This study phenomenologically explores the experience of losing the ability to play music. Using the method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), 6 interviews with (ex-) professional musicians who had suffered a physical or neurological ailment which prevented them from playing were carried out. Transcripts were then written in verbatim and coded for themes. 3 superordinate themes this study found were: The Meaning of Music – exploring how the musicians make sense of music as part of their own life-world; The Loss of Music – which investigates how the loss of music was understood by the participants; and Music and The Aftermath – which explores coping strategies and new directions that each musician had to uncover to come to terms with their loss. The study shows commonality with other phenomenological studies into bodily loss and control, but extends this loss to individual and collective identity and professionalism.