News & Stories for Musicians

Female violin player performing under a spotlight on a dark stage.

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

Last week MU General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, gave powerful evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee as part of the ongoing Misogyny in Music enquiry.

Published: 03 February 2025

A musician singing into a microphone on stage.

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

In this blog for LGBT+ History Month, ALIA shares their experience as a queer independent musician and how the MU has supported their journey.

Published: 01 February 2025

Two men in a recording studio pointing at the computer screen.

Council of Music Makers: Help Us Fix Streaming Webinar

Join the Council of Music Makers for a free webinar on how to ensure everyone involved in making music is properly credited, paid and able to understand how their streaming service works.

Published: 30 January 2025

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in the evening.

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, to discuss a range of topics including our fix streaming campaign, the need for protection of creators’ rights in relation to AI, and more.

Published: 30 January 2025

A record player with lines of code to represent artificial intelligence and music.

Liverpool City Region Members Invited to Exclusive Event on AI and Copyright

Join Liverpool City Region Music Board and Music Futures for an exclusive informative session on 11 February, designed to empower music creators, content producers, and tech innovators.

Published: 30 January 2025

A diverse group of people, dressed smart/casual, smiling and networking.

MU Music Educators’ CPD Day: Save the Date

Members who teach are invited to save the date of 28 April, which will be our next one-day conference, to be held in Glasgow at the Studio.

Published: 28 January 2025

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

Award winning musician, composer and MU member, Arowah, shares how starting a meditation practice in Zen Buddhism transformed their music practice, and how self-compassion helps them navigate the challenges of working in the music industry.

Published: 28 January 2025

Close up of a white t-shirt with red writing saying “Sunderland is a music city”, next to a leaflet saying “A music strategy for Sunderland 2025-2030”.

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

Sunderland is only the second city in the UK to join the international Music Cities Network, which offers its members collaborative opportunities, resources, and advocacy.

Published: 27 January 2025

The Creative Census 2025: Help Make the Case for Creative Industry Funding in Cornwall

The annual Creative Census, run by Cornwall Council, is your chance to help make the case for funding and investment, and to share what support you think creative sectors in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly really need. Survey closes on 6 March.

Published: 27 January 2025

An abstract sound wave graphic in a woman's hand.

MU Continues to Lobby Government Ahead of New AI Copyright Proposals

The MU will be submitting a detailed response in relation to the current proposals on copyright in AI and music. Members are also strongly encouraged to share their views in the consultation, which closes 25 February.

Published: 24 January 2025

Exterior of the Glasshouse International Centre for Music from the river.

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

Last week MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl attended an economic growth summit, where British music and film exports, grassroots venues and more, were promised investment as part of a new support package to drive growth in the creative industries.

Published: 24 January 2025

Showcase Applications for Wide Days 2025 Now Open

Applications are now open to emerging acts of any genre based in Scotland for Wide Days’ showcase festival.

Published: 24 January 2025

An aerial view of Derry in Northern Ireland.

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Members are invited to join the MU in attending the NW Music Makers Forum in Derry on Tuesday 4 February.

Published: 24 January 2025

A protester holding a handmade sign at a protest that says

Stop the Far Right: Join the Anti-Racist March and Gig in London

Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) has called a national demo against the far-right on Saturday 1 February in London, followed by a Love Music Hate Racism gig.

Published: 22 January 2025

Close up of a range of Gibson guitars at a guitar exhibition.

MU Returns to Birmingham Guitar Show for 2025

The annual Guitar and Bass Show takes place in Solihull on 1 and 2 March. MU Officials will be present on both days of the event and members attending are invited to come along and meet the regional team.

Published: 22 January 2025

Close up, side view, of an old piano with ivory keys.

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species

The Ivory Act 2018 has now been extended to cover the common hippopotamus, killer whale, narwhal and sperm whale. These Regulations, which come into force on 28 January, may impact those who intend to sell, purchase or hire musical instruments containing ivory.

Published: 21 January 2025

Steve playing fiddle live in front of a microphone on a stand.

Tribute to Steve Simpson

Steve Simpson was a successful and talented musician who played guitar, mandolin, fiddle and performed vocals across the UK and internationally. He originally joined the MU in 1974. This tribute has been provided by his partner, Caroline Morgan.

Published: 21 January 2025

A young female musicians playing an electric piano in a recording studio.

Mothers Write 2025: Applications Open for Mothers in Music to Join Songwriting Camp

Songwriters who are mothers can now apply for the 2025 edition of Mothers Write, a songwriting camp for mothers in music to enhance their skills and career development.

Published: 16 January 2025

Waving flag of Scotland with Oban Bay in the background.

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

Take the 15-minute survey launched by the Scottish Government to assess how the culture sector is supported in Scotland.

Published: 16 January 2025

A woman in a red jacket writing on post-it notes on a board at work.

Apply to be the Next Co-Chair of Trustees for Attitude is Everything

Attitude is Everything is looking for a Co-Chair of Trustees to support them in their next chapter. Find out more about this voluntary role and how to apply.

Published: 16 January 2025

New Guidance for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The MU has published new guidance on what the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) mean for musicians selling merchandise in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 16 January 2025

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

'Self-image in movement' is the theme for January's MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how the simple act of body scanning can help improve your self-image.

Published: 15 January 2025

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo.

MU Members at Welsh National Opera Renew Mandate for Industrial Action

MU members at WNO have voted to renew their mandate for industrial action.

Published: 15 January 2025

A woman standing in an airport with a suitcase watching a plane take off through the window.

Carry on Touring Campaign Hosts UK-EU Summit and Lobby Day in Parliament

Members are invited to attend a Summit and Lobby Day in support of free movement for touring artists and professionals across the EU, hosted by Carry On Touring.

Published: 15 January 2025

Two musicians walking with instrument cases down the street.

Positive News for Musicians Travelling with Instruments through UK Airports

The MU’s feedback on handling on musical instruments at Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 has been acknowledged by the Secretary of State for Transport and Heathrow Customer Services.

Published: 13 January 2025

Northern Ballet orchestra musicians performing as part of a demo.

Northern Ballet: Update on Negotiations

Northern Ballet have decided not to extend our agreement with them under existing terms, meaning any work offered by them is currently under non-union terms.

Published: 09 January 2025

A music teacher with a student holding a saxophone.

MU Gravely Concerned by Threat to Stirling’s Instrumental Music Service

Stirling Council has opened a consultation surrounding proposed budget cuts to its Instrumental Music Service. Take the survey and sign the petition to share your views.

Published: 08 January 2025

Close up of a red pin on Bristol and surrounding area on a map.

Support, Engage, Develop: A Review of the 2024 Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM

Ahead of new dates for 2025, MU Regional Officer Ruth Ballantyne looks back at key highlights from last year’s Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM. She reports on successes and areas of focus, as well as what members can expect at the next series of events.

Published: 23 December 2024

Musician Steve Luck in a white t-shirt and black blazer, standing next a graffitied wall on a cobbled road.

Beyond The Music: Essential Skills and Qualities for a Sustainable Music Career

MU Music Writers Committee member and award-winning composer Steve Luck reflects on his journey and shares why adaptability and continuous learning are key to building a long-term music career.

Published: 19 December 2024

A panel discussion on stage with a crowd of audience members sitting down.

Show One to Showcase: MU Panel and Mixer in Belfast

In December 2024, the MU hosted a panel and mixer event in Belfast to help musicians learn how to get ready for showcases and festivals. The event also celebrated the newly-appointed MU Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, Charlene Hegarty.

Published: 19 December 2024

Close up of the exterior of the Birmingham Royal Ballet building with signage.

MU Deeply Saddened to Learn that Caroline Miller of Birmingham Royal Ballet has Passed Away

Caroline Miller OBE, CEO of Birmingham Royal Ballet, passed away on Sunday 15 December. The MU is deeply saddened to hear of the news, and our thoughts go to Caroline’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Published: 17 December 2024

A scientist computing, analysing and visualising complex data set on computer.

Musicians’ Union Cautious on Government AI Consultation

The MU was invited to respond to a government consultation on a proposed exception to UK copyright law which will allow AI developers to use creative works to train their systems without breaching copyright.

Published: 17 December 2024

Two young women playing Highland Bagpipes in front of stone wall.

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

National Piping Centre research reveals fundamental challenges facing women in piping and drumming.

Published: 13 December 2024

Close up of burning tea lights against a dark background.

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

The MU supports the Miscarriage Association's Leave for Every Loss campaign, which today called for a vital change in the law so that women and their partners who experience a pre-24 week pregnancy loss have the legal right to take bereavement leave from work.

Published: 12 December 2024

Close up of a hand writing in a diary, cross referencing dates from a phone.

2025 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Day Events

Members in Wales and South West England will be able to attend local and regional Members’ Day events throughout 2025. While more information will be released in the new year, here are some key dates to help you plan ahead.

Published: 11 December 2024

Close up of a world map with a small German flag pinned into Germany.

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Metal shopping basket in front of an out of focus EU flag.

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The regulations come into force on 13 December 2024 and apply to goods which are being sold to consumers in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 06 December 2024

Young boy playing violin, reading sheet music, in a music classroom at school.

MU Responds to Government Curriculum Review

We highlighted unequal access to music education and the urgent need to reverse the marginalisation of arts subjects in schools under the last Government.

Published: 05 December 2024

WNO musicians holding up placards to support the Protect WNO campaign.

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Welsh National Opera is set to get the largest share of £3.6 million of new funding to support jobs and touring, following campaigning by Musicians' Union members in the orchestra.

Published: 05 December 2024

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

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MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

Council of Music Makers: Help Us Fix Streaming Webinar

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

Liverpool City Region Members Invited to Exclusive Event on AI and Copyright

MU Music Educators’ CPD Day: Save the Date

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

The Creative Census 2025: Help Make the Case for Creative Industry Funding in Cornwall

MU Continues to Lobby Government Ahead of New AI Copyright Proposals

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

Showcase Applications for Wide Days 2025 Now Open

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Stop the Far Right: Join the Anti-Racist March and Gig in London

MU Returns to Birmingham Guitar Show for 2025

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species

Tribute to Steve Simpson

Mothers Write 2025: Applications Open for Mothers in Music to Join Songwriting Camp

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

Apply to be the Next Co-Chair of Trustees for Attitude is Everything

New Guidance for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

MU Members at Welsh National Opera Renew Mandate for Industrial Action

Carry on Touring Campaign Hosts UK-EU Summit and Lobby Day in Parliament

Positive News for Musicians Travelling with Instruments through UK Airports

Northern Ballet: Update on Negotiations

MU Gravely Concerned by Threat to Stirling’s Instrumental Music Service

Support, Engage, Develop: A Review of the 2024 Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM

Beyond The Music: Essential Skills and Qualities for a Sustainable Music Career

Show One to Showcase: MU Panel and Mixer in Belfast

MU Deeply Saddened to Learn that Caroline Miller of Birmingham Royal Ballet has Passed Away

Musicians’ Union Cautious on Government AI Consultation

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

2025 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Day Events

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

MU Responds to Government Curriculum Review

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music