Alessandro Vazzana plays the clarion in a National Open Youth Orchestra rehearsal, taken from our story on the Adaptive Instruments Guide. Photo: ©NOYO.
UK Disability History Month 2025 takes place from 20 November to 20 December. This year’s theme, ‘Disability, Life and Death,’ explores the historical struggles disabled people have faced in having their lives, and their right to live, respected. The month is a time to celebrate resilience and community, honour disabled voices, and reflect on progress while recognising the barriers that remain.
To mark this, here is a round-up of resources, opportunities and information, tailored both for disabled musicians and for those looking to deepen their understanding and support.
Accessible funding guide podcast
Attitude is Everything have recently launched their Accessible Funding Guide, a podcast series demystifying the funding process whilst not compromising on wellbeing.
Hosted by Digital Content Coordinator Joy Addo, each episode features key insights, advice and experiences from artists and music industry professionals.
- Episode 1: Geo Aghinea, vocalist and electronic music producer, shares how they used Arts Council and Help Musicians funding to make music and buy hearing aids.
- In episode 2: Alex Etchart, social artist, bid writer and Creative Director of Sibling Arts CIC shares valuable advice on the funding application process.
- In episode 3: Laura Jones, DJ and advocate for the rights of disabled artists, talks about her experience with Access to Work, and how she used funding to make her practice accessible.
- In episode 4: Lamyaa Elgen (ELATRASI), award-winning songwriter, self-taught pianist, vocalist, and composer, discusses how she navigates the funding landscape with changing access needs.
Adaptive musical instruments
‘The Guide to Buying Adaptive Musical Instruments’ is a free, groundbreaking resource designed to help disabled musicians discover accessible equipment and funding options to support their practice.
It is the only resource of its kind in the UK. It brings together the latest innovations in adaptive and digital instruments, offering practical options to suit a wide range of needs — from one-handed recorders to conductors’ batons designed for visually impaired musicians. It also includes links to inclusive retailers, relevant organisations and available funding support.
Online networking in Wales
Delivered by Amplifying Accessibility, ‘IN TUNE’ is a series of free virtual networking sessions for Disabled, Neurodivergent and Deaf workers who live in or work within the music industry in Wales. You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend.
Each networking session will feature talks from special music guests, who will share their experience of working in the music sector as a Disabled person. This includes May Swoon, Mali Haf and Jonny Cotsen. You can also sign up for a Speed Pitching slot, where you will have five minutes to talk about your work at the session.
Upcoming sessions:
- Session 2 — Welsh and British Sign Language, 18 December 2025, 6:00–8:00pm
- Session 3 — English and British Sign Language, 8 January 2026, 6:00–8:00pm
- Session 4 — Welsh and British Sign Language, 15 January 2026, 6:00–8:00pm.
This session will be delivered on Zoom. You are welcome to have your camera on or off during the session and you may leave the session whenever you like. If you have any access concerns or questions, please email amplifyingaccessibility@gmail.com.
Orchestra accessibility study seeking participants
Playing in a professional orchestra is physically demanding, and injuries or health changes can significantly affect a musician’s career. Disabled musicians also remain underrepresented and may struggle to access appropriate support.
The University of Glasgow is seeking UK-based orchestral musicians, both disabled and non-disabled, to take part in interviews exploring the physical demands of orchestral work and how support could be improved. The findings will help inform how orchestral careers can become more accessible for everyone.
Participants should have at least one year of experience playing with professional orchestras (including freelance work; current employment not required). Interviews run until December 2025, and participants will receive a £50 voucher.
To take part or find out more, contact Eleanor Brown at Eleanor.Brown@glasgow.ac.uk.
Call for participants: access to live music venues for disabled musicians
A PhD project in partnership with the MU is exploring how disabled musicians—and musicians who face access barriers—experience live music venues in Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music. The research involves working directly with musicians, venues, and industry professionals.
Participant requirements:
- Musicians aged 18 or over
- Disabled musicians or musicians who encounter access barriers when performing (you don’t need to identify as disabled)
- Have performed at least once in a live music venue in Glasgow.
Deadline: Friday 16 January, 5:00pm.
To take part, please email s.barr.1@research.gla.ac.uk with the subject line “Musician Research Participant”.
The MU is here for you
At the MU, we advocate for disabled musicians, challenge discrimination, and work with industry partners to improve access and inclusion. We also run dedicated events and workshops throughout the year.
As a member, you can join our Disabled Members’ Network — a space to connect with other disabled musicians, share experiences and highlight issues shaping your work. These insights help us better represent your needs, while our Disabled Musicians Hub brings together guidance, resources, news and opportunities, including information on workplace rights, access riders and working with neurodivergent musicians.
We also offer a reduced Disabled Musicians membership rate which aims to alleviate some of the financial pressure that can come with being a disabled musician, ensuring you can be fully supported and protected at work.
Finally, watch our new video below featuring Diljeet, MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, as she explains what EDI is, who it’s for and what it really means in practice.