Help for musicians during the time of coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak has hit professional musicians hard. With concerts and face-to-face lessons cancelled, many are facing a massive drop in their incomes. It’s having a huge impact, both financially and on musicians’ mental health.
The United Kingdom Harp Association has put together this list of resources of practical and financial help for musicians, including ideas on how to teach and perform online. The resources are harp-tinged, but useful for all musicians.
Financial help for professional musicians
1. Coronamusicians
Help Musicians has created this website as a centralised source of information for musicians during the coronavirus period. There are links to financial help, government advice, legal advice and health issues.
2. MusiciansUnion
There is an easy-to-use advice finder on the website and the latest news on how the MU is lobbying the government. You can also get information about applying for the MU Coronavirus emergency fund.
3. PRS
The PRS emergency relief fund is open for applications. They are also inviting donations.
4. Arts Council England.
Information about the fund set up for individuals working in the cultural sector.
5. Creative Scotland
Three funds are available for Scottish musicians during this period.
6. Arts Wales
Information about how Welsh musicians can apply for the Arts Resilience Fund.
7. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Advice and funding opportunites for musicians in Northern Ireland.
8. Understanding Universal Credit
Understanding how Universal Credit might apply to your self-employed status.
9. Understanding your rights
An article from Moneysaving Expert about your rights during coronavirus.Useful video links for online teaching and performing
1. Online Teaching Webinar
A thorough and useful webinar from the Namm Institute covering aspects of teaching online.
2. Harp teaching via Zoom.
A useful ‘how to’ tutorial from US harpist Anne Crosby Gaudet, giving both the teacher’s and student’s perspective.
3. How to use the Accapella app
A fun one! If you want to try doing a collaboration video with another musician, here is a YouTube tutorial on how to use the popular Acapella app.
4. Earn money when you go ‘live’
How to monetise your online performances.One more thing
You might find this recent blog helpful:
How to manage your mind in a pandemic