Music Minds Matter: Supporting the mental health of people working in music
Music touches us like nothing else. It lifts us, consoles us, makes us laugh, love, cry and feel things more intensely.
For many, life in the music industry is a great source of joy and satisfaction. But a career in music can also present challenges and unique pressures that take their toll.
Sadly, almost a third of professional musicians alone struggle with poor mental health. And that’s before we even begin talking about those behind the scenes – the engineers, roadies, promoters, agents, producers and more. This urgently needs addressing.
That is why Music Minds Matter exists.
We’re putting mental health centre stage in music, breaking down barriers to access and supporting the pursuit of artistry by promoting mental health for everyone in music.
Kasia’s story
Kasia has worked in the music industry for most of her life.
She is a professional trombone player but has also worked at several London venues, from welcoming in audiences to working backstage, behind the scenes.
She currently works at the Royal Albert Hall, a world-famous venue that hosts roughly 400 events annually.
It was through her work as part of the wellbeing network at the Royal Albert Hall that Kasia discovered Music Minds Matter. After experiencing personal difficulties over a prolonged period, she began attending a peer support group, run by Music Minds Matter in partnership with Tonic Rider and designed specifically for those working in the music industry.
“It’s not a waterfall, it’s one drop at a time, chipping away the landscape. Even if it feels like there’s not much happening, there’s so much happening. You can never underestimate how much of an impact that one conversation is going to have.” - Kasia - trombonist and music industry professional
After attending six sessions to begin with, Kasia continued to attend and has now been part of the same peer support group for almost two years. She describes the impact on her as “so amazing, I can feel the shift.”
The difference we make
We love music. We know the music industry. We understand the issues and anxieties people like Kasia face, at all levels and across all genres.
Launched in 2017, Music Minds Matter now supports the mental health of thousands of people working in music through a wide range of services including counselling, support groups and free access to a 24/7 helpline.
Last year alone, we provided over 5,000 interventions to more than 3,000 individuals in music, but there is continuing growing need.
We rely on the generosity of our supporters to deliver the life-changing work of Music Minds Matter. Here’s how your gift could make a difference:
£25 could help fund our 24/7 mental health helpline, providing a lifeline to those in need.
£50 could facilitate connection in a safe space through self-care sessions led by accredited therapists.
£100 could fund multiple assessments for people worried about their mental health, connecting them with further vital support.
Are you able to make a donation today to Music Minds Matter and help us provide vital mental health support for the whole of the music industry?
*P.S. Our 100% donation pledge means you can be sure that every penny you donate will go straight to our front-line mental health work, helping more people across the industry with our support.