News

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Useful Resources for Traditional Musicians

Last updated: 9th April 2020

Here is a list of resources which traditional musicians may find useful during this difficult time:

FUNDING / FINANCIAL HELP

CREATIVE SCOTLAND BRIDGING BURSARY FUND
This fund is targeted at freelance artists and freelance creative practitioners who derive a significant proportion of their income from working in the not-for-profit sector in Scotland and have experienced a loss of earnings as a result of COVID-19.

CREATIVE SCOTLAND OPEN FUND: SUSTAINING CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
This fund is designed to support you to sustain your practice in a changing world. We are asking you to tell us what you want to do, and how it will help you and/or others in the months and years to come.

Funding for Individuals:
Freelance and self-employed artists and creative practitioners in Scotland can apply for projects supporting the development of their practice. You may apply for funding to work with others if your practice is collaborative. You must have a UK bank account.

Funding for Organisations:
This fund is for organisations and groups based in Scotland whose work or project involves the arts, screen and creative industries. All applicants must have a UK bank account.

MUSICIANS’ UNION CORONAVIRUS HARDSHIP FUND
The fund is open to any current MU member who:

– Is currently paying the full MU membership subscription rate, or joint MU / NEU membership subscription rate (either in full or by Direct Debit)
– Is a UK resident
– Is suffering genuine hardship from loss of work due to the Coronavirus pandemic
– Has not already successfully received a payment from the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund

PRS EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
This money is available to PRS members globally and will be offered in grants of up to £1000 each, depending on need. The PRS Emergency Relief Fund is open to those who:

– have been a PRS writer member for at least two years
– have earned at least £500 of PRS royalties within the last two years
– are suffering genuine hardship from loss of work due to the Coronavirus pandemic

HELP MUSICIANS: CORONAVIRUS HARDSHIP FUND
A new offering specifically created to alleviate some of the immediate financial pressures that many professional musicians may currently be facing.
Eligible musicians are able to apply for a one-off payment of £500 through an online form.

CREATIVE SCOTLAND: COVID-19 FUNDING & RESOURCE DIRECTORY
An A-Z of funding and resources available to those in the creative community, who have been affected by Coronavirus (Covid-19).

HMRC: SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME
You cannot apply for this scheme yet. HMRC will contact you if you are eligible for the scheme and invite you to apply online.

ISM (INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS)
SELF-EMPLOYED MUSICIANS: FINANCIAL GUIDANCE (COVID-19)

Detailed advice on what to do if you can’t work because you are sick or self isolating.

SURVEYS

THE SCOTTISH MUSIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (SMIA):
THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON SCOTLAND’S MUSIC INDUSTRY

The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is currently gathering information from as many music businesses and music practitioners working in Scotland as possible in relation to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

CULTURE COUNTS: COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) IMPACT SURVEY
This survey is for organisations and individuals in Scotland’s arts, screen, heritage & creative industries. Completing this survey will help Culture Counts to communicate the needs of the sector due to the impact of Covid-19 (Coronavirus), to decision-makers in government and in parliament. The survey will remain open until May 2020.

ADVICE

CREATIVE SCOTLAND CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
The latest updates from Creative Scotland.

HELP MUSICIANS: CORONA ADVICE FOR MUSICIANS
This page has been created to be a central source of support and advice for all musicians during the coronavirus period.

INDEPENDENT ARTS PROJECTS
COVID-19: LINKS TO ADVICE & SUPPORT FOR ARTS WORKERS

Signposting benefits, statements, support for arts workers following the COVID-19 outbreak.

MUSICIANS’ UNION
Keep up to date with the latest from the Musicians’ Union.

YOUNG SCOT: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFO FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The Young Scot website has some great info for young people.

MUSICIANS’ UNION: GUIDANCE FOR TEACHING ONLINE
The Musicians’ Union has put together some guidance for teachers moving over to online teaching during the Coronavirus outbreak.

HEALTH

HELP MUSICIANS: MUSIC MINDS MATTER
If you work in music and are struggling to cope, or know someone who is, talk to us. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or about music. We have trained advisors that are here to listen, support and help at any time.

BAPAM (BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR PERFORMING ARTS MEDICINE)
HEALTHY PERFORMANCE TRAINING WORKSHOPS

BAPAM’s Healthy Performance Training Series have now been moved to webinars and are now being offered for free to performers.

MIND: THE MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY
We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.

MITC (MUSIC INDUSTRY THERAPIST COLLECTIVE)
GUIDE TO ANXIETY RELIEF & SELF ISOLATION

A free download.

NHS WESTERN ISLES
HOW TO MANAGE OUR ANXIETY: FACTSHEET OFFERING HELPFUL ADVICE

NHS Western Isles has produced a useful factsheet offering helpful advice on managing anxiety as a result of the ongoing coronavirus situation.

CREATIVE IDEAS

ISM – PRIVATE TEACHERS: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ADVICE
The ISM have produced some guidance on online teaching. To avoid cancelling lessons, consider offering online teaching through the use of video calls on FaceTime or Skype for example.

HANDS UP FOR TRAD
A GUIDE TO HOSTING A LIVE CONCERT FROM YOUR LIVING ROOM

Are you thinking of hosting a live concert from your living room? Check out this handy guide with some great ideas from Hands Up For Trad.

#COVIDCEILIDH
Why not create a video and join in with the COVID Ceilidh hashtag online? You can also watch all the other fantastic videos which have been uploaded with #COVIDCeilidh.