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makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Making Music UK
@makingmusicuk.bsky.social
310 followers 18 following 81 posts
The UK's largest leisure-time music network. Representing 4,000 member groups and 228,000 musicians of all styles, genres, and abilities.

https://www.makingmusic.org.uk
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makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Enter the @@classicfm.com Christmas Carol Competition! Submit your group’s carol recording for a chance to be featured on air to millions this Christmas.
Submissions close 24 Nov. Find out more www.makingmusic.org.uk/sspx/project...
A choir wearing red shirts and Santa hats performs Christmas carols outdoors in front of a large, decorated Christmas tree covered with colourful ornaments. A small audience watches the performance, some wearing festive clothing.
November 3, 2025 at 3:47 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Our new website launches tomorrow, Tue 28 Oct! 🎉 There’ll be short downtime during the switch. Check updates: www.makingmusic.site/ and on socials. Once live, you’ll need to reset your password to log in.
October 27, 2025 at 4:28 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
This #BlackHistoryMonth, explore music by Black composers and other under-represented voices in our diversifying your group’s repertoire resource:

www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/div...
Silhouettes of five people in different colours layered over a background of sheet music, representing diversity in music and composers from varied backgrounds.
October 22, 2025 at 2:43 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Tax relief for choirs 🎶

Leisure-time choirs deserve the same support as instrumental groups. Help us urge MPs to back this change and unlock new opportunities for choirs across the UK.
More info 👉 www.makingmusic.org.uk/campaigns-an...
A large mixed-voice choir performs on stage in colourful, sparkly outfits. The singers stand in rows under warm stage lighting in a concert hall, with many smiling and singing energetically.
October 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
We’re launching a new website on 28 Oct! It’ll be faster, easier to use & mobile-friendly. Data freeze: 20–27 Oct (please avoid non-urgent updates). Some downtime during launch. Platform sites unaffected. Updates posted here: www.makingmusic.site?utm_source=b...
A laptop partially closed on a dark surface, its screen glowing with colourful light in shades of blue, pink, and orange against a black background.
October 16, 2025 at 12:35 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Our Making Music Awards ceremony is next week 24 September from 7pm to 8:30pm. It's online and free to attend. Will we be seeing you there?

Reserve your tickets: www.makingmusic.org.uk/civicrm/even...
A hand with yellow-painted nails holds a tilted martini glass, spilling a stream of silver glitter against a pale pink background. The person wears a white lace sleeve.
September 17, 2025 at 7:04 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Today, 5 September, is the International Day of Charity. Tell us in the comments what charitable acts you take to support your music groups? #InternationalDayofCharity
A group of people standing in a circle place their hands together in the centre, showing unity and teamwork. They are wearing colourful knitted jumpers.
September 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Music groups help communities connect across divides. A new report from the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion shows why shared spaces for activities like music are vital. Find out more and about #MakeSpaceForMusic:

www.makingmusic.org.uk/news/do-musi...
A group of four musicians perform outdoors. One plays a drum, another a bagpipe-like wind instrument, another a double-reed wind instrument, and the last holds a percussion instrument. They wear coordinated outfits with dark vests over white shirts, and appear to be enjoying the music together.
September 4, 2025 at 4:23 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Outstanding entries have been shortlisted, and anticipation is high. Join us online for the Making Music Awards Ceremony on 24 Sept, hosted by our President Debbie Wiseman OBE. Free to attend: www.makingmusic.org.uk/event/making...
Close-up of a vintage-style silver microphone lit with red light, with blurred colourful lights in the background.
September 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Did learning an instrument at school give you skills you still use at work? We’re supporting #AnOrchestraInEverySchool & want your views. Take our 5–10 min survey before 8 Sept: www.surveymonkey.com/r/LPJWCBT
A smiling young person standing in nurse's attire next to a hospital beds and holding a flute. A young person standing in a grocery store next to an aisle with packets of crips and holding a baton. A young person smiling broadly and holding a violin in a playing pose. They are sitting in an office with a white desk with an open laptop on it. A young person sitting on a massage table in a brightly lit room and holding a violin.
August 28, 2025 at 12:21 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Policies aren’t thrilling, but they’re vital for running your music group well. We’ve listed key policies with resources and templates to help you get started:

www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/gro...
Two people sitting at a table reviewing documents and writing notes, with printed papers and a notebook spread out in front of them. Both are wearing polka dot blouses.
August 5, 2025 at 7:08 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Looking for composer schemes to kickstart your career or try something new? @alterclassical.bsky.social has rounded up UK opportunities to help composers at different stages find the right next step.

Read more: www.alternativeclassical.co.uk/features/uk-...
A large orchestra in rehearsal, viewed from above and behind the conductor. The conductor stands on a podium with arms raised, leading a full ensemble of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Several people sit in the foreground with open scores, observing.
August 1, 2025 at 7:04 AM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
On 21 June, musicians across the UK filled parks, markets, libraries and heritage sites with live music for Make Music Day 2025. Thousands joined in this global celebration of music-making. See how our members took part:

www.makingmusic.org.uk/news/make-mu...
A conductor wearing an orange "Make Music Day UK" t-shirt leads a group of musicians during an outdoor performance in a park. Several people watch or pass by in the background, with trees and striped deckchairs visible.
July 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
How can music groups better support autistic musicians? Insights from our recent event explore how structure, communication, and small adjustments can make a big difference.

www.makingmusic.org.uk/news/insight...

#DisabilityPride
Photo of someone playing a black grand piano. Only the player's hands are visible. There appears to be someone seated next to them. They are reading from sheet music and the player's hands appear to be in a graceful pose.
July 28, 2025 at 12:27 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Is your group looking for new material to play? We've put together a thorough directory of resources you can use to diversify your repertoire. Have a look and be inspired with new and diverse music to play!

www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/div...
Silhouettes of five women in various colours (teal, orange, brown, pink, and blue) overlapping against a beige background filled with vintage sheet music. The image symbolizes diversity and representation of female composers of colour in music.
July 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Are you running an exemplary project, activity or initiative that uses collective singing for people with additional needs? Add your details to the SWAN Project Database for best practices and share your knowledge with others!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
June 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
This is a great article from our very own Barry Holloway (Making Music's Marketing Manager) demystifying performing rights for leisure-time music and the importance licensing.

ipaware.org/demystifying...
Photo of two people leaning over a desk signing documents.
June 3, 2025 at 1:31 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Happy Pride Month! How are you going to celebrate? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️

Photo: Surrey Rainbow Choir

#pridemonth
June 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
For Creative Health and Wellbeing Week, have a look at our webinar on the health benefits of taking part in the arts:
www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/web...
A group of people in matching orange shirts and white trousers play drums in a semi-circle outdoors, led by a conductor with drumsticks raised. They are performing in a public square near modern buildings and a water feature, under bright sunlight.
May 22, 2025 at 9:24 AM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
It's Creativity and Wellbeing Week! Tell us in the comments below how you will celebrate.⬇️ More info: creativityandwellbeing.org.uk #creativityandwellbeingweek
May 20, 2025 at 11:57 AM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
The summer Highnotes is now live. Inside: INCLUDE insights, fundraising tips, LGBTQ+ features, Make Music Day highlights, and an AI choral exhibition. Click to read, download or share: www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/hig...
Cover of Highnotes Summer Issue 2025, the Making Music membership magazine. The title reads “Building inclusion” with a subheading: “An introspective look into what we’ve learnt from our INCLUDE programme.” Other featured topics include: “Celebrate Pride with Music – spotlighting LGBTQ+ member groups”, “AI and Music Creation – Serpentine Gallery’s AI choral music project”, and “All About Fundraising – improve your group’s financial health.” The background shows a diverse choir mid-performance, wearing black with pink rose decorations. A circular sticker reads: “Share me with your group!”
May 7, 2025 at 1:05 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Think jazz only lives in smoky city clubs? This International Jazz Day, discover how Making Music members are bringing spontaneous, creative jazz to historic venues and rural communities across the UK.

Read more: www.makingmusic.org.uk/news/jazz-ro...
Four musicians perform on a wooden stage in vibrant red and black outfits. A woman plays the violin, a man plays the harpsichord, another woman plays the cello, and a man plays a recorder. Behind them is a grand harpsichord and a curtain lit with warm, colourful stage lights. A swing band performs in front of a vintage aircraft in a hangar. Musicians play clarinets, trombone, keyboard, double bass, and drums. They wear smart casual outfits, with many in shirts and ties. A woman in a bright blue dress plays clarinet. The setting has a lively, retro feel. A large choir dressed in black performs in an ornate church, standing in front of an elaborate gilded altarpiece with religious artwork and sculptures. Two audience members are visible in the foreground, seated in pews, watching the performance. A jazz band plays on stage in a small dimly lit venue. The audience can be seen in the foreground. There is a keyboardist, saxophonist, double bassist, and drummer on stage. There are signs on either side of the stage with the band's details on.
April 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Composer @hutchingsmusic.bsky.social invites music groups this #EarthDay to look further upstream and go more green. Making Music members could also stand a chance to win our Green Award!

Be inspired: www.makingmusic.org.uk/news/music-r...

#EarthDay
A photo of a group of people sitting in nature listening to a music group performing. There is a forest in the background and it appears to be sunset. It has a peaceful and tranquil feel to it. A women playing a flute in nature. She appears to be deeply engrossed in her playing. A photo in a forest looking up at the trees. The trees surround the the photographer. A photo of a man standing in nature. He is throwing a euphonium in the air. The atmosphere is joyful.
April 22, 2025 at 11:39 AM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
Today we launched the findings of our INCLUDE programme. We’ll be sharing key insights on making music groups more inclusive. Explore our new inclusivity in music resource: www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/inc...

@artscouncilengland.bsky.social
A group of seven people sits and stands around a wooden table in a café, wearing matching bright orange "Make Music Day UK" T-shirts. They smile at the camera, with cups of tea and plates on the table. The café features warm lighting and eclectic decorations, including wall-mounted plates and a vintage police box in the background. Three women sit at a table in a well-lit room, smiling at the camera. Papers, pens, and mugs are scattered on the table. One woman wears a green t-shirt with a music-themed logo, and another wears a dark blue hoodie with a similar logo. A choir rehearsal in a community hall, where a diverse group of older and middle-aged singers stands holding sheet music, following along with the conductor. The conductor, a man wearing a white shirt and jeans, leans forward while playing an electric keyboard, passionately leading the group. The singers appear engaged, focused, and expressive. The room has wooden flooring, chairs with red cushions, and natural light coming in through small windows. A group of people dressed in white t-shirts and casual clothes play various percussion instruments, including drums and tambourines, in an outdoor urban setting with trees and modern buildings in the background. Some participants wear green hoodies with a logo on the back.
March 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM
makingmusicuk.bsky.social
If you're looking to include more women composers in your repertoire, check out the databases below from Donne - Women in Music and The F-List for Music.

🎶 donne-uk.org/the-big-list/

🎶 thef-listmusic.uk

#InternationalWomensDay #WomensDay #WomenInMusic
A webpage titled 'The Big List' featuring a grid of six images representing different centuries of women composers. Each image has a historical portrait or artistic representation of a composer overlaid on a floral background. The categories listed are '16th Century & Before,' '17th Century,' '18th Century,' '19th Century,' '20th Century,' and '21st Century.' A search button is above the grid, and a 'Join the Big List' button is below. A note at the bottom mentions that the list is regularly updated and invites users to contribute information or suggest names. A digital banner featuring three circular images of women engaged in music-making, set against a red background with purple and teal circular accents. The left image shows a woman playing a keyboard and singing expressively. The center image features a woman playing the cello with focus. The right image depicts a woman with curly hair, wearing headphones, writing music while playing an acoustic guitar.
March 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM