skip to main content

Women in Music Panel Offer Their Advice for #IWD2016

We asked each member of our International Women’s Day, Women in Music panel for the one piece of advice they would offer women working in the industry.

Published: 16 March 2016 | 12:00 AM Updated: 05 July 2021 | 5:14 PM
Portrait of Rita Ray at Women in Music Panel

We asked each member of our International Women’s Day Women in Music panel for one piece of advice for women working in the industry. Here’s what they had to say…

“Look after each other; it’s not a competition. Speak up and speak out.” – Claire Mooney (songwriter and performer)

“Get on and do it.  No-one owes you a living. If you want to do it, you’ll find a way. Find other women who are doing it and connect with them.” – Rita Ray (writer, composer, DJ)

“Focus on educating people. Find other types of music, music that isn’t as popular and connect with that.” – Sara Lowes (writer and performer)

“If you can’t find it, create it yourself. Most successful women made a point of not settling. Don’t take shit from anyone.” – Rebecca Pickles (vocalist, event manager and one-third of The Pipettes)

“Don’t forget how far we have already come. Don’t limit yourself and do it for you.” – Jote Osahn (violinist, string arranger and composer)

“I’m never going to apologise again. Never apologise for being yourself.” Natalie McCool (singer, songwriter and guitarist)

Catch up with the highlights of our Women In Music panel event, in which Claire, Rita, Sara, Rebecca, Jote and Natalie discuss the challenges facing women in the music industry, and how we can overcome them.

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

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Read more about Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification
A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey
Close up of someone composing. They are holding an acoustic guitar while sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, whilst also writing notes on a tablet.

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers