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

Small, dark, empty stage at a grassroots basement style venue. Instruments are ready and fairy lights line the back wall of the stage.

Second Phase of UK Artist Touring Fund Opens with £300,000 Boost

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), backed by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has expanded its support for UK artists, with an additional £300,000 added to the fund and successful applicants now able to apply for up to £8,000. Applications for this round close on 11 September.

Published: 03 September 2026

Read more about Second Phase of UK Artist Touring Fund Opens with £300,000 Boost
Close up hands holding a pen and paper in front of a keyboard.

Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

Read more about Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures