Setting up a group

We have developed two new template governing documents for music groups. They are both for non-charitable unincorporated associations:

• Non-charitable unincorporated association - with a wider membership
• Non-charitable unincorporated association - without a wider membership

Each document is available below as a PDF with notes and guidance on how to use it, and as a Word doc without notes to make it easy for you to use and insert your group’s details.

Before you use the document we suggest you read:

When you are starting a music group thinking about the formal structure is not necessarily top of the list. But as groups grow and become more stable it is a good idea to start thinking about how your group is structured.

When you are starting a music group thinking about the formal structure is not necessarily top of the list. With finding venues, members and music you have plenty on your plate without creating more paperwork and admin - and to be honest an informal, flexible approach can be useful when you are getting things off the ground. But as groups grow and become more stable it is a good idea to start thinking about a formal structure for your group.

This model contract has been developed to provide a starting point for negotiations when engaging a Music Director.

This is a template Health and Safety Policy for use by Making Music members. It is based on the template provided by the Health and Safety Executive and is designed to be a starting point for your policy:

Members of Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) explain how a group created to cater for people unable to commit to weekly rehearsals has grown into a flourishing hub of innovation.

Background

The Aldworth Philharmonic is a project-based orchestra in Reading, Berkshire. By that, we mean that we only rehearse shortly before each event we put on, rather than holding regular weekly rehearsals. A typical rehearsal schedule for us is made up of 4 of 5 rehearsal days mainly over the weekends immediately leading before a performance.  

This guidance explores how to go about starting a new group. It is a collection of ideas and tips structured in a way that we hope will help you to move forwards with your plan from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is the last of four sections and focusses on looking to the future to ensure your group is sustainable in the long term.

This guidance explores how to go about starting a new group. It is a collection of ideas and tips structured in a way that we hope will help you to move forwards with your plan from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is the third of four sections and focusses on finding members and fostering a group culture.

This guidance explores how to go about starting a new group. It is a collection of ideas and tips structured in a way that we hope will help you to move forwards with your plan from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is the second of four sections and focusses on the practicalities of setting up a group.

If you’re thinking of starting a new leisure-time choir, band, orchestra, or music group of any genre, our tips and guidance will help you move from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is first of four sections and outlines the process for deciding upon a clear vision for any amateur music group.