Open resource

We know how important music groups are to the people in them. It goes beyond the music, and is as much about social connections, wellbeing and shared creativity - all of which have been hit hard by coronavirus (COVID-19). However, a positive factor that has come out of this is the fantastically creative ways people are finding to stay in touch and keep making music. 

Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, many of us who are fluent in the language of technology take it for granted that we can still carry out much of our daily lives through the internet, from banking to food shopping, to meeting our friends and making music together. But there are many people who would like to do this and have no idea how to get online.

Perhaps they have never had the need to go online before and don’t want to ask. Maybe they have even tried before and failed to join in and are too embarrassed to say so.

A livestream performance is one that is broadcast live over the internet, offering a digital route to audiences as an alternative to in-person performances. 

We know that leisure-time music groups across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges to their activities. So this month, we are offering free access to some of our resources to help groups stay connected musically and socially.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is an online platform that allows you to have a meeting virtually, everyone is in their own homes and can hear and see each other.

Do I need the internet to use it?

Zoom is most commonly used on a device connected to the internet. But you can also dial in using a normal phone line, in this case the person can hear and be heard but cannot see or be seen.

Can I use it on any device connected to the internet?

This resource covers how to use the online meeting platform Zoom for online instrumental rehearsals. To find out more about Zoom and how to set it up, read our Zoom: how it works resource. 

This resource covers how to use the online meeting platform Zoom for online choir rehearsals. To find out more about Zoom and how to set it up, read our Zoom: how it works resource.

Marketing is a broad term and covers a huge range of activities. From researching potential audiences to composing social media posts, choosing your group's 'brand colours' to deciding on ticket prices: these activities all feed into how your group is seen; how potential members, audiences and supporters feel about it; and whether they decide to engage with you.

At Making Music we work with over 3,700 music groups around the country so we have a pretty good overview of what’s out there, how running a music group works, and some of the common challenges that groups face today. Even with so many groups already out there we hear from people interested in starting up new groups all the time.

Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) is a government initiative that means instrumental groups could receive a payment from HMRC equal to a percentage of their production costs.

Despite being called 'Orchestra Tax Relief':

• the initiative can apply to many types of instrumental group – so don’t be put off if your group is not a traditional orchestra 
• you don’t have to be paying tax to claim it.   

Groups who put on eligible performances can submit a claim to HMRC each year for the payment. 

Being the music director (MD) of a group is a diverse role with lots to think about from conducting, arranging music and developing the group to leading, inspiring and encouraging cohesive working. We have put together a range of guidance, resources and opportunities that MDs might find useful.