Musicians are remarkable beings. It’s part of their calling to inspire other people. So it’s no surprise to find that many of them, suddenly without work at this moment, are looking for ways they can still give the best of themselves to support others.

In the coming weeks, we want to show people at large the many positive ways musicians are responding to this sudden crisis. As part of this, we want to celebrate those musicians who are temporarily taking on new roles, demonstrating how outgoing, versatile and community-minded musicians truly are.

Several such musicians share their story here. They may be setting aside their instrument for a time, but each is set to fulfil new pursuits with the same energy and commitment they bring to their music. Click ‘play’ on showcase above to hear their accounts in turn, or select any of their individual stories below.

Meanwhile, if you’re a musician who’s newly found yourself taking on an unexpected role, we’d love to hear from you and feature your story too. Please get in touch.

• Soprano Milly Forrest is embracing new challenges working at Watford General Hospital. You can also check out her YouTube channel on which she shares her singing tips and tricks!
  
• Violinist Nick Whiting has swapped the rehearsal room for a warehouse belonging to the charity, Fareshare Cymru, helping to redistribute surplus food to those who need it most.
  
• Bassoonist Cat McDermid has found her sewing skills coming in handy and is now making scrubs uniforms for her local hospital.
• Mezzo soprano Beth Taylor is pleased to be lending a hand to NHS staff working full-time as a cleaner at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.
  
• Composer and violist Adam Possener has returned from teaching music in Chile and restarted his old job in Norwich as a Healthcare Assistant.
  
• Clarinettist Katherine Spencer is relishing still connecting with people in a new job at Waitrose.
• Mezzo-soprano Joanna Harries is now helping out at her local supermarket.
  
• Tenor Alex Aldren, who originally trained as a doctor, is back working on the hospital wards.
  
• Conductor Alice Farnham has signed up to volunteer for the NHS.