News & Stories for Musicians

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

Young man, wearing glasses, at home smiling while taking notes and looking at a laptop.

CULT Cymru Announce Coaching and Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

The Programme, which is free for Union members in Wales, aims to provide the skills and knowledge required to enable those in the creative sector to support their co-workers through coaching and mentoring practices. Applications close once places are filled.

Published: 18 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

Young Black woman looking at an open laptop, holding a mug, while the sun streams through the window.

CIISA to Run Online Information Session for MU Members on its Consultation of Standards

The outcome of CIISA’s consultation will help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries. MU members are encouraged to take part in the consultation and are invited to the exclusive question and answer webinar on 15 January.

Published: 16 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

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

A graphic with an orange and black gradient background and white text.

Register to Attend Free Launchpad Conference 2025 in Leeds

Taking place on March 28 2025, Launchpad Conference in Leeds offers a day of panels, workshops and networking for music industry professionals and those interested in working in the industry.

Published: 29 November 2024

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

The backs of young children sat in the theatre looking at the stage.

MU Supports Campaign Against National Theatre Cuts to Primary Theatre Touring Programme

Equity's Class Network is behind a campaign to re-instate the National Theatre’s touring programme, which was aimed at giving primary school aged children their first experience of live theatre.

Published: 27 November 2024

A pair of hands holding paper cut outs of human figures.

10 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for Disabled Musicians

The Musicians' Census' Disabled Musicians Insight Report revealed multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more inclusive for disabled musicians. Here we look at the recommendations we think can make that happen.

Published: 26 November 2024

Wooden blocks representing equal rights for disabled people.

Musicians’ Census Reveals Disabled Musicians Experience Discrimination, Financial Challenges and Poor Wellbeing

New findings from the Musicians’ Census reveal that disabled musicians are facing significant challenges when it comes to discrimination, financial security and fair pay, as well as poor physical and mental wellbeing.

Published: 26 November 2024

The Welsh flag against a light blue sky.

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Businesses, employers, employees and freelancers in the creative sector in Wales are invited to take part in a short survey to help Creative Wales strengthen their support of the creative industries.

Published: 21 November 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

The Musicians’ Union has appointed its first-ever Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, marking an important point of progress for our members in the region.

Published: 21 November 2024

A man's open hands behind figures of different people to show inclusion and diversity.

Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

In our second member blog for Disability History Month 2024, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neil Patterson reflects on his journey as an MU member and advocate for inclusion in the music industry.

Published: 21 November 2024

This is Music Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributed Record £7.6 Billion to UK Economy

UK Music’s annual economic report shows a record year for the music industry, while musicians affected by Brexit continue to see their earnings fall.

Published: 20 November 2024

Representatives from the UK music industry at the Bristol Beacon cultural centre.

Bristol Nights Launches Proposals For New Fund Supporting Bristol’s Music Scene

Bristol Nights has launched a new feasibility study, A Ticket to the Future, outlining proposals for a new fund aimed at supporting Bristol’s music scene.

Published: 19 November 2024

Maddie Morris standing wearing a green jumpsuit.

Maddie Morris for Disability History Month: "There Were Lots of Unspoken Rules in the Industry"

In our first member blog for Disability History Month 2024, folk musician Maddie Morris reflects on the barriers facing disabled musicians and how the MU has provided support.

Published: 14 November 2024

Blue. pink and white transgender flag, being waved at a parade.

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Transgender Awareness Week takes place 13 - 19 November and is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. To mark this we’ve put together a guide where you can check out MU resources, revisit related stories from the past year, and view upcoming events.

Published: 13 November 2024

Two people holding placards saying 'Fund The Arts' and 'Protect Welsh National Opera'.

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Michael Sheen shared his solidarity with musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra and urged people to email their MP in support of the campaign to protect WNO.

Published: 08 November 2024

Young female musician with red hair, sat in front of a computer mixing a song, writing in a notepad with headphones on.

Get Involved in Young Workers’ Month 2024

November is Young Workers’ Month, celebrating and supporting young members across the trade union movement.

Published: 07 November 2024

Naomi Pohl and Alex Sobel MP holding black Musicians’ Union t-shirts that say ‘It’s time to fix streaming’.

Government Gives View on Measures to Fix Music Streaming

Government has responded to further recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on music streaming and how to fix it.

Published: 07 November 2024

Two secondary school students in uniform reading music and playing a keyboard in class.

Invitation to Respond to Government Curriculum Review

The Government is running a Curriculum and Assessment Review, with a call for evidence that anyone can complete by the deadline of 22 November.

Published: 05 November 2024

Northern Ballet demo in October, members are holding signs saying keep northern ballet live.

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

The International Federation of Musicians backs Northern Ballet Sinfonia in a message of solidarity signed by over 20 musicians’ unions worldwide

Published: 05 November 2024

Tribute to Elmer Cole

Elmer Cole was a highly accomplished flautist. He was also a member of the English National Opera for over 40 years and the MU for over 50. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Frances.

Published: 04 November 2024

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

The Musicians' Union reacts to the Labour Government's new budget and explores what it could mean for the creative industries, music and musicians.

Published: 31 October 2024

A folk band playing at Band on the Wall in Manchester.

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Un-Convention 112th music conference and showcase returns to Manchester on November 21 and 22, for which MU members are able to get discounted tickets.

Published: 30 October 2024

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WNO orchestra players holding up placards that say 'Protect WNO'.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

Email your political representatives to support musicians campaigning to protect Welsh National Opera jobs and secure the company’s future, including touring in England and Wales.

Published: 30 October 2024

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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

CULT Cymru Announce Coaching and Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

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

Musicians’ Union Cautious on Government AI Consultation

CIISA to Run Online Information Session for MU Members on its Consultation of Standards

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

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

Register to Attend Free Launchpad Conference 2025 in Leeds

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

MU Supports Campaign Against National Theatre Cuts to Primary Theatre Touring Programme

10 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for Disabled Musicians

Musicians’ Census Reveals Disabled Musicians Experience Discrimination, Financial Challenges and Poor Wellbeing

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

This is Music Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributed Record £7.6 Billion to UK Economy

Bristol Nights Launches Proposals For New Fund Supporting Bristol’s Music Scene

Maddie Morris for Disability History Month: "There Were Lots of Unspoken Rules in the Industry"

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Get Involved in Young Workers’ Month 2024

Government Gives View on Measures to Fix Music Streaming

Invitation to Respond to Government Curriculum Review

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

Tribute to Elmer Cole

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support