The Musicians’ Union (MU) is a community of over 36,000 musicians working to protect their members' rights and campaign for a fairer music industry. Being a musician puts your body and your mind under a lot of pressure, and a sustainable careerfair pay, and working conditions are good for musicians’ mental health.

As well as negotiating on behalf of members with all the major employers in the industry, the MU offers a range of services tailored for the self-employed by providing assistance for professional and student musicians of all ages.

  • 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

The Musicians’ Union works hard to support musicians’ physical and mental health and wellbeing. There is a wealth of information and support available on their website, and the MU works with specialist organisations that provide professional help on mental health. Here are some key resources that may prove useful in support of your wellbeing:


Burnout

 On the Musicians' Union website, you'll find their Musicians' Wellbeing Guidance Pack, which includes advice on what to look out for as a musician, strategies to prevent and recover from burnout for individuals and organisations, as well as further resources.Laptop with burnout symbol speech bubble

Find out more


Stress

The guidance pack also includes information on the types and causes of stress, how to go about managing it, and links to help and support resources for those working in performing arts.

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Find out more


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Performance Anxiety

The Musicians' Union have worked with BAPAM to offer guidance on Performance Anxiety, what it is, its causes and its symptoms, as well as strategies for managing it.

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Find out more


Young Freelancer's Guide to Mental Health in the Music Industry

The Musicians' Union offer support to musicians of all genres, specifically catering to those earlier in their career through the publication of their Young Freelancer's Guide to Mental Health in the Music Industry, which is free to download for non-members. You'll also find a directory of organisations supporting musicians with their mental health, for further support. 

A Young Freelancers Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry

Download now

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More Resources:

Visit the MU's 'Coping Strategies' blog to discover some other resources designed to improve wellbeing, including breath work, and strategies for addressing negative self-talk.

Visit Coping Strategies Blog

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Contact the Musicians' Union:

Website: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/

Telephone: 0207 8405 570

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