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Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

New guidance from the Scottish Government means that singers, and brass and woodwind players, can rehearse in groups, provided certain conditions are met.

Published: 18 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Trumpet player in a red t-shirt performing to an audience who are blurred in the background. Just the hands of the player are visable.
The relaxation of the restrictions will make a real difference for singers and brass and woodwind players. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The new guidance from the Scottish Government states that professional singers, brass and woodwind players can play in groups indoors and outdoors – provided that they keep a distance of two-metres between them. This is down from the three-metres of distance previously required for professionals.

Non-professional musicians can also play in groups indoors and outdoors, provided they follow the Scottish Government’s permitted numbers for social distancing – which is currently six people from a maximum of two households (excluding children under 12 from those households). Non-professionals are also required to stick to two-metre distancing measures.

We’re waiting for clarification on how this new relaxation of restrictions may affect singing, brass and woodwind music in schools and will be updating members when we know more. Members note that local restrictions will still apply in all cases.

The relaxation of restrictions will make a real difference

Our National Organiser for Scotland, Caroline Sewell, welcomed this news:

“The MU welcome this latest update to the Performing Arts and Venues guidance and the relaxation of the restrictions which will make a real difference for singers and brass and woodwind players, both professional and those involved with non-professional music making.

“We will continue liaise with the Scottish Government and the wider music sector on this guidance and members should contact the Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Office for any questions they may have relating to their work.”

For further details, see the Scottish Government’s Performing Arts and Venues guidance for Playing Music.

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