News & Stories for Musicians

Young Black musician in a wheelchair, working on his music with a keyboard and laptop in a studio.

MU to Host Panel and Workshop at Liverpool Sound City Conference

The annual Sound City Music Industry Conference is the UK’s leading independent conference for new music. Taking place in Liverpool on 2 May, the MU will host a panel on changing attitudes and perceptions to access requirements for touring artists. Ticket discount is also available to members.

Published: 24 April 2025

Sign inside an airport saying U.S. Customers and Border Protection.

Watch Arts Info Point’s Advice Webinar on Touring and Travelling in the USA

Members wishing to understand more about entering the US, following recent press reports and administrative changes, can now watch the recording of a recent webinar hosted by Arts Info Point.

Published: 24 April 2025

Leon Slater, sat smiling in an armchair.

Tribute to Leon Slater

Leon Slater was a highly accomplished saxophonist who was devoted to his music. He was a member of the MU for over fifty years and had a life-long passion for jazz. This tribute has been provided by Leon’s wife and family.

Published: 24 April 2025

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

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

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra vote to accept a new agreement, following a year of tough negotiations and months of high-profile campaigning to protect Wales’ largest arts organisation.

Published: 22 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

The MU and buskers gathered in Leicester Square to mark what could be the last day of busking in the area, following a noise abatement notice from the City of London Magistrates' Court.

Published: 17 April 2025

A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

Jazz North has announced a series of free, online workshops and forums exclusively for artists based in the North of England.

Published: 14 April 2025

Musicians in Northern Ballet Orchestra playing live as part of a demo.

Northern Ballet Management is Now Using Non-Union Contracts

Northern Ballet management continues to use non-union contracts for some performances.

Published: 11 April 2025

The entire cast of Peter Grimes, on stage at the curtain call, showing as empty orchestra pit.

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra took to the stage on opening night of Peter Grimes on Saturday 5 April, to address the audience about the need for better funding.

Published: 10 April 2025

An aerial view of Birmingham in the West Midlands.

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

TUC Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have come together to sign a partnership deal with creative industries trade unions, securing fair pay and working conditions for creative workers employed through the combined authority.

Published: 10 April 2025

A busy nightclub in London with people dancing.

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy

London councils that block pubs, restaurants and music venues from opening later could see their decisions overturned by the mayor of London under new powers from the Government.

Published: 09 April 2025

A young male musician, playing to an older man who is smiling as he listens.

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Changes have been introduced to the disclosure system in Scotland from 1 April 2025, aiming to remove unnecessary barriers for those seeking work and enhance the PVG Scheme.

Published: 08 April 2025

Close up of sound engineer recording a live orchestra.

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

The MU and players in over 20 orchestras across the UK have signed an open letter to call upon the Government to urgently address the lack of streaming royalties for musicians.

Published: 04 April 2025

Showcase Applications Open: Pitch Scotland Conference of Hip Hop and Underground Culture

Artists performing in genres such as rap, hip hop, afrobeat, r&b, drill, grime, garage and soul can apply to perform at Pitch Scotland’s music showcase in Glasgow on 27-29 August. Applications close on Friday 25 April.

Published: 04 April 2025

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

The inside of the hotel lobby of a Point A hotel.

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Our new partnership with Point A Hotels means that members can now benefit from discounted hotel rooms in Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

Published: 01 April 2025

Three children sat in a semicircle in a music classroom, having a guitar lesson from a tutor.

Curriculum Review: Sign the Campaign Letter to Help Make Space for the Arts in Schools

Following the publication of an interim report from the government’s Curriculum Review, our open letter to ministers highlights the desperate need to make space for the arts in schools.

Published: 31 March 2025

A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Close up of a Border Security Officer at a computer.

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US

Tamizdat, a non-profit organisation that facilitates international cultural exchange, has provided updated advice for those entering the US, further to recent press commentary regarding increased scrutiny at ports of entry.

Published: 27 March 2025

Xenia, Hayley, Fiona and Joy together at Conference.

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Four MU delegates attended this year’s TUC Women’s Conference, where Union motions on the responsible use of AI, and better pay in relation to pregnancy and parenting were both passed.

Published: 27 March 2025

Ankna singing into a microphone on stage.

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

In our fourth and final blog for Women's History Month 2025, vocalist Ankna Arockiam explores the challenges women in the music industry face, her work around higher education and activism, and how joining the MU opens up opportunities for a more inclusive industry.

Published: 26 March 2025

Group of diverse women sat talking around a table, making notes with paper and laptops, smiling as they network and share ideas.

Keychange Announces 2025 Cohort for Talent Leadership Programme

Keychange, a movement dedicated to addressing underrepresentation in music, has announced the new participants in its 2025 Talent Leadership Programme. The cohort, which includes the MU’s own ED&I Officer Diljeet Bhachu, will collaborate to drive transformative change within the industry.

Published: 25 March 2025

Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience of Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.

Published: 25 March 2025

Close up of hand plucking strings on an acoustic guitar.

Counterfeit Guitar Strings: How to Spot, Avoid and Report Them

Advice from Strings & Things Ltd, a UK-based instrument distributor, on how to spot and avoid counterfeit guitar strings, as well as information from Citizen's Advice on reporting suspicious sellers and claiming a refund on fake goods.

Published: 25 March 2025

School students in a music lesson learning on keyboards.

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

The MU welcomes the news, which we hope will be central to the Labour Government’s delivery on its pledges to boost music and arts education in England.

Published: 19 March 2025

Hungary Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Banning Pride Events

Hungary has passed a new anti-LGBTQ+ law that bans Pride events and allows authorities to use facial recognition software to identify those attending the festivities.

Published: 19 March 2025

Professional singer Sarah Mellor sitting at a piano holding a vocal microphone.

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

In our third blog for Women's History Month 2025, professional singer and MU member Sarah Mellor explores the values needed to build and sustain a truly accessible, inclusive music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

A middle aged woman standing with a selection of music instruments.

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

The Musicians' Union is partnering with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) to host a webinar and panel on the menopause and how it can affect people working in the live music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

The exterior of the Opera House in Buxton, Derybshire.

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

We are delighted to announce a new agreement between the MU and Buxton International Festival (BIF), detailing how its musicians will work as well as the minimum fees they will be paid.

Published: 18 March 2025

The outside of the Government's Department for Work and Pensions in London.

MU Deeply Concerned by Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits

The UK Government has announced plans for major welfare reforms, proposing cuts to disability benefits including personal independence payments (PIP).

Published: 18 March 2025

A DJ performing at an outdoor festival in Croatia.

Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

The Croatian Parliament has passed amendments to the Aliens Act, meaning UK artists and crew performing or touring in Croatia for less than three months no longer need a visa and work authorisation certificates.

Published: 13 March 2025

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

In our second blog for Women’s History Month 2025, Violinist and MU member Katrina Lee explores her journey as musician in relation to activism and social change, and discusses how her new album celebrates female composers and the violin in its virtuosity as a solo instrument.

Published: 12 March 2025

Close up of news microphone and computer screen as a recording set up.

BBC News Explores Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Musicians and Creative Workers

Following the release of a silent protest album, the MU spoke to BBC News about the impact of AI on our members.

Published: 10 March 2025

Kathryn, smiling stood holding the award.

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Kathryn Sturman, reflects on how her confidence has grown from supporting others.

Published: 07 March 2025

Folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian standing in front of a tree and wearing bright clothes and jewellery.

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

In our first blog for Women’s History Month 2025, British-Punjabi folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian shares her recent work to challenge traditional ideas about women’s roles in society, the importance of representation, and educating young people about careers in the music industry.

Published: 06 March 2025

An outstretched hand, with a blue graphic in the palm showing an image of a human brain on the right and a robotic brain on the left, with scales in the middle. Representing the ethics and balance of

TUC Launches AI for Creative Workers Manifesto to Protect UK Music and Creative Industries

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) calls for consent, credit and fair remuneration to protect all workers from exploitation in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Published: 05 March 2025

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MU to Host Panel and Workshop at Liverpool Sound City Conference

Watch Arts Info Point’s Advice Webinar on Touring and Travelling in the USA

Tribute to Leon Slater

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

Northern Ballet Management is Now Using Non-Union Contracts

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

Showcase Applications Open: Pitch Scotland Conference of Hip Hop and Underground Culture

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Curriculum Review: Sign the Campaign Letter to Help Make Space for the Arts in Schools

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

Keychange Announces 2025 Cohort for Talent Leadership Programme

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

Counterfeit Guitar Strings: How to Spot, Avoid and Report Them

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

Hungary Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Banning Pride Events

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

MU Deeply Concerned by Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits

Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

BBC News Explores Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Musicians and Creative Workers

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

TUC Launches AI for Creative Workers Manifesto to Protect UK Music and Creative Industries