skip to main content

Screened Auditions

The MU advocates the use of screened auditions in orchestras as they are a crucial part of promoting fairer opportunities for musicians from all backgrounds to earn a position in an orchestra.

Last updated: 30 March 2022

Screened auditions – whether one, or a series of auditions – before reaching the trial period, are a crucial part of increasing diversity. Adopting this method would be a step towards eliminating claims of unconscious bias, discrimination or that musicians have been employed to meet diversity quotas.

Screened auditions promote fairer opportunities for musicians from all backgrounds to earn a position in an orchestra.

Overcoming unconscious bias

Overcoming unconscious bias is not a simple task. The screen removes any bias from the initial audition process along with other measures to make sure the panel are not aware of the player’s ethnicity, gender or age and the audition is judged solely on performance with no consideration of the musician’s appearance.

Without screened auditions it may not be possible to remove bias from the audition process that could make it more difficult to determine the most capable musicians for each position.

Representation is key to the success of orchestras

Creating orchestras that are representative of the society in which they perform is crucial to the continued success of the orchestral sector.

Screened auditions may not be ideal and may be more complex to operate but if the result is greater representation of underrepresented musicians, then the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Be sure your voice is heard - and help make the music industry a better place for every musician. At the MU we stand for equal opportunities and inclusion for musicians, and aim for the industry to be more diverse and representative.

Be a changemaker 

Learn what we do to make the industry inclusive and diverse, and how you can get involved in making a change.

Get involved

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Member representation

Latest news and features

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Read more about Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music
A violinist playing as part of a live orchestra performance.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment.

Published: 30 April 2024

Read more about MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras
An almost silhouette of a women from behind in front of a stage in the spotlight.

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Read more about Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music
Vulva Voce standing in a dark room holding their instruments.

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

In this blog, all-female genre-defying string quartet Vulva Voce celebrate their recent involvement in a world record for the longest acoustic music live-streamed concert, and share the powerful reminder that music written and performed by women and non-binary people is abundant and limitless.

Published: 06 March 2024

Read more about International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music
General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Read more about 2023 End of Year Round Up

Contact MU Equalities

If you’re passionate about bringing about change and tackling discrimination, or you’d like to discuss any other matter related to equalities, get in touch.