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Black and white photograph of two drum sticks resting on a drum, with a music manuscript open in the background.

MU Responds to Death of Two Former Members of BBC Symphony Orchestra

The MU has released a response to reports on the death of two former members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Photograph of a persons hand turning the tuning peg on a guitar, in the background is wild countryside.

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

Set up during the pandemic, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) is putting the welfare of our planet in the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide, and the MU is proud to have contributed.

Photograph of a young woman listening to music off her phone on the bus.

MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

As part of the 10-Point Plan published by UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce last October, the MU will be supporting equality movement organisation Girls I Rate in their work towards a music industry where women can thrive.

A young musician is playfully holding up the seperated parts of a bassoon, looking through one end of one piece.

ABRSM Announces Enriched Woodwind Syllabus Which Aims to Inspire Curiosity of Learners

A new, enriched woodwind syllabus designed to inspire the curiosity of learners and spark interest in music from all corners of the world and by people of all backgrounds has been launched by ABRSM.

Photograph of a number of travel crates ready to pack concert equipment in for a tour.

Piping Centre to Give Free Talk on Post-Brexit Working for Musicians

The National Piping Centre in Scotland will be running a free online-workshop, explaining the new Brexit requirements, on Wednesday 11 August at 2:00 pm.

Photograph of a young adult walking with a violin case strapped to their back against an urban backdrop.

TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady sent a strong message of solidarity and support to MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Delegate Conference.

Photograph of the houses of parliament in the bright sunshine.

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Jo Stevens MP shared a powerful message with MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

A woman is looking in the mirror and adjusting her hearing aid in the mirror.

Government Response to Consultation on Sexual Harassment Welcomed

The Government has responded to the consultation on sexual harassment with a number of commitments, and the MU wishes to congratulate everyone involved in making this happen, including MU members who contributed to the consultation.

Photograph of the hands of two colleagues in a meeting at work.

MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights

Together with over 38 other unions and the TUC, we have written to equalities minister Liz Truss to call for an urgent reset in the government’s approach to LGBT+ rights.

Photograph of stained glass window with insturments and the text

Second day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Photograph of an empty recital hall, there are two double basses lying on their sides and a lot of empty chairs and music stands.

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

The MU is devastated that the Office for Students has recommended implementing Government funding cuts to Higher Education arts and music subjects.

Photograph from the MU Conference in 2019, focusing on a large white speakers podium with

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Today saw the first day of the MU Delegate Conference 2021, which for the first time ever is being held largely online due to the pandemic.

Woman applies hand sanitizer to a child wearing a facemask and a rainbow coloured t-shirt.

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

We fully support We Shall Not Be Removed’s seven inclusive principles, and Art Council England’s statement on inclusive recovery – and wish to state our continued commitment to supporting members and lobbying the Government for better support and clearer guidance.

Photograph of a pair of bumble bees landing down on a thistle.

Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

'Honey Sessions' is designed to support artists and producers working within MOBO genres. It's been set up in collaboration alongside the Forté Project and with a focus on creative collaborations between artists and producers.

Photograph of a football in a grassy field, the sun is shining and the grass is green.

MU Signs TUC’s Letter of Solidarity With The Professional Footballers' Association

Along with dozens of others we have written to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in solidarity with the England team, read the full content of the TUC’s letter.

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the “revolutionary” Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Economics of music streaming report.

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Tankus the Henge - Crédit - Sophie Hervet

Touring in Europe in a Post-Brexit Age

Tankus The Henge are one of the first UK bands to brave the post-Brexit and mid-Covid EU touring circuit. Henry Yates asked pianist and frontman Jaz Delorean about the challenges, pleasures and pitfall.

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Yazz Ahmed draws on her cultural heritage to create a strident sonic mix, one that blurs the boundaries between jazz and electronic soundscapes.

Photograph of a young child practicing on a drum kit, we can only see the top of the child's head, and the drum kit.

Save the Date: MU Education Conference 15-16 October

The MU is delighted to announce an in-person Education Conference, to be held on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October in Dudley.

Photograph of Belfast Castle, seen through the flowers in bright sunshine.

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

A new online music initiative dedicated to championing Northern Ireland (NI) music has launched. Music Connections is a central online hub created to support the development and growth of NI’s diverse and talented music sector.

Photograph of a small model car balancing on the fret board of a guitar.

MU Continues to Support Members Injured on The Road Despite Government Changes

The Government is restricting access to justice with small claims changes – but we will continue to protect you.

Photo of a trio of musicians, a banjo player, a double bass player and an acoustic guitarist.

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

Our friends at the hub have just launched a new Balance toolkit that includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of Covid 19.

Photograph of a hand spraying disinfectant spray on to a tissue and using it to sanitize a keyboard.

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Photograph of an airplane flying up and through a darkening sky, with sun beams escaping through the clouds

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

We’ve now released a recording of the webinars and Q&A session we put on, explaining the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species.

Photograph of a woman singing intensley in to a microphone.

Applications Open For Keychange Talent Development Programme

Keychange has opened its Talent Development Programme for this year’s round of applications, recruiting women and gender minority Artists and Innovators to take part in a year-long programme of development.

Photograph of a function band performing at a wedding, as seen from behind. We see the back of a guitarist in blue lighting.

Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

The programme is supported by PRS Foundation, and aims to develop international opportunities for six acts based in Scotland, and is taking applications up to Monday 5 July.

Photograph of percussive instruments set up in an orchestral setting.

Circumstances at the Grange Festival

A review of the actions taken to ensure members remain protected during the unique circumstances at the Grange Festival, performing for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Member only Read more about Circumstances at the Grange Festival

Photograph of a collection of young people rehearsing in an orchestra, the photo focuses on a young woman on the cello.

MU Orchestras Department Run Back to Work Events Series

Looking back at the series of events recently put on by the MU Orchestras Department, developed specifically to help orchestral players on the road back to work – from physical health and coping with pressure, to presentation skills.

Photograph of a silver flute in a dark coloured case.

Freelance Pay Increases Achieved by the MU Orchestras Department

The MU Orchestras Department are pleased to report having gained considerable ground on a number of historic “parity claims” since the outbreak of the pandemic, with a number of freelance payments increases ranging between 2% and 30%.

Photograph zooming in on a hand moving to turn the page on a score, blurred in the dark background are further scores in what appears to be an orchestral section.

An Update on the Work of the MU Orchestra Section

Following our Orchestra Section Annual General Meeting, we have now released the full AGM report to members, with the details summarised in this statement from National Organiser Orchestras Jo Laverty.

Member only Read more about An Update on the Work of the MU Orchestra Section

Photograph of the clock face of Big Ben against a stormy looking pink and grey sky.

Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

In this Brexit update we discuss Lord Frost’s first appearance at the DCMS Select Committee, and our plans for moving forward.

Photograph of musician Lizzy Hardingham, she is laughing and looking past the camera in a brightly coloured jacket,

Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Singer-songwriter and folk musician Lizzy Hardingham discusses why she’s glad she was pointed in the MU’s direction.

Black and White Photograph of a retro looking sign reading

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The deadline for the questionnaires has now been extended to midnight on 1 August 2021, with results contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Review Of Jazz In England.

Photographs of various young artists displayed on a photo wall at the event BBC Introducing

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Photograph of a young person walking in the rain, they have a violin in a hard case on their back and are carrying an umbrella

MU Launches Online Wills Service for Members

Need a simple will written, quickly and easily? You can now use our free, online Wills Service operated by Thompsons Solicitors.

Blurred photograph of a crowd outdoors, sitting and facing an outdoor stage.

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

An update on the MU’s lobbying activities following last week’s announcement of the Government’s delay to the Covid-19 roadmap in England.

Positive News on US Visas

The visa system brought in by Donald Trump have been rolled back due to pressure from Tamizdat and support from arts organisations across the world, including the MU.

An abstract photo of a stage as seen from over a table.

Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

New Music Scotland (NMS) has announced the shortlist of nominees for the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music. Once again, NMS received an exceptional level of submissions which were adjudicated by a panel of key figures in the music world.

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