News & Stories for Musicians

MU Responds to King's Speech and Current Political Events

The MU responds to measures affecting musicians in the King's Speech, and what next for the Labour Party in Westminster.

Published: 13 May 2026

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

A young Black musician playing the violin.

Classically Black 2026 Returns to London

Classically Black 2026 returns to Kings Place, London on Saturday 10 October for a full day of music, discussion and celebration.

Published: 11 May 2026

Chapman sat in front of a piano, talking to Claudia Winkleman on set for Channel Four’s show The Piano.

Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education

Why are disabled musicians still so rarely seen in the UK’s conservatoires, orchestras and freelance workforce? For Chun, the parent of accomplished young MU member Chapman, the answer lies not in a lack of talent, but in post-16 structures that continue to close doors on disabled progression.

Published: 08 May 2026

Marcelo and another busker in yellow M U campaign t-shirts holding pink cut out guitars at a demo last August.

Protecting Amplification in Busking

One year on from the Leicester Square busking ban, MU member Marcelo Cervone reflects on how amplification shapes public space, challenges misconceptions on busking volume and makes the case for protecting performers’ pitches.

Published: 08 May 2026

A landscape shot of Brighton pier in the daytime.

MU at The Great Escape Festival 2026

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Conference in Brighton, engaging with key industry topics and advice on Thursday 14 May 2026.

Published: 07 May 2026

People at the protest holding a red banner saying

MU Stands with Staff and Students Fighting Nottingham University Cuts

MU officials joined staff and students at the University of Nottingham yesterday to protest proposed job and course cuts, including the suspension of music courses for new entrants, as concerns grow over the wider threat facing arts subjects in higher education.

Published: 07 May 2026

A university teacher giving a lecture to students in a classroom.

Championing University Music Toolkit: New Resource from the MU and Music Mark

Working with Music Mark, the MU has launched a new resource for university music departments to help demonstrate the vital importance of music courses – at a time when so many are under threat.

Published: 06 May 2026

The three MU Midlands staff at last year's festival, stood in front of the Union's stand and yellow flags on a bright sunny day.

Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

The MU will once again be attending the annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath on 27 June, joining trade unionists, community groups and families for a day celebrating the history of women’s industrial action and its lasting legacy today.

Published: 05 May 2026

Hands holding a pink sign with a megaphone illustration, the text says

The Arts and Minds Campaign: One Year On

One year after its launch, our Arts and Minds Campaign has helped put arts education back on the Government’s agenda. The next challenge is ensuring those commitments deliver meaningful change for teachers and pupils.

Published: 01 May 2026

People gathering at a protest against antisemitism.

MU Condemns Golders Green Attack

The MU stands in solidarity with Jewish communities following the recent attacks in Golder’s Green.

Published: 01 May 2026

Close up of someone playing guitar, their hands both on the fretboard.

Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters

In this guest blog to mark Stroke Awareness Month, Dr Finola Ryan, Consultant Occupational Physician and BAPAM Medical Director, explores how strokes can uniquely affect musicians and what support is available to help them return to performing.

Published: 01 May 2026

A closeup of a person's hands typing at a laptop with their passport on the table.

Electronic Entry and Exit System for the EU and UK Now Live

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now live. Find out how it works, what changes to expect at the border, and where to access guidance to help you prepare for travel and touring in the EU.

Published: 30 April 2026

Bags, flight cases, gear piled in the boot of a small van.

Car and Home Insurance for Musicians: New MU Partnership Gives Members Access to Specialist Cover

How a new insurance initiative from the MU and its partner Howden could help level the playing field for working musicians.

Published: 30 April 2026

A young woman in the audience of a panel. holding a microphone and gesturing.

MU Partners with Hull Music Cities Convention

The MU is partnering with the Hull Music Cities Convention in June 2026 to explore how music shapes cities, drives economic growth and strengthens communities. MU members can also access an exclusive 25% discount on tickets.

Published: 29 April 2026

Member only Read more about MU Partners with Hull Music Cities Convention

MU delegates and members of our sister creative unions on the steps of Caird Hall.

MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU delegates who supported a range of topics including Fair Work for freelancers, music as a human right, international solidarity and why ferries serving the Scottish islands are vital to cultural workers and the economy.

Published: 28 April 2026

A crowd at a march holding placards, the ones in the foreground are black and in bright blue and pink say

'All Together Now': Music, Community and Standing Against Hate

From childhood inspiration to confronting today’s rising intolerance, MU member Roxanne de Bastion reflects on the power and responsibility of musicians to challenge division and build empathy through music.

Published: 28 April 2026

Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

MU Announce ‘Money in the Mix Panel’ at Liverpool Sound City Conference Next Month

The MU will host a specialist panel discussion at the 2026 Liverpool Sound City Conference, bringing vital focus to rates of pay, rights, and royalties for session musicians working across the modern music industry. Members can also receive a discount on tickets.

Published: 22 April 2026

Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange

Calling all Manchester-based musicians: have your say on the future of the region’s music sector by completing GMCA’s new Music Plan survey. You can also attend a free creative industries event in the city-centre on 30 April for networking, discussion and live music.

Published: 20 April 2026

Blue sign at an airport saying 'Douanes francaises, French customs'.

France Confirms ELO Requirement from April 2026 But Uncertainty Remains for Musicians

France’s new Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) — a digital customs system for declaring goods — will become mandatory from 20 April 2026. However, it remains unclear whether the rules apply to musicians taking merchandise into the country.

Published: 16 April 2026

Buskers and supporters, some wearing M U t-shirts, gathered around a singer, holding placards saying “Street Music is Not a Crime’. ‘Keep Music Live’, and ‘Westminster, Stop Killing Culture”.

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Buskers are continuing their high-profile campaign, calling on Westminster Council to find new viable and accessible busking pitches in the borough to replace what was lost.

Published: 15 April 2026

Close up of women singing into a microphone on stage, with someone playing acoustic guitar to her right.

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

All parts of the UK’s live sector must recognise and uphold the value of songs and songwriters, says a new statement from the Council of Music Makers.

Published: 15 April 2026

New ABO/MU Agreement Secured with Pay Increases and Strengthened Access Rights

Our new agreement with the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) includes pay increases and important contractual improvements for freelance orchestral musicians.

Published: 14 April 2026

A vocal microphone in front of a laptop with music software on the screen.

Help Shape the Future of Music: Take the 2026 Music Creators’ Survey

Your insight powers the data behind industry change, from streaming and AI to funding and touring. Take part in UK Music’s 2026 Music Creators’ Survey to make a difference — and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher.

Published: 13 April 2026

Closeup of a United States VISA stamped on a passport.

International Touring 101: Webinar on Visas and US Immigration

Members who are thinking of touring in the US are invited to a webinar on 15 April. Hosted by Tamizdat, the session will cover visas, immigration and cross-border preparation.

Published: 10 April 2026

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Two parents holding their new born baby at home.

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) is hosting two in-person roundtables in Wales this May and June, inviting freelancers and organisations to share their experiences of balancing touring with caring responsibilities and help develop practical solutions for a more inclusive sector.

Published: 10 April 2026

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

A musician in a recording studio sitting in front of a computer with a keyboard next to him.

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

With Scotland’s elections fast approaching, we’re calling on musicians to help secure real change by signing the petition for Fair Work across the nation’s creative industries.

Published: 02 April 2026

A crowd of protesters at a march. In the middle are matching placard held up that say

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU members joined thousands who gathered in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration, in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right.

Published: 02 April 2026

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Marks Musicians' Mental Health Month for Fifth Year with Focus on Imposter Syndrome

YCAT's annual Musicians’ Mental Health Month returns this April with a focus on imposter syndrome, offering free coaching, therapy and resources for musicians in partnership with the Musicians’ Union and leading health organisations.

Published: 02 April 2026

Commercial Court in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Pictured are historic pubs down a cobbled street, and a set of murals and decorated dangling umbrellas.

MU Backs Free The Night Campaign for Licensing Reform in Northern Ireland

MU members are being urged to sign an open letter supporting the Free The Night campaign, which is calling for reform of Northern Ireland’s restrictive licensing system.

Published: 01 April 2026

A statue of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Confirmed Closure of RSC Music Department Causes Deep Concern

The RSC has confirmed its decision to dissolve its music department, despite strong opposition from the MU and clear evidence of the vital role that live music plays in the Company’s productions.

Published: 01 April 2026

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All News and Features

MU Responds to King's Speech and Current Political Events

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

Classically Black 2026 Returns to London

Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education

Protecting Amplification in Busking

MU at The Great Escape Festival 2026

MU Stands with Staff and Students Fighting Nottingham University Cuts

Championing University Music Toolkit: New Resource from the MU and Music Mark

Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

The Arts and Minds Campaign: One Year On

MU Condemns Golders Green Attack

Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters

Electronic Entry and Exit System for the EU and UK Now Live

Car and Home Insurance for Musicians: New MU Partnership Gives Members Access to Specialist Cover

MU Partners with Hull Music Cities Convention

MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

'All Together Now': Music, Community and Standing Against Hate

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

MU Announce ‘Money in the Mix Panel’ at Liverpool Sound City Conference Next Month

Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange

France Confirms ELO Requirement from April 2026 But Uncertainty Remains for Musicians

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

New ABO/MU Agreement Secured with Pay Increases and Strengthened Access Rights

Help Shape the Future of Music: Take the 2026 Music Creators’ Survey

International Touring 101: Webinar on Visas and US Immigration

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU Marks Musicians' Mental Health Month for Fifth Year with Focus on Imposter Syndrome

MU Backs Free The Night Campaign for Licensing Reform in Northern Ireland

Confirmed Closure of RSC Music Department Causes Deep Concern