Classical at a cost

Classical music. That great stalwart of western musical culture. Something that has soundtracked so many aspects of our lives, but at what expense to those working in that community? From the crippling performance anxiety to financial pressures, structural and systemic challenges and the continual need to stay relevant, the classical music community faces significant pressures that can take a considerable toll on the mental health of all those working in the sector.

As I was tuning up for a recent pre-concert rehearsal, I reflected on what had brought me here. Not just the travel costs or sacrificing my Saturday afternoon, but the countless hours of practice spanning years. The £500 I had just spent on stands for my two instruments was merely the latest expense – I'd recently cleared years of student debt. Immediate concerns drifted into my mind: would my previously reliable reeds hold up, or would there be a last-minute panic? The familiar voice of self-doubt whispered, ‘Will I be good enough today, or will I let everyone down?’ Then there was the physical toll – tomorrow's inevitable stiffness from carrying and playing my instruments. These thoughts had become normalised, and remarkably, this wasn't even a professional concert – I was doing this for enjoyment.

These pressures – financial, psychological, emotional and physical – permeate classical music at every level, from professional orchestras to high-level amateur ensembles. Musicians face constant pressure to perform at peak levels while navigating intense competition. This combination breeds significant stress and career uncertainty and is compounded by the increasing scarcity of orchestral positions. Less discussed but equally crucial are the challenges of intersectionality, discrimination, racism, accessibility, and structural inequalities. These issues affect not only individual musicians but organisations too, impacting their ability to engage diverse audiences.

Thinking back to the performance, I remember looking over to my section leader, who is also the players’ manager. Their anxiety was evident in their expression – not just about their upcoming solos, but about tonight's attendance, staging costs and whether ticket sales would cover expenses. I wondered how heavily these worries weighed on them as we approached the concert's opening bars.

Unlike professional musicians who face these pressures daily, I can set aside most concerns after a successful concert with strong attendance (though the self-criticism can linger). But not every performance brings such relief, and the mounting pressures can significantly impact mental health.

For those who must restart this cycle daily, it's no wonder the classical music community needs mental health support. The reluctance to discuss these struggles is understandable – when stakes are high and margins tight, admitting vulnerability feels risky.

How do we begin normalising these conversations and encouraging people to seek support? One approach is acknowledging that these pressures extend beyond performers. Orchestras face multiple pressures in maintaining their community role. They must stay culturally relevant, showcase diverse repertoire, preserve tradition, and enrich the cultural landscape – all while remaining financially viable. They are expected to be responsible employers, deliver creative health programmes, promote music education and provide opportunities for artistic expression. While we often hear about musicians' mental health struggles affecting performance, these pressures equally affect those working behind the scenes.

Classical music thrives on teamwork, which is why Music Minds Matter is here to support everyone in prioritising mental health. This priority must extend throughout the community – from conductors and executive teams to programming decisions, orchestral management, and community outreach. Supporting mental health is crucial, not only for current professionals, but for the ecosystem's sustainability. We know that younger generations particularly value workplace mental health support in their career decisions.

In 2024 Music Minds Matter was able to provide over 5,000 interventions to over 3,000 individuals in music, but there is continuing growing need. The classical music community faces numerous external pressures beyond its control, but addressing poor mental health practices is something the sector can actively do. From acknowledging access barriers to supporting the pursuit of artistic excellence, we can implement measures to promote and maintain positive mental health and Music Minds Matter is here to support individuals and organisations in promoting access to the tools and strategies that can make a difference, because we know that creating and performing classical music is glorious and is transformative for performer and listener alike. The creative ways in which the orchestra is being positioned in today’s modern compositions demonstrates how it continues to remain a relevant medium through which to experience the power of music.

Peak performance – whether as a sound engineer, stage manager, tour manager, orchestral manager, conductor, section leader, or occasional player – requires peak wellbeing. We must integrate positive mental health practices into classical music's foundation, and Music Minds Matter stands ready to support this transformation.