Music Teaching & Education News & Stories

Photograph of a young woman walking past what might be a music college, with a violin case strapped to her back.

Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

The MU strongly opposes Government plans to impose a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects including music at Higher Education (HE) level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

Photograph focusing on a singer, singing emotively into a microphone. Blurred in the foreground is a second musician mixing into a laptop.

Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

Shadow secretaries of state Jo Stevens MP and Kate Green MP have written to Gavin Williamson calling on the Secretary of State for Education to drop proposals for a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects at the Higher Education level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

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MU Expresses Horror at Proposed Halving of Funding for Music at HE in England

The Government has announced that it plans to impose a 50 percent funding cut to “high cost” subjects at higher education (HE) in England, including music. This is because music and the arts are not among its “strategic priorities”. Members are encouraged to respond to their consultation.

Published: 30 April 2021

Photograph of a sunny classroom, the photo is focused on a guitar leaning against a chair, in the background out of focus you can see a number of children holding guitars.

Scottish Instrumental Music Teaching Network to Hold First Conference

The Scottish Instrumental Music Teaching Network will be running a free online conference on Thursday 6 May, with topics ranging from group teaching strategies to exploring the power of creativity and inclusion.

Published: 30 April 2021

Photograph of a persons hands working at a keyboard, on a heavy wooden desk.

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

The MU will be standing in solidarity with this weekend’s social media boycott, to highlight social media company inaction on eradicating online hate and racism.

Published: 29 April 2021

Photograph of a young persons hands on an electric piano keyboard, the background is busy and lit in purple lights - there is a blurred band playing.

Call-Out for Experienced Mentors in the Music Industry

Following the success of their 2020 mentoring program, we.grow, shesaid.so and keychange have launched a call-out for senior music industry professionals and artists to volunteer as mentors for the Keychange participants.

Published: 27 April 2021

A photograph of an infant school classroom, there are decorations and brightly coloured posters on the walls, and an adult and child are playing tambourines together.

MU Welcomes Welsh Labour’s Commitment to Music Education in Senedd Elections

We’re encouraging members to share this positive news from Welsh Labour, and ask Senedd election candidates about their party’s plans for music and the creative industries.

Published: 27 April 2021

Photograph of Genia, featured in this article. She is wearing her long hair loose, and a red dress with a silver necklace. She is looking forward seriously into the camera.

Concert Pianist Génia: “These days, I take full advantage of what the MU has to offer”

Russian-born concert pianist Génia describes why being a member of the MU has benefitted her, from legal and career advice through to insurance and training.

Published: 22 April 2021

A Black non-binary person with a leopard print cane presses a wall-mounted push button to open the cafe door. They are dressed in all black and have a shaved head, glasses, and a red lip on.

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

UK Music is calling on music industry leaders to ensure disabled people and people with long term health conditions can realise their dreams by removing potential barriers to job opportunities.

Published: 22 April 2021

Photograph of a row of violins, hanging up in a shop to be purchased.

Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

For professional musicians, buying and selling musical instruments can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Neil Crossley examines the options and assesses how to ensure you get the best outcome with the minimum hassle.

Published: 20 April 2021

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Response to the Model Music Curriculum

The Government has published a new Model Music Curriculum for England. Chris Walters, the MU’s National Organiser for Education, highlights some key points.

Published: 20 April 2021

Young child wearing a mask is sat at a piano, turning round to face the camera he raises one thumb in a positive gesture.

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

Following updated advice and further clarification from the devolved governments of the UK, we have updated our advice for musicians who teach in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

Published: 09 April 2021

Photograph of an online teaching set up, a mobile phone camera and a laptop camera are recording a person playing on a keyboard.

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Work Online

A year since the pandemic struck, we assess how teaching music online became a “new normal” in this longer-read feature.

Published: 01 April 2021

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Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021

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EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Despite our correspondence with airline EasyJet, we have been unable to persuade them to amend their new baggage policy, which will come into play from 10 February 2021.

Published: 08 February 2021

Photograph of a guitar leaning against a wooden chair, blurred in the background is a sunny classroom with a circle of students playing more guitars.

Student Members Encouraged to Participate in Research Study

Canterbury Christ Church University are carrying out a research project on undergraduate students’ experiences and perceptions of instrumental and singing teaching. Those who can are encouraged to participate by completing their survey.

Published: 26 January 2021

Photograph of a teacher working with a student in a classroom, the student is playing onto a keyboard and the teacher is smiling encouragingly.

Government Extends Consultation on T Levels to 31 January

The MU has registered concerns about the Government’s new T level qualifications not including music, and we encourage members to respond before the deadline on 31 January.

Published: 22 January 2021

Photograph of a flute left resting on a duet score, left lying open.

New Summer School Scholarship for Young Composers and Music Creators

Faber Music will be supporting ten young composers and music creators, who face socioeconomic barriers, with bursaries to attend Sound and Music Summer School in 2021.

Published: 11 January 2021

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Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Advice for members around school reopenings, following the NEU's position on schools not currently being a safe working environment.

Published: 02 January 2021

Photograph of assorted instrument lining up to be played in a classroom.

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

How the Government’s announcement about tiers in England and school openings may affect musicians.

Published: 30 December 2020

Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Pioneer with a Mission to Introduce Tabla to the Next Generation of Musicians

How instrumentalist, composer and educator Kuljit Bhamra overcame disability to create a rich and diverse music career.

Published: 24 December 2020

How Disabled Musicians Dealt with the Challenges of the Covid Crisis

From heightened isolation to deeply-held prejudices, disabled musicians have experienced profound challenges during the pandemic. But ingenuity, strong mutual support and online access have helped many to prevail, as Neil Churchman explains.

Published: 15 December 2020

Child learning the keyboard, facing a computer where an online lesson is taking place.

Music Teaching in Wales to Move Online

The Welsh Government has announced that all instrumental and vocal teaching should move online from 14 December if possible.

Published: 11 December 2020

Photograph of a small child sat wearing a facemask in front of a piano keyboard.

Private Teachers in Scotland Resume Face-to-Face in Levels 0-3

Updated guidance from the Scottish Government means that private teachers can resume face-to-face teaching in levels 0-3.

Published: 11 December 2020

Photograph of a piano keyboard with warm fairy lights spread out across the keys.

Welcoming RSL's New and Inclusive Classical Piano Syllabus

Contemporary art exam board RSL have announced a new classical piano syllabus – the first of their new series of classical syllabi – and it is inclusive of the rich diversity of music teachers and students.

Published: 30 November 2020

Photograph of a number of music stands set up with scores on them, although the background is blurred out and we can't see specific notes on the scores.

Diversity and Inclusion Work at RSL

Norton York – RSL Awards Founder and Chairman – talks about how working with the MU helped focus RSL’s efforts on diversity and inclusion.

Published: 30 November 2020

Photograph of an assortment of percussive instruments set out for use in a classroom.

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Over the last week we’ve updated our advice for music teachers working in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to reflect changes to – and clarifications we’ve received on – the Coronavirus restrictions across the UK.

Published: 30 November 2020

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Musicians’ Union has written to the Government to request more pragmatic and clearer guidance for instrumental and vocal learning during the next period of restrictions in England.

Published: 24 November 2020

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 24 November 2020

Photograph of an aerial view of Glasgow, the sky above is blue and the trees are bright green.

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Further clarification from the Scottish Government means that we have now updated our guidance for teachers in Scotland, with more detailed advice for working across the five tier system.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of an empty stage, looking out from the back towards where the audience would be, with bright lights shining down.

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

UK Music’s annual Music By Numbers report reveals the £5.8bn boost to the economy before Covid-19’s catastrophic blow – and renewed calls for Government action to protect the industry.

Published: 18 November 2020

Photograph of a classroom, the sun is rising from the far window filling the room a golden yellow glow.

Research Fuels Call on Scottish Government to Revise Teaching Policy

Scottish Charity, the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG), points towards research that singing is no more risky than talking, and calls on the Scottish Government to revise their current position on singing, brass and woodwind teaching.

Published: 16 November 2020

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MU Advice on Copyright in Education Featured on Podcast

Our London Regional Officer, Natalie Witts, appeared on the Music Teachers Association podcast, discussing crucial information that teachers need to know before embarking on virtual Christmas Concerts.

Published: 12 November 2020

Photograph of a variety of microphones, each one a different style of vintage, set out in a row on a table. The background is a shiny blue.

Defining Your Own Vocal Identity

This article briefly examines the issues giving rise to gender identity in a voice, and headlines the approaches open to trans*+ musicians in defining their own vocal identity.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of CN Lester, they are sat at a piano singing and playing.

Dos and Don’ts of Working with Trans Colleagues

“You don’t need any special skills to support trans colleagues – we’re looking for the same basic level of respect, empathy, and tact that you would (hopefully) show to any fellow musician.”

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of an outdoor music performance taking place at night. We can only see the neck of a guitar and the shoulder of the musician, in the background there is bunting and bright lights.

What the End of the Welsh Firebreak Could Mean for Musicians

The Welsh Government’s Firebreak response to Covid-19 is due to end on Monday 9 November, here’s our summary of the new measures and how they’re likely to affect musicians.

Published: 06 November 2020

Photograph of a guitarist playing guitar towards a webcam, there appears to be an online lesson taking place.

Teaching Under the New English Lockdown Restrictions

While private music teaching should remain online throughout the new restrictions, music lessons can take place in students' homes if no other option is viable.

Published: 05 November 2020

Photograph of a group of children playing music in a classroom, they're playing percussive instruments and looking at their teacher attentively.

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Four)

In the fourth part of this blog, Saxophonist, Author and Music Education Consultant Nathan Holder highlights tracks by Black British musicians and how they can be incorporated into comprehensive lesson plans.

Published: 29 October 2020

Brightly coloured graphic panel, there is a black square in the centre reading

UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

Campaigning and lobbying group UK Music – of which the MU is a part – has released the results of its 2020 Workforce Diversity Survey, alongside a clear road map for change.

Published: 29 October 2020

Photograph of a flute resting on a score, yellow lighting is shining down on everything.

ABRSM Takes Action to Diversify their Syllabi

ABRSM have updated their Diversity and Inclusion programme to commit to a number of actions, including transforming their syllabus and commissioning new composers – following an open letter from the MU calling for action.

Published: 28 October 2020

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Music Teaching News

Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

MU Expresses Horror at Proposed Halving of Funding for Music at HE in England

Scottish Instrumental Music Teaching Network to Hold First Conference

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

Call-Out for Experienced Mentors in the Music Industry

MU Welcomes Welsh Labour’s Commitment to Music Education in Senedd Elections

Concert Pianist Génia: “These days, I take full advantage of what the MU has to offer”

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

Response to the Model Music Curriculum

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Work Online

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Student Members Encouraged to Participate in Research Study

Government Extends Consultation on T Levels to 31 January

New Summer School Scholarship for Young Composers and Music Creators

Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Pioneer with a Mission to Introduce Tabla to the Next Generation of Musicians

How Disabled Musicians Dealt with the Challenges of the Covid Crisis

Music Teaching in Wales to Move Online

Private Teachers in Scotland Resume Face-to-Face in Levels 0-3

Welcoming RSL's New and Inclusive Classical Piano Syllabus

Diversity and Inclusion Work at RSL

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

Research Fuels Call on Scottish Government to Revise Teaching Policy

MU Advice on Copyright in Education Featured on Podcast

Defining Your Own Vocal Identity

Dos and Don’ts of Working with Trans Colleagues

What the End of the Welsh Firebreak Could Mean for Musicians

Teaching Under the New English Lockdown Restrictions

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Four)

UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

ABRSM Takes Action to Diversify their Syllabi