News & Stories for Musicians

Five wooden blocks with the outline of people apart from one which is a weighing scales, representing fair work.

Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

29 organisations across Scotland have become the first to endorse a new Fair Work for Freelancers checklist, developed by trade unions representing the creative sector alongside the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

Published: 31 October 2025

A guitarist performing on stage and singing into a microphone.

Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts Scheme to Become Permanent from 2026

The Basic Income for the Arts scheme follows a successful pilot set up in 2022 to help Ireland’s arts and culture sector to recover from Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Published: 30 October 2025

Panel at this year's Classically Black event.

Celebrating Five Years of Black Lives in Music

This Black History Month we’re shining a spotlight on our partners, Black Lives in Music (BLiM), as they celebrate five years of championing equity and representation in the music industry.

Published: 29 October 2025

Dike Okoh, Lily Beau who is holding the award, and Andy Warnock, on stage.

Winners of the First Welsh Black Music Awards Announced

The MU congratulates Lily Beau, winner of our sponsored Best New Artist Award, and applauds all nominees and participants who helped showcase the diversity, creativity, and talent of Wales’ music scene at this landmark event.

Published: 27 October 2025

Dumfries and Galloway Council Consults to Close Music Service

Take part in the consultation protesting the proposed closure of Dumfries and Galloway’s instrumental music service. Share your views by 23 November 2025.

Published: 27 October 2025

A group of people marching at Manchester Pride.

MU Statement on Manchester Pride Entering Liquidation

The organisation in charge of Manchester Pride recently confirmed it has gone into voluntary liquidation. The MU will be supporting members affected by cancelled performances, and those affected are urged to get in touch with the regional office.

Published: 27 October 2025

Close up on a map of South West England, a red pin is marking Plymouth.

Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Plymouth’s Creative and Cultural Sector

Musicians and other creative professionals in Plymouth are being urged to take part in a new survey that will help shape the future of the city’s creative and cultural industries.

Published: 23 October 2025

The five panellists stood together in front of the MaMA stage before the event.

Sustainable Careers for Artists in an Evolving Industry: Insights from the MU’s Panel at MaMA Festival

The MU panel at MaMA festival in Paris this year brought together a diverse group of musicians and activists to explore how artists can build lasting careers beyond traditional recording and touring models. Catch up on the highlights.

Published: 23 October 2025

Professional photo of London Mayor Sadiq Khan in front of the Thames waterfront.

Mayor Sadiq Khan Backs Access to Viable and High Profile Busking Pitches Across London

Mayor Sadiq Khan called buskers "integral to the city's vibrant culture" and backed "all efforts" to ensure access to viable busking pitches.

Published: 23 October 2025

Xidus Pain: Empowering Communities Through Music and Movement

Rap artist, educator, and MU member Xidus Pain marks Black History Month 2025 by reflecting on a year of musical growth, community impact, and an evolving journey within the Union.

Published: 23 October 2025

WNO members taking Action Short of Strike in Cardiff.

How Collective Action can Strengthen Connections with Colleagues - and Management

Welsh National Opera’s Llinos Owen shares her experiences campaigning to protect the orchestra – and how it’s strengthened her connection to both the company and the MU.

Published: 22 October 2025

Instruments and mics in a recording booth with sound proofed walls.

Help Protect UK Recording Studios – Sign the Petition for Fair Business Rates

The MU backs calls for studios to be included in the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business rates relief scheme and urges members to sign the petition to support reclassification.

Published: 20 October 2025

Crowd with hands raised in a small venue watching a band on stage, the image is cast in a pale yellow glow from the stage lights.

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Launches Fan-Led Review of Live Music

As part of the MP-led review, fans are invited to complete a survey about their live music experiences to help shape policy, support touring artists and grassroots venues, and secure the future of UK music.

Published: 16 October 2025

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

A close up of a woman sitting at a laptop with a passport on the table.

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

A collection of bright tealight flames against a dark background.

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

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Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts Scheme to Become Permanent from 2026

Celebrating Five Years of Black Lives in Music

Winners of the First Welsh Black Music Awards Announced

Dumfries and Galloway Council Consults to Close Music Service

MU Statement on Manchester Pride Entering Liquidation

Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Plymouth’s Creative and Cultural Sector

Sustainable Careers for Artists in an Evolving Industry: Insights from the MU’s Panel at MaMA Festival

Mayor Sadiq Khan Backs Access to Viable and High Profile Busking Pitches Across London

Xidus Pain: Empowering Communities Through Music and Movement

How Collective Action can Strengthen Connections with Colleagues - and Management

Help Protect UK Recording Studios – Sign the Petition for Fair Business Rates

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Launches Fan-Led Review of Live Music

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