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

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025