Help Musicians and the Musicians’ Union have unveiled the initial findings of the inaugural UK Musicians’ Census
This comprehensive survey, based on detailed responses from nearly 6,000 UK musicians, marks the largest survey of its kind, aiming to shed light on the careers and challenges faced by music creators across the UK.
The UK Musicians’ Census is part of a long-term project set to recur every three to five years, providing invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of the music industry. This first report presents unique insights into the demographics of UK musicians and the hurdles they face.
Earnings and financial challenges:
Despite 70% of professional musicians holding a degree or higher (50% hold a music degree specifically), the census found that the average annual income from music work in the UK is a modest £20,700. Alarmingly, 43% of musicians earn less than £14,000 per year, forcing many to seek supplementary income from other industries. For those relying solely on music, the average income is around £30,000, contrasting sharply with the UK’s median income of £33,280 (ONS) and the average salary for degree-holders of £38,500 (GOV.UK).
Moreover, 23% of musicians admitted they do not earn enough to support themselves or their families, with 44% identifying insufficient income as a significant barrier to their musical careers. The financial strain is even more pronounced among musicians with mental health conditions (30%) and Black/Black British musicians (28%), with 17% of musicians reporting being in debt.
Portfolio careers and barriers:
Many musicians now pursue portfolio careers, juggling jobs outside the music industry to support their musical careers. Over half (53%) source income from non-musical employment, with two-thirds (62%) securing additional funds through alternative jobs, family and friends (14%), or government benefits (12%). The majority (75%) of musicians with supplementary income do so out of financial necessity.
The census further reveals that 80% of musicians face one or more career-restricting barriers. These include financial obstacles such as equipment costs (30%), transportation expenses (27%) and training fees (18%). Other impediments cited are the absence of clear career progression routes (36%),
a lack of industry connections (25%) and unsociable working hours (22%).
Resilience and adaptability:
Despite these challenges, musicians display remarkable resilience and adaptability. The census indicates that, on average, a working musician assumes three to four different roles in the music industry and engages in four to five different genres while playing two to three instruments.
Sarah Woods, Chief Executive of Help Musicians, emphasised the importance of these findings, stating, “The Musicians’ Census 2023 not only offers unique insight into the make-up of the musicians’ community across the UK but also paints a picture of the distinctive set of challenges musicians face to sustain a career in music.”
The first report from the Musicians’ Census 2023 is available at musicianscensus.co.uk