Guidance | Page 25 | Making Music

Guidance

How to choose a teacher

Finding a teacher can be a daunting task. Finding the right instrumental or vocal teacher is not simply a case of choosing the person nearest to you with the most qualifications; you need to find someone you get on with, someone you trust to help you achieve your as yet un-explored potential.

Taking a Grade 1 exam? Find out what to expect

Don't worry - an instrument exam is about having a positive, supportive experience whilst achieving a milestone in your learning.

Why leisure-time music making matters

Why leisure-time and community music making matters (and why it could be useful for you to know how to say that)

The evidence bank

A range of reports, resources and further reading that provide evidence of the wide-ranging benefits (to individuals and communities) of lesiure-time music. Useful for funding applications, campaigns and general advocacy.

6 tips for protecting your hearing – an aid for musicians and groups

Losing your hearing can be particularly distressing for musicians. From Beethoven to will.i.am, classical musicians to pop stars young and old, many people are affected by damage to their hearing, some of which can be caused by musical activities. For example, while ‘safe’ hearing levels are around 60 decibels (about conversation level) an average symphony orchestra might perform at around 120 decibels. Being exposed to more than 89 decibels for more than 5 hours a week will induce hearing damage over time; protection against damage and prevention is vital.

How to pay performing rights (PRS) fees

This guidance will outline when you need to pay performing rights fees and how to pay them.

Tips for making music in prisons

Philip Emery, director of charity Changing Tunes and member of Beckenham Concert Band, gives a how-to guide for making music in prisons.

Should your group be a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO)?

The SCIO is a legal structure for registered charities in Scotland. It provides limited liability and separate legal identity to organisations which do not wish to incorporate fully. This guidance outlines the benefits and obligations of becoming or converting to an SCIO

Setting your group up as a charity

We can help advise music groups on establishing charitable status. There are advantages to gaining charitable status and also some consequences to be aware of that are covered in this guidance.

Marketing your events – a step-by-step guide

You’ve picked a date, booked a venue, agreed on a programme, and now it’s time to get cracking with ticket sales. This guidance will lead you through a set of steps to help you effectively market your events.