skip to main content

We Support the NEU’s Five Tests for Government Before Schools Can Re-Open

We are supporting the NEU’s five tests for Government before schools can re-open.

Published: 18 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of an empty classroom, desks arranged in groups.
We are liaising with specialists to make sure that we get the best advice and guidance for members going forward. Photo credit: Shutterstock

In accordance with the latest changes to the Government’s advice on social distancing, the MU’s position remains that instrumental and vocal lessons should continue online if at all possible. Face to face teaching is unable to restart under the Government’s current guidelines.

We are currently liaising with our specialist Health and Safety advisor, plus Occupational and Public Health medical practitioners from BAPAM, to ensure that we will get the best advice and guidance for members going forward.

And we are supporting our partner union, the National Education Union (NEU), in their call for the Government to meet five key tests before they move to the further opening of schools.

These five tests are:

1) Much lower numbers of Covid-19 cases
2) A national plan for social distancing
3) Testing, testing, testing!
4) Whole school strategy
5) Protection for the vulnerable

You can read the full details on all five of these tests, and why they are vital, on the NEU’s website.

For further advice for music teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic, including guidance on online contracts, and safeguarding practices to use over video calls, see our Teaching Music During the Outbreak pages.

Teachers with specific issues, please email teachers@themu.org or contact your regional office.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

A woman sat on the floor playing acoustic guitar while a baby reaches out to her and the instrument.

New MU Survey Explores Free Childcare for Working Musicians

The MU is surveying members who are parents or carers of children under 18 to understand how current free childcare provision works for musicians and explore alternative models better suited to their working patterns.

Published: 07 October 2026

Read more about New MU Survey Explores Free Childcare for Working Musicians
A musician sitting at a desk in a studio at a digital-audio workstation.

Music Growth Package: What Scotland-Based Applicants Need to Know

New guidance from the Scottish Music Industry Association clarifies how Scotland-based musicians, music creators and music businesses can access funding through the UK Government’s Music Growth Package, including support for international activity.

Published: 07 October 2026

Read more about Music Growth Package: What Scotland-Based Applicants Need to Know
Person in shadow holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

CMU x MU: Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar

Catch up on our webinar with CMU’s Chris Cooke, exploring copyright, royalties, performers’ rights and what songwriters and composers need to know to protect their work and income. Available to members only – My MU login required.

Published: 06 October 2026

Member only Read more about CMU x MU: Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar