About ISM

We are a wholly independent non profit-making organisation founded in 1882. Without political interference or financial imperatives we express robust and authoritative views which champion both music and professional musicians. Our members come from all branches of the profession – performers, composers, teachers, music therapists, academics and advisers. We also have other levels of membership for students and those just starting out in the profession as well as for bodies such as schools, conservatoires and orchestras and those who simply want to support our work as advocates of music.

We serve the whole of the music profession through our responsive staff team, many of whom trained as musicians so understand the issues affecting professional musicians. Our services are recognised as being the best in the field. They range from legal advice from our dedicated in-house legal team to comprehensive insurance cover which includes public and employer’s liability insurance, legal expenses insurance and 24 hour legal, tax and counselling helplines. We have a reputation for high professional standards. Our Register of Professional Private Music Teachers allows members of the public to search easily for a suitable and highly skilled teacher for themselves or their children.

We also provide opportunities for professional development to our members in many different forms including seminars and local events. Our in-house magazine Music Journal brings our members on a monthly basis news from across the full spectrum of music-making as well as information on continuing professional development. Ever mindful that many decisions are taken by government and other bodies which affect musicians, we campaign and lobby stakeholders to make sure the views of our members are made known to policy makers.

Closely associated with the ISM is the ISM Members Fund, which through its charitable work supports members and their dependents in need. No other comparable membership organisation can boast such support for its members and their families.

The ISM is the organisation for professional musicians, whatever their age, whatever branch of music they work in and whatever advice or support they need.