Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Society of Musicians, together and with specialist input from health professionals at British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) has created the Creative Practice Renewal Programme, an artist‑centred, residential retreat designed and delivered by the three organisations.
The Programme will provide musicians with space for rest and renewal alongside tailored practical and wellbeing support. This partnership brings together Britten Pears Arts’ expertise in creative environments and reflective practice with The Royal Society of Musicians’ centuries‑long experience supporting musicians in times of challenge, ensuring a more effective response to the needs of those facing pressure, burnout, or crisis. This programme offers a rare opportunity to step away from pressure, reconnect with creative identity, and develop a supported, sustainable pathway for the future. It aims to create a stronger, more connected support system for musicians at all stages of their careers, helping them to recover, reflect, and re‑imagine their future in music.
The programme is aimed at music professionals whose lives have been impacted by physical or mental ill health which is affecting their ability to work. Whether working as a performer, administrator, technician or teacher or anything in between, this programme is aimed at those who are:
- unable to work or are struggling to sustain current practice
- feeling at risk of leaving the music profession
- well enough and motivated to take part in a five‑day residential programme
- working across the music profession or professionally active within the world of music and earn the majority of your income from the music profession for a period of not less than three years preceding the application
- of British nationality or have been resident in the United Kingdom for not less than this three-year period
This retreat is a carefully designed personal development and coaching programme, shaped by the lived experience of music professionals and delivered by people who understand the realities of creative work.
Over a five‑day residential retreat at Snape Maltings, participants will take part in a balanced mix of:
- creative sessions to deepen reflection
- coaching support informed by specialist performing arts practitioners
- peer support reducing isolation and building trust with fellow musicians
- restorative practices including guided rest, gentle movement, and time in nature to explore the beauty of Snape Maltings situated on the banks of the River Alde and surrounded by reed beds and walks
- perspective building to reflect on the participants career, re-inspire artistic instincts and address any technical, physical or psychological challenges they may be facing, with input from BAPAM specialist practitioners including assessments and personalised action planning, where appropriate
- Community building where all participants live and cook together is an important element of the programme
The initial programme will take place at Snape Maltings from 1 – 6 October. The programme continues with two follow‑up coaching sessions online, an online group session and a two‑day reconnection gathering later in the year to help participants embed what you’ve learned and stay connected to the peer group. Applications open on 13 April and close on 31 May. Places are fully funded and limited to a small cohort to ensure a high level of care and individual attention. Applicants will be informed if they have been shortlisted by the end of June. Online interviews will be held during July and August. More information and application details here.
Angie Lee-Foster, Programme Manager, Britten Pears Arts commented, “The health, wellbeing and sustainability of our music workforce is a primary concern of ours. Through this partnership with The Royal Society of Musicians, we’ll build on our programme of musician retreats and evolve and expand our model to better support those at risk of leaving the profession due to physical or mental ill health, supported by our colleagues at BAPAM.”
Charlotte Penton-Smith, CEO, The Royal Society of Musicians commented, “We’re delighted to be expanding our longstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing of music professionals through our new partnership with Britten Pears Arts and BAPAM. Their combined expertise will enable musicians to benefit hugely from retreats in the tranquil surroundings of Snape Maltings in beautiful rural Suffolk.”
Claire Cordeaux, CEO, BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) commented, “We at BAPAM are extremely pleased to be working in partnership with Britten Pears Arts on this valuable project, one which is close to our hearts. We are also grateful that one of our clinical partners, The Royal Society of Musicians, is generously supporting it. In our performing arts medicine clinics across the UK, we see many musicians and performers who struggle with health conditions that impact their career, spanning from musculoskeletal issues to mental health. Our mission at BAPAM is to work with them to help them to return to their creative work through free healthy practice training or advice or a free clinic with one of our specialist performing arts medicine clinicians. Managing a creative career alongside long term conditions can be challenging and with the Creative Practice Renewal Programme, Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Society of Musicians are offering a wonderful and unique opportunity to support people to reflect on changes they are making which also value and celebrate their creativity. We are delighted to be a small part of this important project.”
