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

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre
Two parents holding their new born baby at home.

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) is hosting two in-person roundtables in Wales this May and June, inviting freelancers and organisations to share their experiences of balancing touring with caring responsibilities and help develop practical solutions for a more inclusive sector.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales
Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)