Coronavirus: The Global Fermata?
With most countries now in lock down, Coronavirus has managed to put 2020 virtually on hold. It's a problem for everyone causing mental and financial strain and with the majority of musicians classing themselves as self-employed, the future is looking extremely uncertain.
The point of my blog has always been to create a community where people can feel safe in the knowledge they’re not alone. So last week I jumped on Skype and reached out to my friends across the world asking them to share their stories of Covid-19 with the hope this provides you with help, advice and funny anecdotes.
At the bottom of this post, I have put all the links I have collected to help you if you're struggling. Please reach out!
Natalie's Story (China)
To keep up to date with Natalie over the covid period you can follow her on Instagram @hallidaynatalie
For all Xi'an Symphony Orchestra updates visit http://www.xianso.org/english
Riccardo's Story (Italy)
For more information about the Andrà TuttoBene - Festival di Musica Online check out their trailer here or on Riccardo's website here.
Ragnhild's Story (Norway)
To keep in touch with Ragnhild and her story follow her on Instagram @ragnhildsannescello and on her website www.ragnhildsannes.com
To find out more about her online academy or to sign up visit ragnhildsannes.teachable.com and @onlinecelloacademy
Ruth's Story (UK)
Since this was film on 17/03/2020, we have gone into a lock down and my two auditions have since been cancelled. To all of those concert halls, trusts and societies who have been able to pay their musicians for cancelled gigs during this period we are hugely grateful!
To follow me, the blog and my story visit my Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or website.
A huge thank you to Paul Woodward who turned these Skype interviews into videos for me! Follow him on Twitter @pauljaywood.
Hopefully these videos have helped you in some way, below is everything I can find financially to help us but also, I've thrown in some mental health pages because putting yourself first in times like this is crucial.
UK Music Unions
http://www.coronamusicians.info/
https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2020/May/Self-Employed-Income-Support-Scheme-Extended
https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/coronavirus
https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/HardshipFund
https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/Advice/covid-19/music-teaching
https://www.ism.org/advice/coronavirus-stay-informed
https://www.ism.org/advice/performers-covid-19
UK Government Pages and guidelines
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
https://www.companydebt.com/coronavirus-business-help/
Global Help
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/koronavirus-covid-19/id2692388/
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html
http://www.governo.it/it/articolo/coronavirus-firmato-il-dpcm-22-marzo-2020/14363
https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/search/ausbreitung-coronavirus-1726158
Health and Wellbeing
https://www.ism.org/membership/members_fund
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Stay safe,
Ruth x