News & Stories for Musicians

Two young women playing Highland Bagpipes in front of stone wall.

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

National Piping Centre research reveals fundamental challenges facing women in piping and drumming.

Published: 13 December 2024

Close up of burning tea lights against a dark background.

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

The MU supports the Miscarriage Association's Leave for Every Loss campaign, which today called for a vital change in the law so that women and their partners who experience a pre-24 week pregnancy loss have the legal right to take bereavement leave from work.

Published: 12 December 2024

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

2025 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 2025. While more information will be released in the new year, here are some key dates to help you plan ahead.

Published: 11 December 2024

Close up of a world map with a small German flag pinned into Germany.

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Metal shopping basket in front of an out of focus EU flag.

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The regulations come into force on 13 December 2024 and apply to goods which are being sold to consumers in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 06 December 2024

Young boy playing violin, reading sheet music, in a music classroom at school.

MU Responds to Government Curriculum Review

We highlighted unequal access to music education and the urgent need to reverse the marginalisation of arts subjects in schools under the last Government.

Published: 05 December 2024

WNO musicians holding up placards to support the Protect WNO campaign.

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Welsh National Opera is set to get the largest share of £3.6 million of new funding to support jobs and touring, following campaigning by Musicians' Union members in the orchestra.

Published: 05 December 2024

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

A graphic with an orange and black gradient background and white text.

Register to Attend Free Launchpad Conference 2025 in Leeds

Taking place on March 28 2025, Launchpad Conference in Leeds offers a day of panels, workshops and networking for music industry professionals and those interested in working in the industry.

Published: 29 November 2024

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

The backs of young children sat in the theatre looking at the stage.

MU Supports Campaign Against National Theatre Cuts to Primary Theatre Touring Programme

Equity's Class Network is behind a campaign to re-instate the National Theatre’s touring programme, which was aimed at giving primary school aged children their first experience of live theatre.

Published: 27 November 2024

A pair of hands holding paper cut outs of human figures.

10 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for Disabled Musicians

The Musicians' Census' Disabled Musicians Insight Report revealed multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more inclusive for disabled musicians. Here we look at the recommendations we think can make that happen.

Published: 26 November 2024

Wooden blocks representing equal rights for disabled people.

Musicians’ Census Reveals Disabled Musicians Experience Discrimination, Financial Challenges and Poor Wellbeing

New findings from the Musicians’ Census reveal that disabled musicians are facing significant challenges when it comes to discrimination, financial security and fair pay, as well as poor physical and mental wellbeing.

Published: 26 November 2024

The Welsh flag against a light blue sky.

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Businesses, employers, employees and freelancers in the creative sector in Wales are invited to take part in a short survey to help Creative Wales strengthen their support of the creative industries.

Published: 21 November 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

The Musicians’ Union has appointed its first-ever Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, marking an important point of progress for our members in the region.

Published: 21 November 2024

A man's open hands behind figures of different people to show inclusion and diversity.

Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

In our second member blog for Disability History Month 2024, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neil Patterson reflects on his journey as an MU member and advocate for inclusion in the music industry.

Published: 21 November 2024

This is Music Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributed Record £7.6 Billion to UK Economy

UK Music’s annual economic report shows a record year for the music industry, while musicians affected by Brexit continue to see their earnings fall.

Published: 20 November 2024

Representatives from the UK music industry at the Bristol Beacon cultural centre.

Bristol Nights Launches Proposals For New Fund Supporting Bristol’s Music Scene

Bristol Nights has launched a new feasibility study, A Ticket to the Future, outlining proposals for a new fund aimed at supporting Bristol’s music scene.

Published: 19 November 2024

Maddie Morris standing wearing a green jumpsuit.

Maddie Morris for Disability History Month: "There Were Lots of Unspoken Rules in the Industry"

In our first member blog for Disability History Month 2024, folk musician Maddie Morris reflects on the barriers facing disabled musicians and how the MU has provided support.

Published: 14 November 2024

Blue. pink and white transgender flag, being waved at a parade.

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Transgender Awareness Week takes place 13 - 19 November and is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. To mark this we’ve put together a guide where you can check out MU resources, revisit related stories from the past year, and view upcoming events.

Published: 13 November 2024

Two people holding placards saying 'Fund The Arts' and 'Protect Welsh National Opera'.

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Michael Sheen shared his solidarity with musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra and urged people to email their MP in support of the campaign to protect WNO.

Published: 08 November 2024

Young female musician with red hair, sat in front of a computer mixing a song, writing in a notepad with headphones on.

Get Involved in Young Workers’ Month 2024

November is Young Workers’ Month, celebrating and supporting young members across the trade union movement.

Published: 07 November 2024

Naomi Pohl and Alex Sobel MP holding black Musicians’ Union t-shirts that say ‘It’s time to fix streaming’.

Government Gives View on Measures to Fix Music Streaming

Government has responded to further recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on music streaming and how to fix it.

Published: 07 November 2024

Two secondary school students in uniform reading music and playing a keyboard in class.

Invitation to Respond to Government Curriculum Review

The Government is running a Curriculum and Assessment Review, with a call for evidence that anyone can complete by the deadline of 22 November.

Published: 05 November 2024

Northern Ballet demo in October, members are holding signs saying keep northern ballet live.

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

The International Federation of Musicians backs Northern Ballet Sinfonia in a message of solidarity signed by over 20 musicians’ unions worldwide

Published: 05 November 2024

Tribute to Elmer Cole

Elmer Cole was a highly accomplished flautist. He was also a member of the English National Opera for over 40 years and the MU for over 50. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Frances.

Published: 04 November 2024

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

The Musicians' Union reacts to the Labour Government's new budget and explores what it could mean for the creative industries, music and musicians.

Published: 31 October 2024

A folk band playing at Band on the Wall in Manchester.

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Un-Convention 112th music conference and showcase returns to Manchester on November 21 and 22, for which MU members are able to get discounted tickets.

Published: 30 October 2024

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WNO orchestra players holding up placards that say 'Protect WNO'.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

Email your political representatives to support musicians campaigning to protect Welsh National Opera jobs and secure the company’s future, including touring in England and Wales.

Published: 30 October 2024

Black and grey image of a small rock show at an underground/grassroots venue.

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

The letter states how artists have previously been locked out of support mechanisms offered to other parts of the industry, and calls for a blanket ticket levy on arena events to help musicians progress in the sector. Members can show support for the letter by signing the MU and FAC’s petition.

Published: 29 October 2024

A woman sat at a piano, smiling as she teaches a young girl how to play.

Help Protect Instrumental Music Services in Scotland

Instrumental Music Services across Scotland are under threat. Help protect their existence and the livelihoods of their workforce by contacting your local authority councillors and MSPs, to demand that government grants to cover instrumental music tuition are used only as they are intended.

Published: 28 October 2024

A female musician with a guitar performing at a festival to a crowd in Austin, Texas.

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

PRS Foundation have released a new impact report demonstrating how the International Showcase Fund (ISF) helps music creators across the country to develop their careers and contribute to the wider UK economy.

Published: 24 October 2024

Outstretched human hand holding the graphic of a blue brain in it's palm. AI concept.

Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI

Over 10,500 creatives have signed a statement to artificial intelligence (AI) companies, calling for explicit creator consent and fair remuneration when training generative AI systems. Umbrella body UK Music, of which the MU is a founding member, has also signed.

Published: 23 October 2024

An activist holding a Love Music Hate Racism sign as part of a protest in the UK.

This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

Join the Love Music Hate Racism campaign this Black History Month and show your support for the antiracist movement.

Published: 22 October 2024

A hand stamping a passport at border control.

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed.

Published: 22 October 2024

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

Northern Ballet orchestra musicians performing as part of a demo.

MU Statement on Northern Ballet and Opera North Partnership

The MU is deeply concerned to learn that Northern Ballet have announced plans which may cut their long-standing orchestra players.

Published: 18 October 2024

Hand stopping wooden dominos from falling, a proactive concept.

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Worker Protection Act 2024, which comes into force on 26 October, introduces a new Preventative Duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers and employees.

Published: 17 October 2024

Craig Charles, Richard Kemp CBE, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their family, on stage at the Awards evening. The audience are giving a standing ovation.

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Chris Amoo, longstanding MU Member and one of the founders of seminal Liverpool four piece The Real Thing, has received a major honour inside Black History Month. The MU would like to extend its congratulations to Chris, his bandmates and family on this long overdue accolade.

Published: 17 October 2024

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Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

2025 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Day Events

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

MU Responds to Government Curriculum Review

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

Register to Attend Free Launchpad Conference 2025 in Leeds

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

MU Supports Campaign Against National Theatre Cuts to Primary Theatre Touring Programme

10 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for Disabled Musicians

Musicians’ Census Reveals Disabled Musicians Experience Discrimination, Financial Challenges and Poor Wellbeing

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

This is Music Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributed Record £7.6 Billion to UK Economy

Bristol Nights Launches Proposals For New Fund Supporting Bristol’s Music Scene

Maddie Morris for Disability History Month: "There Were Lots of Unspoken Rules in the Industry"

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Get Involved in Young Workers’ Month 2024

Government Gives View on Measures to Fix Music Streaming

Invitation to Respond to Government Curriculum Review

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

Tribute to Elmer Cole

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

Help Protect Instrumental Music Services in Scotland

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI

This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

MU Statement on Northern Ballet and Opera North Partnership

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool