Independent Society of Musicians

07/10/2026

Deeply disappointing to see the University of Nottingham confirm it will close its music department.

As ISM's Naomi McCarthy says, if government is serious about revitalising music education, 'it must support music departments to stay open' ⬇️

The University of Nottingham's council has approved a business plan that will see five music degree programmes closed and music-related research absorbed into

07/10/2026

The ISM turns 144 years old today! 🎉

We're proud to have worked with and fought for generations upon generations of wonderful musicians. Thank you to every single member for making it possible.

Here's to the next 144 years!

05/10/2026

Learn how to release your music independently 🔊

Join us on Wed 14 October as Ditto Music take us through the mechanics of self-releasing, with tips on maximising your release’s impact and building your brand as an artist.

Sign up for free now ⬇️
https://www.ism.org/event/ditto-x-ism-the-mechanics-of-self-releasing/

02/10/2026

🚨 Over 450 people in arts and education have written to Education Secretary Lucy Powell, calling on her to reverse the 'disastrous' funding cuts for university creative arts courses.

We want Government to show us it's serious about it's aims to the support the talent pipeline, increase diversity and deliver growth across the creative sector.

Read the letter in full ⬇️
https://www.ism.org/news/ism-letter-strategic-priorities-grant/

29/09/2026

Music has the power to heal.

Here's Arva Valika, Director of Operations at CiC Wellbeing, sharing how music helped her recovery after becoming disabled, and why there's 'a big space' for it in holistic approaches to healthcare.

25/09/2026

We're hiring! 📣

We're looking for 3 new members of staff - two in our gold-standard legal team and a compliance officer & assistant to the CEO.

Could this be you or someone you know? Find out more ⬇️
https://www.ism.org/about/vacancies/

24/09/2026

'Every child deserves to discover themselves through music, and every school deserves a teacher to help them do it.'

In a guest blog, Choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone discusses the importance of music in our schools and the decline in music GCSEs ⬇️
https://www.ism.org/news/gareth-malone-the-case-for-music-teachers/

20/09/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE 🚨

The Dignity in music survey is closing on Monday. Have you taken part yet?

Your story is important to us - this research could help to make music a safer place for all.

Take the survey today: https://www.ism.org/news/ism-survey-of-discrimination-in-the-music-sector-2026/

16/09/2026

An urgent message from ISM Chief Exec Deborah Annetts 📣

There's just five days left to complete our Dignity in music survey. Will you help us fight for a fairer music sector?

Take part before Sunday's deadline: https://www.ism.org/news/ism-survey-of-discrimination-in-the-music-sector-2026/

15/09/2026

WARNING 🚨

The Dignity in Music survey will close on Sunday 20 September. Time is running out to share your story with us.

Help us tackle discrimination in music - take the survey today ⬇️
https://www.ism.org/news/ism-survey-of-discrimination-in-the-music-sector-2026/