Protecting Our Performers: Why the Music Industry Needs an Occupational Health Service
In the latest edition of MBUK, the leading trade magazine for the UK music business, our CEO Claire Cordeaux wrote about the industry’s need for an occupational health service.
As a clinically-led organisation providing services to the UK’s performing arts sector over the past 40 years, BAPAM is at the forefront of treating nuanced health issues – psychological and physical – encountered by performers, artists and creators. Whether it is the voice of a singer, the shoulders of a violinist, the hands of a pianist, the arms of a drummer, or an artist experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, each case requires highly specialised clinical support. Services must be safe, high quality, equally accessible to all, and backed with proven clinical expertise.
We believe there needs to be a common set of standards agreed, implemented and upheld by all players in music to preserve the health of the talented individuals upon whom this industry is built. We’re working with many partners to enhance the support available, from Help Musicians, the Musicians’ Union, PRS Members’ Fund, PPL and the Royal Society of Musicians.
The development of a comprehensive occupational health service for the performing arts is achievable, but it relies on the combination of funding, collaboration, open communication and the effective adoption of agreed standards by all. BAPAM has the infrastructure and expertise to carry this out, but reaching scale is only possible with the industry’s buy in.
Subscribers to MBW+ can read the article in print or online now.
If you’re interested in finding out more, please get in touch.