Delia Derbyshire Day 2021 to Go Ahead Online

A new programme of activities has been announced for Delia Derbyshire Day (DD Day), including five, free, online masterclasses which will be running monthly from July to November, online electronic music courses, and an expansion of DD Day’s education work.

Published: 08 June 2021 | 11:19 AM

Graphic representation of a sound wave, a bunch of twisting blue to pink dots on a dark background. — Honouring Delia’s legacy by educating and inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds on the creative and technical aspects of music and sound. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Delia Derbyshire Day (DD Day) is an annual programme of events and activities celebrating the work of pioneering musician Delia Derbyshire. This includes a series of music and sound masterclasses, music production courses and artist commissions - starting in July and culminating with an online event on DD Day on the 23 November.

Supported by Arts Council England (ACE) and The Granada Foundation, this year all events focus on the theme of imagination, encouraging participants to look beyond limitations and take inspiration from the innovative spirit of Delia and her contemporaries.

The masterclasses schedule

There will be five free masterclasses, held online with a live Q&A on the first Wednesday of every month from July to November, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm BST.

The classes will feature a series of artists and Delia experts, with the aim of imparting inspiration, knowledge, creativity and technical skills. Places are limited to 100, and further information on how to book will be available on the DD Day website when tickets become available.

Session 1 – Wednesday 7 July, DD Day artists Caro C & Mandy Wigby. Book your place now.

Session 2 – Wednesday 4 August, DD Day trustees David Butler & Mark Ayres. Tickets available 8 July.

Session 3 – Wednesday 1 September, award-winning composer Nainita Desai. Tickets available 8 July.

Session 4 – Wednesday 6 October, award-winning music producer & tape composer Marta Salogni. Tickets available 8 July.

Session 5 – Wednesday 3 November, DD Day 2021 commissioned artists. TBC.

Further details on the activities planned for DD Day can be found on the charities website.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Close up of cello player in black and white.

MU Sponsors The Night With Festival

The Night With Festival takes place 14 -15 December in Glasgow. It offers an interesting programme of classical evening performances, as well as a daytime industry schedule. MU and Regional Officer Louise Stanners Pow will also be in attendance, offering 1-2-1 drop in sessions.

Published: 01 December 2023

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Some of the musicians and supporters from the demo at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 10 November, holding MU banners and signs saying “Keep Northern Ballet Live”.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

Over 10,000 people have signed the petition urging Arts Council England to keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 27 November 2023

Male musician sat in front of a keyboard and microphone deep in thought and concentration.

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Further report findings from the first ever UK Musicians’ Census show that almost a third of professional musicians in the UK are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, due to factors such as low pay, career barriers and witnessing or experiencing discrimination.

Published: 24 November 2023

A group of diverse people of differing ages surrounding a piano singing while two play. Representing community music groups.

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Elizabeth J. Birch shares how the community music space saw her potential, and how she integrates inclusivity into her work.