skip to main content

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

Leading music publisher Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) has announced the appointment of a group of external advisors to work with the company, with a particular focus on initiatives around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Published: 04 February 2021 | 4:09 PM Updated: 21 July 2021 | 5:13 PM
Close up of a performer at a festival, we can only see the foot of the performer in converse shoes, near a row of pedals - the rest of the photo looks out to an audience stood outdoors.
The group is scheduled to meet at least twice a year to give feedback on HLE plans and monitor progress in respect of agreed actions. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The external advisors are all exceptional individuals with expertise and experience in social justice activism, music creation, music education and the music industry, and will assist HLE in pursuit of its vision of Lifelong Music-Making for Everyone. The group is scheduled to meet at least twice a year to give feedback on HLE plans and monitor progress in respect of agreed actions.

We are delighted to see so many MU members on Hal Leonard Europe’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group. They will be meeting twice a year to make recommendations and monitor progress.

The group includes the founder of inclusive executive search firm and diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy Blue Moon Dr. Joanna Abeyie MBE; Vocal leader and Animateur Naveen Arles BCA FRSA; Musician, Researcher, Educator and Activist Dr Diljeet Kaur Bhachu; Musician, Author and Music Education Consultant Nathan Holder; Spoken Word Artist, Songwriter, and Facilitator Miss Jacqui; Deputy Chair of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce, Music Publisher, Director, Consultant and Artist Manager Paulette Long OBE; DJ, Digital Marketer, Broadcaster and Creative Producer Vanessa Maria; Leicester-Shire Schools Music Service Deputy Head of Service, Sharon Jagdev Powell; Musican’s Union Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official John Shortell; Musician and Broadcaster Linton Stephens.

Tom Farncombe, Business Development Director at Hal Leonard Europe commented on the move:

“At Hal Leonard Europe, we’re dedicated to meaningful, substantial action to progress and support our company values. We want to build upon what we have already achieved to further HLE’s role as a force for positive change – enabling more people to learn, teach, create and make music.

“In 2020, we published a six-point action plan around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and the formation of this Advisory Group is a key part of that plan. We’re very excited to be working with this tremendous team of people and learning from their insight and perspectives and sharing updates on the Group’s work in the near future.”

Join an equality network

As a member-led organisation, the MU often asks for members' opinions on a whole range of topics to ensure that our work represents your views. Our equality networks are an important part of this process.

Find out more and sign up

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read more about How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious
Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members