Being the musical director (MD) of a group is a diverse role with a lot to think about from conducting, arranging music and developing the group to leading, inspiring and encouraging cohesive working.
Programme inspiration and practicalities
Discovering new music, deciding what to perform and actually sourcing the sheet music can be both the most fun and frustrating parts of running a music group. Aside from borrowing or hiring music for your group to play, commissioning new works can be a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience for music groups.
Rehearsal and performance technique
Everyone who plays music and sings, or who is a regular concert attendee knows the value of these activities – for their happiness, health, social lives and the richness of the life of their community. But as people who organise music activities and events, how can we make these benefits accessible to everyone who would like to take part, and make our group environments inclusive and diverse? If you are working with a mixed-ability group, how do you make beginners and less experienced members feel welcome whilst making sure the group is still a rewarding experience for everyone?
Alternative performance ideas
‘Come and sing/play’ events can bring loads of benefits to your group and the local community. Performing in a care home could provide happiness and boost wellbeing for the residents and your group. Explore teaming up with an existing community event such as a festival or market with your group providing the musical entertainment. Or how about making your last rehearsal of the year into an informal low-key performance?
Resources (available for Making Music members)
Program inspiration and practicalities
- The Music Bank
- Music licensing and permissions - everything you need in one place
- Top tips for arranging pieces for leisure-time ensembles
- Making Music discounts
- Selected Artists Guide
- Adopt a Music Creator
- Guide to commissioning new music
Alternative performances ideas
- Alternatives to putting on a formal concert
- Running a come and sing/come and play event
- Learn to Play Day FAQs
- Performing in care homes
- Tips for music making in prisons
Committee matters
Rehearsal and performance technique
- Welcoming beginners and less experienced musicians
- Reducing barriers for older audience members
- Top tips engaging people with dementia
- Warm up exercises for musicians from the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)
- Dealing with performance anxiety from the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)
- Health and wellbeing exercises for singers from the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)
- Exercises for instrumentalists from the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)
- 6 tips for protecting your hearing
We hope you find this Making Music resource useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the guidance please contact us. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this guidance is accurate and up to date, Making Music do not warrant, nor accept any liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the content, or for any loss which may arise from reliance on the information contained in it.
