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ISM

@ism-music.bsky.social
1.3K followers 382 following 638 posts

We are the Independent Society of Musicians, the UK’s professional body for musicians, representing over 11,000 members. 📩 membership@ism.org 📞020 7221 3499

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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 11h
Deeply disappointing to see the University of Nottingham confirm it will close it's music department. As ISM's Naomi McCarthy says, if government is serious about revitalising music education, 'it must support music departments to stay open' ⬇️ www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/univers...
artsprofessional.co.uk
University of Nottingham approves plans to close music department - Arts Professional
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
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 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 ⬇️ www.ism.org/event/ditto-...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 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. Read the letter in full ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/ism-let...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 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 ⬇️ www.ism.org/about/vacanc...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 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 ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/gareth-...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 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: www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 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: www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🚨 The Department for Education (DfE) has awarded the National Centre for Arts Education to a consortium led by Empowering Education International Ltd (Etio), and dropped 'music' from the Centre's name. More details ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/nationa...
ism.org
National Centre for arts education supplier confirmed - Independent Society of Musicians
Organisation to run National Centre for Arts Education in England finally announced
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 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 ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Alongside fellow members of the Creators’ Rights Alliance, we are urging everyone to stand up for human creativity. Support We Are Better Than This by signing the petition, which asks Government to ensure copyrighted works are protected: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
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Reposted by ISM
Lev Parikian @levparikian.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
It’s somehow wonderfully reassuring that in this the year 2026 an organisation I belong to still sends its members a slim pocket diary.
A slim pocket diary with an abstract and colourful design on the cover, and the words “Incorporated Society of Musicians Diary 2027 on the front.
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
It's the end of another Proms season! Wonderful tenor and former ISM President Nicky Spence performs tonight, alongside acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang. Good luck Nicky! 👏 Dont miss it - tune in to BBC Two from 19:15: www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A message from ISM President, Rhiannon Mathias 📣 There's only a short time left to complete our 2026 Dignity in music survey. Please take 10 minutes to add you voice and help us in the fight to make music a safer space for all. Take part today: www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
In The Guardian today, ISM Chief Exec Deborah Annetts says Education Sec Lucy Powell has the goodwill of the sector, but warns she has inherited 'a serious problem that needs urgent attention'. Read her piece in full: www.theguardian.com/education/20...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Classically Black returns to Kings Place on Saturday 10 October Black Lives In Music's flagship classical music event brings together performance and discussion to celebrate Black and global majority musicians and composers Use code CBLONDON10 for 10% off ⬇️ www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/bla...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The Guardian is right - The arts must not become the preserve of the most privileged. Read The Guardian's editorial on music education, which quotes ISM Chief Exec Deborah Annetts ⬇️ www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on music and drama education: reversing elitism starts at school | Editorial
Editorial: The number of students taking creative subjects at A-level and GCSE is at a record low. The arts must not become the preserve of the most privileged
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A new report from DCMS suggests Brexit has cost the UK's creative industries over £200 million between 2022-2024 Watch as The Earl of Clancarty asks government to use this data to inform the next UK-EU summit, and sort out 'what should have been sorted years ago' 👇
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
NEW: ISM analysis of GCSE music shows that entries fell by 1.5% since 2025 across the UK after two years of increased entries. In England alone, entries have fallen 1.6% since 2025 and 27% since the EBacc was introduced in 2010. Read our analysis and reaction in full: www.ism.org/news/gcse-mu...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Good luck and congratulations to all pupils receiving their GCSE results today. We hope you have got the results you wanted 🤞 Thank you to all the brilliant music teachers for your hard work this year 👏
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
10,000 people have called on government to protect creators' rights 👏 This means government must now respond to the petition. Thank you to everyone who's added their name. We need fairness at the heart of the UK's approach to AI. Add your name today ⬇️ petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
🚨 Our analysis of this year’s A-level music results show that entries have fallen by 5.8%. Annual declines are unsustainable. Without action, we risk losing A-level music for state schools entirely. Government must act now and rebuild music in schools ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/a-level...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Congratulations to all students receiving their A-level results today. We hope you receive the grades you wanted. Thank you to our fantastic music teachers for another year of hard work. You continue to make a real impact on the lives of your students 👏
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The CRA's petition to protect creators' rights is about to hit 10,000 signatures - can you help us get there today? At 10,000, Government have to respond. Call for an end to AI exploitation by adding your name ⬇️ petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
It has been a special results day for music students and teachers in Scotland. Wishing all students receiving results today the very best and that the results are what you were hoping for🤞 🎉
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
The ISM is on a mission to make music a safer place for all. Our last Dignity at work report in 2022 found that discrimination is endemic in the music sector, particularly for women. Take the Dignity in music survey today ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
🚨 We're calling on new Education Secretary Lucy Powell to reverse the cut to the Strategic Priorities Grant, which will put creative Higher Education courses at risk. If you agree with us, add your name to our open letter ⬇️ www.thestage.co.uk/news/educati...
thestage.co.uk
Education secretary urged to reverse funding cuts to university arts courses
The Independent Society of Musicians has called for newly appointed education secretary Lucy Powell to reverse the government’s decision to withdraw funding from performing arts and creative higher…
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
A new government brings a new opportunity for change. That's why the CRA are calling on them to protect creators’ rights. The Prime Minister and his government must put fairness at the heart of their approach to AI. Help our mission, sign our petition today ⬇️ petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
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Reposted by ISM
Naomi McCarthy @naomimccarthy.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
It is truly awful. The @ism-music.bsky.social is writing an open letter to Lucy Powell about this that you can sign www.ism.org/news/sign-ou...
ism.org
Sign our open letter on HE funding cuts - Independent Society of Musicians
The ISM is sending Lucy Powell a letter asking her to reverse the decision to cut crucial funding for music and creative arts university courses. Add your name
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
The reports of Jared Leto's behaviour are deeply disturbing. Powerful figures abusing their position is sadly all too familiar for many working in music. Our full support is with the victims and we commend their bravery in coming forward. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Four women accuse Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct when they were teenagers
The actor and musician faces allegations from 10 women in total who say he mistreated them as teenagers.
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The ISM is joining the CRA in calling on Government to protect creators from the existential threat of GenAI. Fairness and transparency must be at the heart of the UK's approach to AI. Help our mission by signing our new petition ⬇️ petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
🚨 Hundreds of ISM members have written to new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham In music's biggest message to the Prime Minister yet, musicians are calling for five clear commitments covering music education, touring in Europe, AI & more See them below ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/ism-mem...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Want to become a music producer? Here's four skills every producer should have in their locker, according to Alex O'Keeffe ⌛️
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
What does the new Government mean for musicians? We've put together a quick guide on all the ministerial changes in DCMS, the DfE and more. Take a look ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/burnham...
ism.org
Burnham Ministry: What musicians need to know  | The ISM
A new PM brings ministerial changes at DCMS, DfE and more. Read what this means for musicians and music educators.
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Great to see the Prime Minister has announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues. This is a good first step in supporting live music. We hope it makes a real difference to music venues across the UK ⬇️ www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Business rates to be cut by 20% for pubs, clubs and music venues in England
Burnham says relief for vape shops and other ‘non-positive’ businesses to be reviewed as part of £100m plan to fund cut
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Reposted by ISM
Alternative Classical @alterclassical.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The ISM is seeking your views on discrimination and harassment in the music industry (all responses are anonymous) www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
ism.org
ISM launches Dignity in music survey | Independent Society of Musician
The ISM is seeking your views on discrimination and harassment in the music industry. Please complete our short, anonymous survey
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
TAKE OUR DIGNITY IN MUSIC SURVEY 📢 Since 2018, our research has uncovered shocking levels of discrimination in the music sector. Now we want to know if anything has changed. Is the music sector a safe place to work? Tell us today ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Last chance to sign up 🚨 Join us at 4pm as Simon Toyne and Liz Dunbar give us a fresh look at music curriculum resources ahead of the new academic year Sign up for free now ⬇️ www.ism.org/event/a-fres...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
University music and arts courses are set to lose key funding as government cuts a teaching grant by over £50 million. This decision will be devastating for students, educators and universities. Government must urgently reconsider ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/univers...
ism.org
Decision to cut HE arts funding is ‘devastating’ - Independent Society of Musicians
The Independent Society of Musicians calls on government to rethink decision to cut funding for music and arts university courses
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The ISM, MTA and Music Mark have written to Bridget Phillipson about the decision to cut music teacher trainees targets for a second consecutive year. If Government are serious about boosting music education, we urgently need more music teachers ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/music-s...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We’ve just launched a new survey on Dignity in music – will you take part? 🚨 This survey is the latest part of our mission to make music safer. We’re asking for the experiences of everyone working in music. Together we can shape the future of music. Take part today 👇 www.ism.org/news/ism-sur...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Music educators 📣 Join us next week for a chat with Simon Toyne and Liz Dunbar, as we explore music curriculum resources ahead of the next academic year. Sign up to our free webinar today ⬇️ www.ism.org/event/a-fres...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
MUSICIANS - Have you been scraped? 🚨 Thanks to The Atlantic, you can now find out if your music is being used to train AI models We want to know if you've been impacted. Search the database and tell us if you've been scraped ⬇️ www.ism.org/ai-training-...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
🚨 Music Hubs in England have received standstill funding for only 12 months, just weeks before the new school year begins. Despite Sir Keir Starmer's ambitions for music education, his Government has failed to deliver any meaningful change ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/ism-res...
ism.org
ISM responds to Music Hub funding announcement - Independent Society of Musicians
Last-minute funding settlement for England's Music Hubs is a disappointment, says Independent Society of Musicians
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
🚨 We've just released the results of our annual music teacher's fees survey. The results are valued by thousands of teachers as a benchmarking tool for the hourly fees of instrumental teachers across the country. Read the full results now ⬇️ www.ism.org/advice/music...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Today Anna Sabine MP urged Government to reinstate the music teacher training bursary, to tackle the shortage in music teachers across the country. Watch the question and the minister's response below 👇
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
We're hiring! 🚨 We're looking for a highly experienced Administrator and Secretary to work alongside our Chief Executive. Does this sound like you or someone you know? Apply today ⬇️ www.ism.org/about/vacanc...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Musicians 🚨 The Atlantic has published a searchable database of music used to train Suno and Udio. This means you can see if your music was scraped to train GenAI music models. Check if you've been scraped here ⬇️ www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
theatlantic.com
The Millions of Songs Mashed Into AI-Generated Music
Explore the astonishing amount of music available to AI developers.
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
It's taken years of campaigning to get Government to ban NDAs. Now it's time to ensure the ban protects everyone in music. Let's stop victims of harassment from being silenced - Use the ISM's guidance to respond to Government's consultation ⬇️ www.ism.org/news/non-dis...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Brave New World? has opened people's eyes to the existential threat of GenAI. Our entire creative industries are at risk. We must act now. Read the report and ask your MP to stand up for creators. Take action today ⬇️ www.ism.org/brave-new-wo...
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ISM @ism-music.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
🚨 Today the Culture, Media and Sport Committee releases its 'Cultural touring in the EU' report. It's great to see the committee's recommendations align with many of those in Paying the price, the ISM's latest Brexit report. Read more 👇 committees.parliament.uk/committee/37...
committees.parliament.uk
Cultural touring in the EU: MPs call on government to work with EU to break down barriers and boost domestic support for performers - Committees - UK Parliament
The government must work with the EU and individual member states to support artists looking to perform in Europe, MPs say, in a report that highlights the financial struggles and missed…
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