skip to main content

MU and BAPAM Publish Performance Health: Guide For Instrumental and Vocal Teachers

The guide will assist musicians working in education and teaching to support their students’ health and wellbeing.

Published: 14 February 2023 | 11:23 AM
Multi-coloured wooden blocks spelling 'Good Health'
Musicians who teach music are often the first person a student will turn to when there is a problem. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Good health and wellbeing of musicians is key to a sustainable career, but three-quarters of musicians have health problems that can impact their creative work, ranging from minor inconveniences to career-limiting conditions. Many of these conditions could be prevented by healthy practice.

Musicians who teach music are often the first person a student will turn to when there is a problem, so the MU and the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) have developed the Performance Health Guide for Instrumental and Vocal Teachers.

The guide will give advice on how to minimise health problems by adopting healthy routines into your own and your students’ practice, regardless of age. It will also help you to recognise potential problems and know when to refer to clinical experts.

Start the conversation about health and well-being.

View the guide

Want to find out more?

Register to join our online webinar with Dr Pippa Wheble and Claire Cordeaux, Director at BAPAM, as they discuss performance health on Tuesday 28 February 4:00pm - 5:00pm.

The guide has been jointly produced by the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) and the MU. The P.E.R.F.O.R.M.A.N.C.E. mnemonic was developed for BAPAM by Dr Christina Siomos.

About BAPAM

BAPAM delivers expert health and wellbeing services for those working in the performing arts across the UK. BAPAM connects those working and studying in the performing arts with clinical specialists in this field, offering free clinical assessments. It ensures that performance professionals receive the best possible information and training to prevent poor health. It also provides care when things go wrong, to support healthy careers and aid recovery from illness or injury.

 

 

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

Martin, sat at the table of a formal dinner, dressed in a suit, smiling.

Tribute to Martin Bowen

Martin Bowen enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional bassoonist and was deeply committed to the Musicians' Union. After joining in 1973, he served with dedication as an MU Steward for BBC NOW. This tribute has been written by his brother-in-law, John.

Published: 06 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Martin Bowen
Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords