Guidance

GDPR: Data Protection Overview

Data protection is about organisations collecting and using data in a fair, responsible and transparent way. It puts the emphasis on needing a good reason for holding and using the data and being clear about what those reasons are. It also emphasises the need to have consent from individuals (in some situations), and the individual’s rights over their data. New data protection laws (often referred to as GDPR) came into force in May 2018.

PRS: Overview

Performing Rights are the right to give a live performance of a piece of music which is in copyright. For each performance a fee will be due to the owner of the copyright for that piece of music (known as royalties), which is usually collected by PRS for Music. 

Who are PRS for Music? 

PRS for Music is a collecting society representing the performing rights of its songwriter, composer and music publisher members in the UK. PRS for Music licenses the use of its members’ music, collects royalty payments on their behalf and then distributes them. 

Youth engagement resource: Overview

Many music groups tell us they find it challenging to attract younger members. With the help of a generous legacy from lifelong choral singer Pauline Thompson, we have been able to compile a bank of resources aimed at helping you to reach out to under-35 year olds.

We'll continue to add to these resources, but in the meantime if you think we're missing something that would be helpful for groups like yours, or if you have any questions,  just get in touch

Finding music for performance – what you need to know

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.

Whether you’re looking for new repertoire, thinking of commissioning or just trying to find the cheapest option for the sheet music you need, we have resources to help.

Safeguarding: Overview

Working with both young people and adults at risk can be hugely beneficial for the individuals and group involved. It also comes with a responsibility for the group to ensure they:

Making the most of your membership - for MM Group Reps

What is a Making Music Group Representative (MM Group Rep)?

The Making Music Group Representative (MM Group Rep) is the main link between your group and Making Music. They are the voice of the group within Making Music, making sure we know what resources and services the group needs to thrive. They also receive our communications.

Creating a strategic plan

Running a leisure-time music group can be time-consuming. Getting bogged down in the small details and immediate issues, you can occasionally forget to look at the bigger picture. Creating a strategic plan will help you keep an eye on the overall picture, and provide a framework for dealing with those day-to-day details.

What are the key elements of a strategic plan?

Succession planning

What is succession planning?

It is the process of preparing for someone to take over a role from another person, making the transition as smooth as possible, and having a plan for emergency cover should a role suddenly become vacant. There are three key aspects to succession planning:

Councillor Funds index

Many local councils have funding available for individual counsellors to allocate to projects and community organisations in their area. Exactly how the funding is used from one council to the next does vary, but common themes are: 
 
• Helping local organisations to improve the lives and wellbeing of people in the area 
• Encouraging the development of, and active participation in, community activities
 

GDPR: Privacy notices and statements

A key part of your responsibilities under GDPR is to provide easily-understandable and accessible information to individuals at the point at which you are collecting their data - these are called privacy statements.