Musicians' Wellbeing Guidance Pack

A career in music, viewed from the outside, can appear blessed. Yet for many on the inside its spiritual and occasional material rewards can easily be hijacked by workplace-induced anxiety and depression, the pain of performing while injured, addiction, concerns about money, or worries about finding the next gig. Musicians were once expected to suffer in silence, an odd condition given the very audible nature of their profession.

The days of telling someone trapped in the headlights of stage fright or mired in depression to ‘stick it on your face and blow’ may not be completely over. But campaigns to address mental health problems and raise awareness of wellbeing at work are beginning to eclipse old prejudices against anyone unwilling to ignore red-flag warnings from body or mind.

Where musicians can find help to support health and wellbeing

The MU is aware of the many threats to the health and wellbeing of musicians, from the strains of working harder well beyond the time when past generations would retire, to the pitfalls of the touring lifestyle. The MU has forged partnerships with four organisations able to help musicians address problems long before they spiral out of control, and provide expert advice or financial support at times of crisis.

The quartet comprises the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), Help Musicians UK, Music Support and the Royal Society of Musicians (RSM).

Learn more about specialist healthcare services for musicians.

Self-help techniques that empower musicians

Explore BAPAM's health resources.

Learn about how you can practise your self-help techniques with Feldenkrais workshops, mediation training and yoga course tailored for musicians.

Learn about what is imposter syndrome and what you can do about it.

Wellbeing on tour

Check out a healthy touring package for wellbeing on tour developed through the Do It Differently fund for independent musicians.

Find out how musicians can maintain a healthy diet and avoid the temptations of motorway services and takeaways in our feature on eating heathily on tour.