News & Stories for Musicians

Dawn Butler MP Backs London Buskers Campaign

Dawn Butler MP shared her support for Musicians’ Union members campaigning for new viable and accessible pitches after a court ruling banned busking in Leicester Square.

Published: 15 October 2025

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Big Mobility and Touring Survey: Help Remove Barriers for Touring Artists

Members who have experienced touring in the EU are encouraged to fill out PEARLE*’s Big Mobility and Touring Survey. The survey closes on 31 October 2025.

Published: 15 October 2025

Six people standing in a horizontal row on a hilltop, each person holding a letter sign to spell out the word 'Better'.

Scotland Demands Better: Join the Anti-Poverty March in Edinburgh

Join over 5,000 people in Edinburgh for the Scotland Demands Better march and rally against poverty on Saturday 25 October 2025.

Published: 14 October 2025

An elderly woman smiling and playing the acoustic guitar.

Wales’ Creative Sector Launches New Initiative to Tackle Poor Mental Health

CULT Cymru has launched Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing 4 Creatives, a new initiative aiming to tackle the root causes of poor mental health across the creative industries in Wales.

Published: 14 October 2025

Coloured wooden blocks representing people and community.

New Resource Hub for Local Councillors and Constituency Labour Party Members

Support musicians in your community with dedicated resources for local councillors and political party members.

Published: 13 October 2025

Sign saying 'French customs' at an airport.

New French Customs Regulation Affects Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

A new French customs regulation means more hoops to jump through if you are taking merchandise to France in a van as part of your music work.

Published: 13 October 2025

A pair of hands playing a piano with a sheet of music paper to compose.

MU and Ivors Academy Launch Fair Score Survey for Composers

Take part in our Fair Score survey for composers and help us build a clear picture of commissioning practices - and be in with a chance of winning a £100 gift voucher.

Published: 09 October 2025

Wooden blocks representing people voting in an election.

Members to Receive Ballot Papers for Executive Committee and Regional Committee Elections

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) ballots are due to take place, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent them at Regional and Executive level.

Published: 09 October 2025

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MU Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack

The MU stands in solidarity with Jewish communities, and reaffirms its commitment to opposing discrimination, prejudice and hatred in all their forms.

Published: 02 October 2025

Person walking into a venue with a cello case on their back.

Government Proposes New Charges for Musical Instrument Certificates

The MU warns proposed fees of up to £200 could place an unfair burden on musicians travelling with instruments containing endangered materials.

Published: 02 October 2025

A Democratic Republic of the Congo flag on a map.

MU Supports Congo Week

Following a motion to Delegate Conference 2025, the MU shares its support for Congo Week.

Published: 02 October 2025

Improved Parking Discount for MU Members

Our updated parking discount with Q-Park includes bigger discounts, more flexibility and increased locations for MU members.

Published: 01 October 2025

Bridget Phillipson visits the MU stand at Labour Party Conference 2025

The Musicians’ Union at Labour Party Conference

The MU has been at Labour Party Conference this week asking the Government to ensure that musicians are fairly paid in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) and music streaming.

Published: 30 September 2025

Naomi Pohl speaking on stage at a Labour Party Conference 2025.

MU General Secretary Addresses Artificial Intelligence and Music Streaming at Labour Party Conference

There’s money in music but it doesn’t go to musicians, Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl tells Labour Party Conference 2025.

Published: 30 September 2025

Silhouette of an orchestra on a white background.

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike.

Published: 30 September 2025

A robot head made up of pink, yellow and teal instruments. Its knuckles say

MU to Call for Copyright Reform with Motion at Labour Party Conference

Ahead of Labour Party Conference, the MU sets out why now is a historic chance to fix copyright law and protect musicians from the impact of AI and streaming.

Published: 26 September 2025

Professional singers rehearsing on stage holding sheet music.

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

These new appointments mark a significant step in strengthening support for both BBC Singers and freelance choral musicians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Published: 25 September 2025

Tribute to John Williams

John Williams was a baritone saxophonist, composer, and jazz educator. His busy and varied career spanned from the 1960s to the 2000s, and he was a member of the MU for more than 60 years. This tribute was provided by Charlie Rees.

Published: 24 September 2025

MU Nominates Bridget Phillipson for Deputy Leader of the Labour Party – Plus How MU Members Can Cast Their Own Vote

The MU's Executive Committee has voted to nominate Bridget Phillipson for Deputy Leader. The election will be held by the Labour Party in October 2025.

Published: 22 September 2025

A sepia photo of Pierrette playing violin when she was a young women.

Tribute to Pierrette Galeone

Pierrette Galeone was a highly talented orchestral and chamber musician, who toured the USA, South America and much of Europe. A pioneering performer throughout war time and beyond, she was a member of the MU for over 70 years. This tribute has been provided by Pierrette's daughter, Fiona.

Published: 18 September 2025

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

2026 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 2026. While more information will be released in the new year, here are some key dates to help you plan ahead.

Published: 16 September 2025

Close up of a hand holding the Union’s vote card, with the Delegate Conference room out of focus in the background.

Democracy in Action: Rule Changes and Carried Motions from MU Delegate Conference 2025

At our recent Delegate Conference, held in Liverpool on 22–23 July, ten changes to the MU Rules were agreed, and 23 member-submitted motions were carried. Find out more below and view the full details online.

Published: 10 September 2025

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at TUC 2025, addressing delegates about the motion on AI and the creative industries.

MU Motions on AI and EU Touring Pass at Trade Union Congress 2025

This week, the MU attended the annual TUC Congress, where our motions on key issues including AI, copyright reform and post-Brexit EU touring all passed unanimously.

Published: 10 September 2025

A hand depositing a ballot into a ballot box.

MU Members Invited to Vote for New Labour Party Deputy Leader

The Labour Party will be holding an election for Deputy Leader in October 2025. Find out if you’re eligible to vote and when you can expect to receive your ballot.

Published: 10 September 2025

Young Black male musician, singing into a microphone against a bright studio light.

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

The MU is proud to sponsor the 2025 Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), which will take place on Saturday 4 October at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Published: 03 September 2025

A closeup of two violinists playing as part of an orchestra.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors.

Published: 01 September 2025

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

As the climate crisis intensifies, Aayushi Jain explores the balance between affordability and sustainability on the festival circuit. Drawing on her summer tour last year as an independent artist, she shares practical and creative ways to reduce the environmental impact of touring.

Published: 29 August 2025

Two young buskers, one singing and one playing guitar on a sunny street.

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Sign the petition to urge the council to reverse the ban on busking in Birmingham city centre.

Published: 28 August 2025

Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

A hand holding the new blue British passport.

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EES, an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping, is finally set to launch in October 2025. These changes will impact musicians crossing both UK and EU borders.

Published: 26 August 2025

Close up of the American flag with a burst of sunlight.

US Artist Visa Update – August

An update for musicians travelling to the US, covering proposed changes to ESTA fees and further delays in O and P visa processing.

Published: 26 August 2025

A handmade sign painted in the Palestinian flag colours with text that says

MU Releases Statement Condemning Genocide in Gaza

The Musicians' Union opposes and fully condemns the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people, and we are taking action to protect and defend musicians' right to free speech and peaceful protest.

Published: 21 August 2025

A graphic with yellow and white design elements and black text.

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 19 August 2025

Close up of person in jeans and boots, carrying their guitar case and amp over stone steps.

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

The MU will continue campaigning to overturn the ban as Birmingham becomes the first UK city to entirely outlaw all city-centre busking.

Published: 19 August 2025

Five orchestra members sat at a bus stop with ‘Keep Northern Ballet Live’ t-shirts and wearing Shakepeare masks as part of our demo in May last year.

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

Trades Union Congress (TUC) Regional Secretary Dave Pike has shared a video message in support of musicians affected by ongoing issues at Northern Ballet.

Published: 15 August 2025

Wood cube with the figure of a person on, hands outstretched holding scales in each one which are evenly balanced.

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to keep key rights in the Employment Rights Bill.

Published: 14 August 2025

Group of buskers, supporters, and MU staff outside at the site of the Leicester Square busking pitch. Some are wearing t-shirts, or holding posters and props, that say ‘back your buskers’.

Green Party’s Zack Polanski Backs Buskers in Call for New Westminster Pitches

On 7 August, London Assembly Member Zack Polanski joined buskers, supporters and MU officials for a photocall and leafleting session as part of the campaign for new viable, accessible Westminster busking pitches to replace those lost in Leicester Square.

Published: 14 August 2025

Promotional asset showing a photo of Naomi Pohl, with her name and

MU General Secretary to Open Output Belfast with Keynote Address

Naomi Pohl will address Northern Ireland’s music community and join a panel on music and AI at Output Belfast on 25 September.

Published: 12 August 2025

Musicians playing string instruments as part of BBC Symphony Orchestra.

BBC Performing Groups Become First Regional Contract Orchestras to Achieve Tutti Salary of Over £40k

Following the acceptance of a recent pay offer, the BBC Performing Groups will be the first regional contract orchestras to achieve a Tutti salary of over £40k.

Published: 11 August 2025

A line of passengers in an airport queuing to go through a security scanner.

MU Reaches Agreement with Heathrow on Handling of Musical Instruments

Musicians travelling with instruments through Heathrow can now expect the airport to act in accordance with guidelines agreed by the MU.

Published: 05 August 2025

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Dawn Butler MP Backs London Buskers Campaign

Big Mobility and Touring Survey: Help Remove Barriers for Touring Artists

Scotland Demands Better: Join the Anti-Poverty March in Edinburgh

Wales’ Creative Sector Launches New Initiative to Tackle Poor Mental Health

New Resource Hub for Local Councillors and Constituency Labour Party Members

New French Customs Regulation Affects Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

MU and Ivors Academy Launch Fair Score Survey for Composers

Members to Receive Ballot Papers for Executive Committee and Regional Committee Elections

MU Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack

Government Proposes New Charges for Musical Instrument Certificates

MU Supports Congo Week

Improved Parking Discount for MU Members

The Musicians’ Union at Labour Party Conference

MU General Secretary Addresses Artificial Intelligence and Music Streaming at Labour Party Conference

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

MU to Call for Copyright Reform with Motion at Labour Party Conference

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

Tribute to John Williams

MU Nominates Bridget Phillipson for Deputy Leader of the Labour Party – Plus How MU Members Can Cast Their Own Vote

Tribute to Pierrette Galeone

2026 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Day Events

Democracy in Action: Rule Changes and Carried Motions from MU Delegate Conference 2025

MU Motions on AI and EU Touring Pass at Trade Union Congress 2025

MU Members Invited to Vote for New Labour Party Deputy Leader

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

US Artist Visa Update – August

MU Releases Statement Condemning Genocide in Gaza

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

Green Party’s Zack Polanski Backs Buskers in Call for New Westminster Pitches

MU General Secretary to Open Output Belfast with Keynote Address

BBC Performing Groups Become First Regional Contract Orchestras to Achieve Tutti Salary of Over £40k

MU Reaches Agreement with Heathrow on Handling of Musical Instruments