses, destruction, loss of property or injury sustained by its members using the services of a third-party provider as part of their membership benefits package.}

If you need specialist musicians' health services, we can help.

The MU has partnered with four organisations to help address problems, provide support, and deliver expert health and wellbeing services for those working in the performing arts.   Members can access expert advice and financial support from:

• British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)
• Help Musicians UK
• Music Support
• Royal Society of Musicians (RSM)

Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, and protecting your hearing is an invaluable health insurance for musicians. Through the MU, in parnetship with Help Musicians UK, you can access audiologists and bespoke hearing protection that are specilised for musicians, at an affordable price.

Hundreds of MU members from all over the UK access the Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme every year, which offers: 

• An audiological assessment and ear check-up from a specialist in musicians' hearing
• One set of custom-made, specialist musicians' ear plugs
• Expert advice on referral routes and next steps to manage any problems, including contact with your GP
• Subsidised wax removal if necessary

About the Musicians Hearing Health scheme

Important: Please familiarise yourself with the re-booking policy before booking your appointment. For further information, please see the final bullet point on Help Musicians’ FAQs

Performing musicians health support

The MU provides its members with access to healthcare specifially designed for performing artists, in partnership with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM).

The nationwide services available through BAPAM include access to:

• Free confidential clinics - online, by phone, and in person (subject to availlable clinic locations)
• In-depth medical assessments by specialist practitioners
• Helpline for advice and information on medical issues for performing artists
• Online health resources for musicians on how to keep in peak condition even when the demands of the job make this difficult

BAPAM also produces health guidance for organisations in the performing arts sector.   With detailed resources for healthcare practitioners on a range of issues that affect musicans' health, this charity ensures you will be pointed to the correct services.  BAPAM advises on hearing conservation, vocal rehabilitaion, musicans' mental health, and more.

Explore BAPAM services and resources

Help Musicians UK health services

Since it was founded over a century ago, Help Musicians UK has listened to and helped thousands of musicans.

Through Help Musicians UK, musicans can access:

• Physical health support, including our Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme
• A free 24/7 helpline offering mental health support through Music Minds Matter
• Welfare support to help in crisis, retirement or illness
• Bullying and harassment helpline and support

Get support through Help Musicians UK

Mental health support for musicians

The factors that contribute to mental ill-health among musicans range from lack of recognition and poor working conditions to tiredness, pain, and other physical impacts.  At the MU, we prioritise clear access to quality mental health support for musicans.

The statistics on musicians' mental health are concerning.  According to a 2023 study published by Help Musicans, three in ten musicans report having low mental wellbeing.  Meanwhile, a survey by Music Minds Matter revealed that over 70% of respondents had experienced panic attacks or high levels of anxiety.

Music Minds Matter

Musicians can access support, guidance and information, signposts to other specialist services and advice through Music Minds Matter. 

When you are struggling to cope, or know someone who is, you can talk to Music Minds Matter. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or even be all about music. Music Minds Matter is here to listen, support and help at any time.

Music Support

Music Support charity provides help and support for those in or employed by the UK music industry who are affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction.  Music Support helps anyone in the music industry regardless of their role.

Set up by music industry insiders, the charity also facilitates education and learning via workshops and training to musicians and organisations in the music industry.  This better equips them in the areas of awareness, early intervention and prevention.

Tonic Rider

Tonic Rider is a programme from the registered charity Tonic Music for Mental Health.  This mental health training service aims to promote good mental health in the music industry by providing bespoke educational resources.

The programme is open to all music industry professionals in the UK and consists of the following online courses, groups and workshops:

• Peer support groups
• Mental health first aid (MHFA England accredited)
• Suicide awarness training (City & Guilds assured)
• Acceptance Committment Thearapy (ACT) skills
• Emotional resilience
• Managing performance anxiety

Courses, groups and workshops are led by professionals with experience working in musicians' health.  These sessions equip musicians with the skills to support themselves, their colleagues and the wider music community.

Tonic Rider also provides free online mental health resources in the form of blogs, guides and free-to-download zines.

Explore Tonic Rider programme and resources

Financial support for musicians unable to work

The Royal Society of Musicians (RSM) is the oldest music charity in the UK. It’s run by musicians, for musicians, to offer financial aid, advice and guidance when they're unable to work due to accident, illness, stress or anxiety. 

Whatever role you play in the music industry, whether a performer, teacher, technician or anything in between, the RSM can offer: 

• Grants and financial support for therapies for physical and mental health
• Referrals to specialised practitioners and associated treatments
• Short-term living expenses

The RSM also helps musicains needing health, or support, on a more long-term basis, by funding home adaptations and mobility aids.

“People are absolutely dedicated to their art. It can be devastating to find that they can no longer sing or play. We’re able to provide long-term financial assistance to those whose health conditions mean they will never work again.” - The RSM’s chief executive Charlotte Penton-Smith