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Everything that you need to know to access our services effectively
Unleashing Creativity, Synchronized.
Unleashing Creativity, Synchronized.
At SyncSupport.org, we believe that accessibility challenges should never be a curtain call for your musical career. We are a specialized agency dedicated to bridging the gap between artistic genius and the logistical hurdles of the industry. Whether you are navigating the world with a vision impairment, managing the unique rhythms of ADHD, or overcoming sensory barriers, our expert workers are trained to "sync" with your creative process. From managing complex tour schedules and setting up adaptive studio gear to providing on-stage assistance, we handle the friction so you can focus entirely on the sound. We don't just provide support—we provide the foundational harmony that ensures your music remains fully accessible to the world, and the stage remains fully accessible to you.
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Funding Your Support Through "Access to Work"
Funding Your Support Through "Access to Work"
If you are a musician based in England, Scotland, or Wales, you may be eligible for the government’s Access to Work grant to cover the costs of our services. This scheme is designed specifically to help people with accessibility needs stay in work or start a business, and it is a vital resource for the music industry where so many of us are self-employed. Whether you need a support worker for a UK tour, assistance navigating a recording studio with a vision impairment, or a job coach to help manage the administrative side of a neurodivergent creative career, Access to Work can provide a grant to pay for these essential adjustments.
To use SyncSupport.org through this scheme, you can apply online at GOV.UK as soon as you have a confirmed gig, a job offer, or your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for self-employment. The best part? If you are self-employed or have been in a new job for less than six weeks, the grant typically covers 100% of the costs, meaning you can access our specialized support without dipping into your performance fees or session pay. We recommend applying as early as possible—up to 12 weeks before a project starts—to ensure your funding is synchronized with your creative schedule.
Funding for Freelance Musicians
Funding for Freelance Musicians
Access to Work Funding caters for the 72% of musicians who work as freelancers and is not just for "traditional" employees.
We know that the music industry thrives on independence. If you are a freelance musician, session player, or sound engineer, Access to Work is specifically designed to support your "portfolio career." You do not need a permanent employer to apply; you simply need to be registered as a sole trader with a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). The grant can be applied to the ad-hoc nature of music work—covering support workers for one-off festival dates, international tours, or sporadic studio sessions. For freelancers, the scheme recognizes that your "workplace" changes every night, and it provides the flexibility to ensure SyncSupport is there whenever and wherever the music takes you.
Key "Freelancer" Points to Consider:
Key "Freelancer" Points to Consider:
The "Turnover" Rule: To be eligible, you generally need to show (or project) a turnover of at least £6,708 per year (the Lower Earnings Limit for 2026/27).
New to Freelancing? If you are just starting out, you can get "Test Period" support for the first 12 months to help you get your career off the ground before you have to prove your earnings.
No "Employer Contribution": Unlike large companies who have to pay a portion of the costs, self-employed musicians usually have 100% of their support costs covered by the grant.
The "UTR" is Key: Your 10-digit Taxpayer Reference is the primary piece of evidence the DWP will ask for to prove you are a working professional.
What is a UTR number?
A UTR number is a 10-digit identifier that HMRC assigns to track your tax account and match payments to bills.
You get your UTR number automatically when you register for Self Assessment. You may have separate UTR numbers for your personal and business taxes.
Funding for Employed Musicians
Funding for Employed Musicians
Funding for Employed Musicians
Funding for Employed Musicians
While many in our community are independent, we also provide specialized support for musicians, educators, and technicians in permanent or fixed-term employment. If you are employed by a venue, an orchestra, a university, or a production company, the Access to Work scheme remains your primary tool for securing accessibility support at no personal cost to you.
Partnering with Your Employer
Partnering with Your Employer
As an employee, the application process is very similar to that of a freelancer, but it involves a collaborative conversation with your employer. Here is how it works:
Support Workers are 100% Funded: In almost all cases, the government covers 100% of the cost for support workers (like those from SyncSupport.org) and travel-to-work costs, regardless of the size of your company.
The "Six-Week" Rule: If you apply within the first six weeks of starting a new job, the government typically covers the full cost of all adjustments. If you have been in your role longer, your employer may be asked to make a small "cost-share" contribution toward equipment, but specialized support staff are usually still fully funded.
Reasonable Adjustments vs. Access to Work: Your employer has a legal duty to provide "reasonable adjustments" (like an accessible desk). SyncSupport provides the additional specialized assistance—such as a dedicated ADHD coach or a sight-guide for touring—that goes above and beyond these standard requirements.
How to Apply as an Employee
How to Apply as an Employee
Start the Conversation: Let your manager or HR department know you intend to apply. Remind them that this grant is designed to support the business as much as it supports you.
Apply Online: Visit the GOV.UK portal. You will need your National Insurance number and a workplace contact (usually your line manager).
Workplace Assessment: An advisor may contact you to discuss your role. We can provide you with a specific SyncSupport quote and "Statement of Requirements" to hand directly to your advisor to speed up the process.
Employer Tip: Many organizations are hesitant because they fear hidden costs. You can reassure them that SyncSupport handles the administrative logistics of the support staff, and the Access to Work grant ensures the business isn't financially burdened by your accessibility needs.
How we can support you
How we can support you
How We Sync With Your Career
How We Sync With Your Career
Every musician’s workflow is unique. Whether you are under the bright lights, in the isolation of a booth, or drowning in the paperwork of a tour, our workers provide the technical and organizational "rhythm" to keep you moving.
🎸 Live Performance & Gig Work
🎸 Live Performance & Gig Work
The stage should be a place of freedom, not stress. Our support workers act as your "Access Techs," ensuring that the transition from the green room to the spotlight is seamless.
Navigation & Safety: On-stage guidance for musicians with vision impairment and crowd/environment management.
Technical Setup: Assistance with pedalboards, cable management, and monitoring systems.
Tour Logistics: Practical support with travel, accessible accommodation, and venue load-ins.
🎙️ In the Studio
🎙️ In the Studio
The recording environment can be overwhelming—especially when managing sensory processing needs or complex signal chains. We help you maintain your creative flow.
Adaptive Workflow: Assistance setting up screen readers for DAWs (like Logic or Pro Tools) or physical tactile markers on hardware.
Sensory Management: Helping ADHD and neurodivergent artists manage studio "clutter," lighting, and session pacing to prevent burnout.
Session Engineering Support: An extra set of hands to handle the "admin" of recording (labeling tracks, cable patching) so you stay in the zone.
🗓️ Organization & Management
🗓️ Organization & Management
For many freelance musicians, the "work" isn't just playing—it's the mountain of emails and scheduling that happens in between.
Executive Function Support: Helping neurodivergent musicians with calendar management, booking rehearsals, and meeting deadlines.
Funding & Admin: Practical help applying for grants, filing invoices, and managing your Access to Work claims.
Career Pacing: We act as an accountability partner to help you plan tours and releases in a way that respects your energy levels and accessibility needs.
Ready to get in sync?
Ready to get in sync?
Whether you need a support worker for a single show or a long-term partner for your freelance career, we can help you build a bespoke plan that fits your life.
Send an email to support@syncsupport.org or call us on 07950490490, we are here to help.
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