The Royal Society of Musicians (RSM), the UK’s oldest music charity, is dedicated to offering crucial financial aid, advice, and guidance to music professionals unable to work due to accident, illness, stress, or anxiety. Founded in 1738 and run by musicians for musicians, they fully understand the unique struggles faced by music professionals and provide support, regardless of your role in the music industry.

They can fund emotional and physical therapies, access to specialist practitioners and associated treatments or cover short-term living expenses. 

In the last year, the RSM helped 520 beneficiaries with financial support, giving out grants of £1,106 on average. Grants were awarded for living expenses, musculoskeletal treatment (including physiotheraphy, osteopathy and hand therapy), and mental health (including psychiatry, DBT and psychotherapy).

A musician sitting in the orchestra turns a page of musicFind out about Financial Support

.

Based in London, the RSM provides support across the UK to ensure that all UK-based musicians can benefit from its work.

The RSM help musicians right from the very beginning of their careers - if you, or a musician you know, is struggling with their physical or mental health and it's affecting their ability to work, contact the RSM today in confidence.

Apply for Support

Webinars and Events

Alongside their support services, the RSM runs a regular programme of webinars and events focused on musicians’ health, wellbeing and professional resilience, including the Healthy Practice series delivered with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM).

These free online sessions explore topics such as performance anxiety, physical health, injury prevention and sustainable working practices, offering practical advice grounded in specialist medical expertise and an understanding of musicians’ careers.

As part of Musicians’ Mental Health Month, we're highlighting one key session: “RSM and BAPAM Present: Self-esteem, Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome” on 27th May 2026. In this webinar, counsellor and psychotherapist Laura Duenster explores the signs of low self-esteem, imposter syndrome and perfectionism, and shares strategies to challenge these thought patterns and build healthier confidence in the face of the pressures musicians often experience.

Man wearing headphones has his head in his hands

RSM and BAPAM Present: Self-esteem, Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome

From a young age musicians are training to be performers with regular feedback from those closest to them. This can be internalised and can lead to low self-esteem and self-doubting behaviour.

.

You can explore the full programme of upcoming RSM webinars and events on their website.

View the Healthy Practice Series

.


Signing up to the 21cMusician newsletter gives you access to the latest content, advice and support, as well as exclusive offers and job listings! 

Sign up to the 21cMusician Newsletter