Making Music is the UK’s number one organisation for leisure time music, with a membership of over 3,600 groups representing around 200,000 music makers across the UK. We have been supporting amateur music since 1935.
Our priorities include helping our membership flourish, lobbying on behalf of the music making community, and encouraging participation in music as a means to enhance personal and community well-being.
We offer a range of services to support leisure-time music makers. They include:
-Lobbying and advocacy: helping to guarantee that you have the opportunity to take part in music-making, carrying your voice to the decision-makers in government and elsewhere.
-Practical resources for groups: these range from our highly competitive insurance schemes, 200+ guidance articles, and specialist tools to discounts, and much more.
-Networking and development: including training, networking events, national conferences, and support near you through a team of managers in the England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
-Artistic support: an annual selection of professional artists, young and established, at specially negotiated prices, with some subsidies available; Music Bank offering repertoire searching, a member sheet music exchange and free programme notes; and national and local projects for members to take part in to develop themselves, their members and their audiences.
We’re a charity that improves the health and wellbeing of children and adults through the healing power of live music.
Every year, our professional musicians share live music with over 100,000 people from across the UK, who may not otherwise get to experience it. This includes those living with dementia, who have mental health problems, or who are seriously ill.
We believe live music needs to be part of everyone’s health and social care. Why? Because research shows that live music heals. It helps people feel relaxed and confident, and can relieve frustration, stress and isolation. Music can also reduce the perception of pain. It brings back memories and helps create new ones. When you move your body to music – even just tapping a finger – it’s natural physiotherapy.
Our dedicated music team handpicks professional musicians through audition. They’re chosen for their blend of musical talent, sensitivity and people skills. The live music experiences they create and share unlock all kinds of emotions – from joy to loss, pleasure to nostalgia. Unlocking these emotions supports people’s wellbeing.
We see people interacting with our musicians by doing everything from smiling to getting up to dance or sing.
Live music can transform relationships between patients, families, healthcare professionals, residents and carers. When people enjoy music together, they feel more connected to each other, which leads to more personalised care.