News

Post date: Friday, 20 October 2023 - 9:00am

We’re delighted to be partnering with Making Music to share Map a Muso: a new tool to connect orchestras, choirs and ensembles with professional performers all across the UK – and it’s FREE to use!

Map a Muso is a great resource for anyone seeking a musician. Whether you need a boost in your brass section, a few extra singers for your choir concert, a mesmerising soloist or an inspiring musical director, we can help.

Post date: Thursday, 19 October 2023 - 12:01pm

Michelle Devon, member of the Exeter Festival Chorus and Axminster Choral Society, talks to us about how her music groups accepted her as Michelle.

Post date: Monday, 9 October 2023 - 9:00am

Making Music, the UK’s membership organisation for leisure-time music groups, has announced the winners of the 2023 Making Music Awards. 

Now in their fourth year, the annual awards celebrate the unsung heroes of the leisure-time music sector from music creators, to arrangers, community groups, their volunteers and innovative new projects. 

The 2023 awards were presented by Debbie Wiseman OBE, Making Music President and award-winning composer, at an online ceremony on Thursday 5 October. 

Post date: Friday, 29 September 2023 - 12:35pm

Corporate Member Naxos is the leading classical music streaming service. Browse through our searchable library of millions of tracks, which includes programme notes and resources, for your next performance. 

There’s never been a better time to prepare for the coming season, and Naxos’ suite of resources makes it easier than ever.

Post date: Friday, 29 September 2023 - 12:30pm

Jonathan Owen, Chief Executive of the National Association of Local Councils, introduces the organisation and explains the vital role parish and town councils can play in supporting communities to flourish. 

Did you know?

There are 10,000 parish and town councils in England collectively known as ‘local councils’ and around 700 in Wales. In England they represent 35million people, raising around £700mil through their small share of council tax, called the precept. Together with other income and resources they invest over £2bn in local communities.

Post date: Friday, 29 September 2023 - 12:17pm

Hand in Hand, the UK and Ireland’s LGBTQ+ biennial choral festival, set to take place in Bristol on 16-18 August 2024, is a celebration of music, diversity and community. Christian Wismann, Creative Director of Hand in Hand, invites members to get involved.

Music possesses a unique ability to transcend barriers, uniting people and nurturing a sense of belonging. Nowhere is this phenomenon more evident than in the Hand in Hand Festival, a distinctive biennial event that celebrates both the LGBTQ+ community and the potency of music.

Post date: Friday, 29 September 2023 - 11:08am

Corporate member, YOURACCOMPANIST, introduces their mission, their library of downloadable piano accompaniments and their piano recording services. Helen Salgo, Director of the company, tell us more.


Photo: Helen Salgo, Director of YOURACCOMPANIST

Post date: Thursday, 28 September 2023 - 2:51pm

The Charity Commission for England and Wales have made some changes to the questions asked as part of a charity’s annual return. These apply for annual returns being completed where the financial year end is 1 January 2023 or later. 

There are some new questions around finances and structure – which will mean groups need to provide extra information compared to the previous year, but we don’t think this will be problematic for most groups.

Post date: Wednesday, 27 September 2023 - 4:24pm

We are thrilled to announce the shortlisted nominees for the 2023 Making Music Awards, followed by a celebratory evening on Thursday 5 October where we announce the winners and honour the creativity and efforts of the leisure-time music community.

The awards celebrate Making Music's nearly 4,000 member groups and their activity, and the often unrecognised talent which helps the sector to flourish across the UK. Prizes range from promotion across Making Music’s networks to opportunities for other musical projects.

Post date: Tuesday, 26 September 2023 - 12:04pm

We’re delighted to open voting for the Making Music President’s Award to the public. Help us shout about the amazing volunteers in Making Music member groups