Healthcare Services for Musicians

The MU has forged partnerships with four organisations able to help individuals 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).

Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Protect your hearing and access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection at an affordable price.

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

• 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

Find out more about the scheme

Healthcare for performing artists

The MU provides its members with access to healthcare expressly 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 is also producing health guidance for performing arts sector organisations and healthcare practitioners on a number of issues that affect musicians, such as hearing conservation, vocal rehabilitation, and mental health and wellbeing services, which are very helpful in ensuring musicians are signposted to the correct services for treatment.

Explore BAPAM services and resources

Health and welfare for musicians

Help Musicians has listened to and helped thousands of musicians since its foundation almost a century. The charity collaborates across the industry to support musicians and those who work with them. Through Help Musicians musicians can get:

• Physical health support, including our Musicians' Hearing Scheme
• Mental health support, including the 24/7 counsellor support service https://explore.musicmindsmatter.org.uk/
• Welfare support to help in crisis, retirement or illness
• Bullying and harassment helpline and support

Get support through Help Musicians

Mental health and emotional support

• Musicians can access emotional support, advice and information, signposts to other specialist services, debt and legal 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 about music. The Music Minds Matter Counsellors are here to listen, support and help at any time. Visit Music Minds Matter.
• Music Support is a charity that provides help and support for those in or employed by the UK music industry, affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction. The charity also facilitates education and learning via workshops and training to musicians and organisations in the music industry, so they may be better equipped in the areas of awareness, early intervention and prevention.

Watch Music Support’s campaign and film ‘Without You, There is No Music’ below, which aims to shine a light on the charity’s work by raising awareness of the services and resources it provides. (Video: Music Support, BBC Creative and Goldsmiths University of London).

Financial and health 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 them financial aid, advice and guidance when they are 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 for physical and emotional therapies 
• Referrals to specialised practitioners and associated treatments
• Short-term living expenses

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

 If you’re a music professional unable to work because of your physical or mental health, the RSM can help get you back on track with financial assistance, advice and guidance. 

“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 

Mental health training

Tonic Rider is a programme from the registered charity Tonic Music for Mental Health with the aim of promoting good mental health in the music industry by providing bespoke training and support. 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 (funded by Help Musicians)
• Mental health first sid (MHFA England accredited)
• Suicide first aid lite (City & Guilds assured)
• ACT skills
• Emotional resilience
• Managing performance anxiety
• Wellbeing group

Courses, groups and workshops are led by facilitators with experience working in mental health and music, each using a non-clinical approach to equip music industry professionals 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 videos including:

• Everybody Hurts: Help with Depression
• Suicide Prevention Safety Plan

Explore Tonic Rider programme and resources