Orchestral Player News & Stories

Back view of a woman playing violin reading sheet music, the background and rest of the orchestra are out of focus

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

Now that social restrictions have ended, you still need to be sure your employer or engager is offering you a safe place to work.

Published: 29 March 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in a crowd, chanting and cheering with placards that read

Naomi Pohl Formally Takes Up Role of MU General Secretary

Following her election to the role on Monday 7 March, today on Wednesday 23 March, Naomi Pohl formally takes up the role of MU General Secretary.

Published: 23 March 2022

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl gave a historic video address at the conference, whilst MU Executive Committee member Sarah Williams gave a moving speech on supporting women through early pregnancy loss.

Published: 21 March 2022

MU Advice on Increase in Fuel Prices

From April 2022, the MU will update its mileage rates to reflect the fuel and cost of living crisis.

Published: 16 March 2022

Three young musicians performing on a stage at BBC Introducing, synth, keyboard and microphones are present.

Defending the BBC

Musicians’ Union General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing the BBC, and why union members must come together to fight for our public broadcaster’s future once again.

Published: 14 March 2022

Help Musicians Launches New Bullying and Harassment Helpline for the UK Music Industry

A new helpline that supports those suffering bullying and harassment within the UK music industry has launched today, providing support, guidance and advice through specialist advisors.

Published: 10 March 2022

An adults two hands and arms are typing on a rose gold laptop, the screen content is not visible. They also have a cup of coffee and a phone on the table.

FIM and PEARLE Launch New Tool to Help Instruct Musicians With Instruments Containing Endangered Species

The MU’s European colleagues at FIM and PEARLE develop tool to assist musicians determine what they need to do if they have an instrument containing endangered species.

Published: 09 March 2022

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

It has been confirmed today that Naomi Pohl has been elected as MU General Secretary.

Published: 08 March 2022

Close up of woman with light brown hair holding a mobile phone to her right ear, the back ground is dark and out of focus.

Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

The Tackling Sexual Harassment in the Workplace toolkit is a free resource available to both employers and employees.

Published: 04 March 2022

Train waits at busy st Pancras train station as passengers travel

Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

The data from this survey will be used to lobby for the St Pancras Eurostar terminal in London to become a designated port for instruments requiring a MIC certificate to travel. Opening up a quick and affordable way for these musicians to access Europe for work.

Published: 02 March 2022

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

We know that MU members are very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and keen to express solidarity and take action in support of the country and its people.

Published: 02 March 2022

Open passport showing country stamps, lying over a map of the world.

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

Watch the recording of the Touring in the EU post Brexit event from 24 February 2022.

Published: 01 March 2022

A hand is posting something into a red postbox

General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

The MU Executive Committee has reluctantly voted to reject a motion from 20 members received on Tuesday 22 February requesting that the deadline for receipt of General Secretary election ballot papers be extended by a minimum of one week.

Published: 28 February 2022

Two same-sex parents embracing a new born baby. Both woman have red/pink in their hair and are looking down and smiling at the baby in the middle of them.

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Following a decision at the last MU delegate conference, parental grants for members are now offered per-child in the case of multiple births or adoptions.

Published: 24 February 2022

A blue sticker on the floor of a bridge above a train station, the sticker reads

Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

The Prime Minister announced on Monday 21 February that Covid-19 restrictions and free mass testing will end in England. Scotland has also announced changes. Restrictions in Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be reviewed.

Published: 23 February 2022

Yellow and pink banner with a blue megaphone, reading

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

The final stage of the process to elect the next MU General Secretary, the postal ballot, opens on Monday 14 February. Further information about the ballot and the process so far are provided below.

Published: 10 February 2022

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

Members are encouraged to attend the online forum on 16 February, to hear and interrogate the progress of the UK Music 10-Point Plan presented by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce leads.

Published: 09 February 2022

Close up of people from behind playing violin in an orchestra, reading from a score of sheet music

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

The MU has updated its pages regarding best practice for an inclusive recruitment process for orchestras.

Published: 08 February 2022

Woman in yellow jumper working at a laptop in afternoon light with cup of coffee in right hand

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Morrish Solicitors are the new provider for our personal injury claim service and other legal service benefits.

Published: 07 February 2022

Two climbers set against a sunset on a mountain, one offering the other a hand up.

Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

We’re pleased to share that our friends at Music Support are currently offering our members the opportunity to attend their Addiction and Recovery Workshop for free.

Published: 25 January 2022

Close up of hand writing musical notes on paper

PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

This aim of the survey is to investigate the impact of caring responsibilities on career progression in Classical Music as well as wider workforce issues including work-life balance and wellbeing.

Published: 20 January 2022

An elderly looking hand rests on the shoulder of another person, who has their hand placed comfortingly over the elderly hand.

Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

Music Support is a charity that provides help for musicians dealing with addiction and/or mental health issues. Please complete their survey by 1 February to help improve and develop its services.

Published: 20 January 2022

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

The two-year license fee freeze is likely to harm job opportunities for musicians as The BBC is the single biggest employer of MU members in the UK.

Published: 19 January 2022

Taking Care of a Violin

BBC Symphony Orchestra leader Stephen Bryant’s violin is so valuable that it needs constant professional care.

Published: 14 January 2022

Member only Read more about Taking Care of a Violin

Out of focus stage captured from the right side, one musician is playing guitar in front of a microphone with yellow stage lighting.

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

SMEadvisor have been in touch with the MU to let us know that they have access to grants of up to £10,000 for businesses in the central Portsmouth area that continue to be impacted by the economic impact of Covid-19.

Published: 11 January 2022

Photograph of someone writing into a notebook wearing a white coat in what appears to be a medical setting

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Equality is a trade union issue, and the collective weight of the MU is the key to successfully creating safer and fairer workplaces and communities for musicians.

Published: 30 December 2021

A hand holds up a red and white megaphone against a pale pink background.

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

Due to the significant rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK, in-person Regional Nomination Meetings will now be held online instead.

Published: 23 December 2021

A drummer is playing on a kit in their home, a laptop computer set up near them is recording the performance.

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

The MU is calling on the Government to account for the urgent needs of its members in the coming weeks due to the impact of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 21 December 2021

A koala bear curls up sleepily against a tree with a background of vibrant green folliage

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

Photograph of a small globe on a desk, with a man working at a laptop in the background out of focus

Update to International Travel Restrictions

As of Tuesday 7 December, all passengers entering the UK must take a pre-departure test to travel.

Published: 09 December 2021

Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

Touring crates being unloaded from a van with man in hat, standing in background

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

We hope that joining the independent Commission will give us more influence in creating solutions to the struggles Brexit has created for musicians.

Published: 02 December 2021

Lucy Powell MP stands with microphone, she's wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket. The crowd is out of focus.

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

MU welcomes the appointment of the New Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Powell MP.

Published: 02 December 2021

An arrow painted on a tarmac road points towards a bright blur of setting sun.

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

UK Music and UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce is calling for greater transparency in the battle to boost diversity and inclusion across the music business and creative industries.

Published: 29 November 2021

Grey skys over westminister bridge, with the houses of parliament and big ben in view in the background.

Brexit Lobbying Update

An update following the debate held in Westminster Hall on enabling visa and work permit free travel for musicians in the EU, with renewed calls from MPs for the Government to sort out remaining issues for musicians.

Published: 23 November 2021

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

People sitting on steps at Primavera Sound 2015 Festival

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Visas are no longer required for musicians for a short term work when travelling to Spain.

Published: 17 November 2021

Photograph of a singer holding a microphone up to their face against a purple misty background, the rest of the image is in shadow.

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

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Orchestral News

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

Naomi Pohl Formally Takes Up Role of MU General Secretary

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU Advice on Increase in Fuel Prices

Defending the BBC

Help Musicians Launches New Bullying and Harassment Helpline for the UK Music Industry

FIM and PEARLE Launch New Tool to Help Instruct Musicians With Instruments Containing Endangered Species

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

Taking Care of a Violin

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Update to International Travel Restrictions

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

Brexit Lobbying Update

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry