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Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

Published: 23 January 2023 | 11:22 AM Updated: 02 February 2023 | 12:21 PM
MC23 graphic on red
The Musicians’ Census will help us develop a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get the most accurate picture of musicians’ work and life in the UK.

We want to count how many musicians there are in the UK, and develop a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

To protect you, your answers to the Musicians’ Census will be anonymised.

Plus, once you’ve completed the Census, you can enter a prize draw to win one of five £300 One4All gift cards*.

Take the Musicians’ Census

The Musicians’ Census is for every musician

The Musicians’ Census is open to all musicians in the UK who earn an income from music, or plan to earn an income from music in future.

Whether you are a performer, teacher, studio engineer, composer or working in another role, we want to hear from you.

More than a survey

Your answers to the Musicians’ Census will help the MU:

  1. Support and organise all musicians whatever their background and wherever they work
  2. Improve musicians' pay, conditions, knowledge, and skills
  3. Make sure that union services are useful and relevant to you
  4. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
  5. Campaign for a fairer, safer industry
  6. Lobby Government to get you the recognition and support you deserve as the heart of a successful and growing multi-billion-dollar industry and
  7. Help the music industry to better understand, reach, support and campaign for you and the musicians we all care so much about.

Who supports the Musicians’ Census?

The Musicians’ Census is supported by organisations across the sector. Many of them took part in working groups to help decide what it asks and how to reach as many musicians as possible. They include:

  • Parents in Performing Arts (PiPA)
  • Association of British Orchestras
  • Royal Society of Musicians
  • Black Lives in Music
  • UK Music
  • PRS for Music
  • Drake Music Scotland
  • Attitude is Everything

A full list of partner organisations can be found on the Musicians’ Census website.

After you’ve completed the Musicians’ Census

For the Musicians’ Census to achieve its goals, it has to reach the full community of musicians in all its diversity, across all four nations.

If you’ve taken the Musicians’ Census, help spread the word.

You can find social media graphics, copy for posts and emails, and other resources on Dropbox.

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

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