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

MU delegates and members of our sister creative unions on the steps of Caird Hall.

MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU delegates who supported a range of topics including Fair Work for freelancers, music as a human right, international solidarity and why ferries serving the Scottish islands are vital to cultural workers and the economy.

Published: 28 April 2026

Read more about MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026
Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians
Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists