skip to main content

The MU Partners up With ‘Learn to Play Day’ for Second Year Running

Learn to Play Day is a nationwide initiative to get people of all ages and abilities playing a musical instrument and will take place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2020.

Published: 14 February 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photo of children learning on percussion instruments in a group setting.
Break down the fear that many people can face about trying an instrument for the first time. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Held in partnership with the MU, the 'Take It Away' scheme and Making Music, the Learn to Play Day initiative has been growing in popularity with a record 10,000 free lessons held during last year's event.

The basic premise is to offer the general public 'taster' lessons in order to quickly show them that they CAN be a musician.

Since being launched nine years ago, the Learn to Play Day initiative has helped thousands of people pick up and play a musical instrument. Many had never played before, while others played as a child but gave up.

This is an excellent opportunity to attract new pupils, increase awareness of your work in the local community, and break down the fear that many people can face about trying an instrument for the first time.

If you would like to host an event for Learn to Play Day and find out about the support available please visit Music For All or contact Alice Monk at alice@musicforall.org.uk.

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

Portrait of Jeff, smiling in a blue shirt.

Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield

An accomplished professional violinist, Jeff Wakefield enjoyed a distinguished orchestral career and took great pride in his lifelong association with the Musicians' Union, of which he became a member in 1952. This tribute was written by his son-in-law, David Marcou.

Published: 14 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield
Young Black musician, wearing headphones, In the foreground is a recording mic and pop shield.

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

Meet the MU’s Sam Jordan and Louise Stanners Pow at this year’s hip hop conference and festival, and learn more about copyright, sampling, ownership and collaboration.

Published: 13 August 2026

Read more about Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026
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