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.

Access All Areas: Liza and Keys Explore Your Accessibility Conundrums

In this guest blog for Disability History Month, MU members Keys and Liza Bec explore access and attitudes in music through a series of fictionalised advice column letters, inspired by real-life accessibility challenges.

Published: 09 December 2025

An orchestra rehearsal with young people playing various instruments, two have adaptive instruments.

MU Marks Disability History Month 2025

Celebrate UK Disability History Month 2025 with this curated round-up of news and resources for disabled musicians and anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge and allyship. Discover funding tips, networking opportunities, MU support and more.

Published: 05 December 2025

Charlie Baxter: Winner of The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader 2025

Congratulations to Charlie Baxter, winner of the MU-sponsored Inspirational Music Leader award at this year’s Youth Music Awards. In this guest blog, discover how Charlie’s career in education has focused on breaking down barriers and making music truly accessible and inclusive for young people.

Published: 26 November 2025

Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants

Take part in a study by the University of Glasgow on the physical demands of playing in a professional orchestra, and how support can be improved for both disabled and non-disabled musicians.

Published: 13 November 2025

New Adaptive Instruments Guide Supports Disabled Musicians Across the UK

The free, groundbreaking resource helps disabled musicians discover accessible equipment and funding options to support their practice.

Published: 07 November 2025

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike.

Published: 30 September 2025

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors.

Published: 01 September 2025

External resources

Attitude is Everything

Accessible Funding Guide Podcast

The ‘Accessible Funding Guide’ is a podcast series demystifying the funding process whilst not compromising on wellbeing. Each episode features key insights, advice and experiences from artists and music industry professionals.

Take it Away

Guide to Buying Adaptive Musical Instruments

A free, groundbreaking resource designed to help disabled musicians discover accessible equipment and funding options to support their practice.

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

Upcoming

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

17 Jan 2026

Ladies of the Stave: Secrets of the Keys

A free in-person training day for female pianists, keyboard players and musical directors in theatre, taking place in London.

London

See all events

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Disabled Musicians

Guidance for disabled musicians

Workplace Rights for Disabled Musicians

Using Access Riders

Working with Neurodivergent Musicians

News & features

Access All Areas: Liza and Keys Explore Your Accessibility Conundrums

MU Marks Disability History Month 2025

Charlie Baxter: Winner of The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader 2025

Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants

New Adaptive Instruments Guide Supports Disabled Musicians Across the UK

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

External resources

Accessible Funding Guide Podcast

Guide to Buying Adaptive Musical Instruments

Organisations we work with

The OHMI Trust

Attitude is Everything

Drake Music

Representing and advocating on behalf of disabled musicians

Join our Disabled Member Network

Upcoming events

Upcoming

Ladies of the Stave: Secrets of the Keys