News & Stories for Musicians

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Young male musician, sat cross legged on the bedroom floor, playing acoustic guitar to his young baby.

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

PiPA and Come Play With Me, supported by the MU, are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for parents and carers who work in music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Published: 21 May 2025

Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Event asset with two fists, Black and White, raised in the air representing unity. The text says:

Why the Cultural Sector Needs Trade Unions: Join the MU and Others for a Free Event in Bradford

Discover the vital role of trade unions in the cultural and creative industries - with expert advice from the MU, Equity, Bectu, and more, at this free event on 3 June for freelancers and employees working across Yorkshire.

Published: 16 May 2025

MU members and staff at one of last years Pride marches, waving MU flags and banners during the event.

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Saturday 17 May, is “The Power of Communities”.

Published: 16 May 2025

A South Asian musician holding an electric guitar and playing a midi keyboard while sat at a desk.

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

South Asian music creators, managers, executives, and behind-the-scenes professionals are encouraged to contribute their experiences to the new survey - and be in with a chance of winning AKG K271 headphones or free studio time!

Published: 15 May 2025

Shakespeare themed campaign placards saying

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

An update for members regarding ongoing contract negotiations for orchestral musicians at Northern Ballet, following the company’s decision to use non-Union agreements for some performances.

Published: 15 May 2025

MU representatives and a politician standing on the steps at Stormont in Northern Ireland.

MU Meets with Key Figures in Northern Ireland to Discuss Impacts of AI

Officials from the MU Scotland & Northern Ireland team met with Sian Mulholland MLA and Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, to discuss the potential impacts of generative AI on the music industry.

Published: 15 May 2025

Women trade unionists and activists holding banners and flags as they parade down the street.

MU to Attend Women Chainmakers’ Festival ‘25

The annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival is a family friendly event in Cradley Heath on 28 June, bringing together trade unions and community groups to celebrate the success of women in the workplace.

Published: 14 May 2025

EU and UK flags flying in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace, London.

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

As over 500 UK and EU music organisations back an open letter to political leaders, MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on the growing industry pressure to fix post-Brexit touring barriers, ahead of key EU-UK talks.

Published: 14 May 2025

Male musician composing an electronic music score at a computer and laptop.

MU Raises Concerns Over Potential Impact of US Film Tariffs on UK Musicians

Although deals are yet to be agreed, the imposition of tariffs on films produced outside of the US could severely impact the UK’s film and television industry, which currently invests around £80m in musicians.

Published: 13 May 2025

Person performing on stage in a wheelchair, singing into a microphone with the band behind them, golden confetti streaming around them.

Apply Now: International Showcasing and Mobility Opportunities for 2026

Members can now apply to showcase at Folk Alliance International in New Orleans, and Eurosonic in Groningen 2026. Plus a new pilot programme to support mobility and exchange across the Nordic region, UK and Ireland is opening this August.

Published: 09 May 2025

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Festival, supporting members and engaging with key industry topics between Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 May in Brighton.

Published: 08 May 2025

Naomi Pohl holding a sign saying 'Don't let AI steal our music - make it fair' in front of Parliament with a large demo group.

MU Joins Demo to Highlight Creators’ AI Concerns Ahead of Parliament Debate

The MU took part in a demo outside parliament today, organised by UK Music, to highlight creator and performer concerns about the potential impact of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) on their rights and future careers.

Published: 07 May 2025

Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

This webinar, exclusive for MU members, uses recent campaigning at Welsh National Opera as a case study to explore how empowering orchestral musicians in the workplace can drive change — serving as a practical introduction to workplace activism in the sector.

Published: 30 April 2025

Member only Read more about Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

A vocal microphone in front of a laptop with music software on the screen.

UK Music Launches Survey into Value of Music to UK Economy

Take the 2025 UK Music Creators’ Survey - and be in with a chance of winning a £100 voucher.

Published: 28 April 2025

Sign inside an airport saying U.S. Customers and Border Protection.

Watch Arts Info Point’s Advice Webinar on Touring and Travelling in the USA

Members wishing to understand more about entering the US, following recent press reports and administrative changes, can now watch the recording of a recent webinar hosted by Arts Info Point.

Published: 24 April 2025

Leon Slater, sat smiling in an armchair.

Tribute to Leon Slater

Leon Slater was a highly accomplished saxophonist who was devoted to his music. He was a member of the MU for over fifty years and had a life-long passion for jazz. This tribute has been provided by Leon’s wife and family.

Published: 24 April 2025

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo in Cardiff.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra vote to accept a new agreement, following a year of tough negotiations and months of high-profile campaigning to protect Wales’ largest arts organisation.

Published: 22 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

The MU and buskers gathered in Leicester Square to mark what could be the last day of busking in the area, following a noise abatement notice from the City of London Magistrates' Court.

Published: 17 April 2025

A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

Jazz North has announced a series of free, online workshops and forums exclusively for artists based in the North of England.

Published: 14 April 2025

Musicians in Northern Ballet Orchestra playing live as part of a demo.

Northern Ballet Management is Now Using Non-Union Contracts

Northern Ballet management continues to use non-union contracts for some performances.

Published: 11 April 2025

The entire cast of Peter Grimes, on stage at the curtain call, showing as empty orchestra pit.

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra took to the stage on opening night of Peter Grimes on Saturday 5 April, to address the audience about the need for better funding.

Published: 10 April 2025

An aerial view of Birmingham in the West Midlands.

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

TUC Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have come together to sign a partnership deal with creative industries trade unions, securing fair pay and working conditions for creative workers employed through the combined authority.

Published: 10 April 2025

A busy nightclub in London with people dancing.

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy

London councils that block pubs, restaurants and music venues from opening later could see their decisions overturned by the mayor of London under new powers from the Government.

Published: 09 April 2025

A young male musician, playing to an older man who is smiling as he listens.

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Changes have been introduced to the disclosure system in Scotland from 1 April 2025, aiming to remove unnecessary barriers for those seeking work and enhance the PVG Scheme.

Published: 08 April 2025

Close up of sound engineer recording a live orchestra.

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

The MU and players in over 20 orchestras across the UK have signed an open letter to call upon the Government to urgently address the lack of streaming royalties for musicians.

Published: 04 April 2025

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

The inside of the hotel lobby of a Point A hotel.

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Our new partnership with Point A Hotels means that members can now benefit from discounted hotel rooms in Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

Published: 01 April 2025

Three children sat in a semicircle in a music classroom, having a guitar lesson from a tutor.

Curriculum Review: Sign the Campaign Letter to Help Make Space for the Arts in Schools

Following the publication of an interim report from the government’s Curriculum Review, our open letter to ministers highlights the desperate need to make space for the arts in schools.

Published: 31 March 2025

A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Close up of a Border Security Officer at a computer.

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US

Tamizdat, a non-profit organisation that facilitates international cultural exchange, has provided updated advice for those entering the US, further to recent press commentary regarding increased scrutiny at ports of entry.

Published: 27 March 2025

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EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

Why the Cultural Sector Needs Trade Unions: Join the MU and Others for a Free Event in Bradford

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

MU Meets with Key Figures in Northern Ireland to Discuss Impacts of AI

MU to Attend Women Chainmakers’ Festival ‘25

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

MU Raises Concerns Over Potential Impact of US Film Tariffs on UK Musicians

Apply Now: International Showcasing and Mobility Opportunities for 2026

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

MU Joins Demo to Highlight Creators’ AI Concerns Ahead of Parliament Debate

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

UK Music Launches Survey into Value of Music to UK Economy

Watch Arts Info Point’s Advice Webinar on Touring and Travelling in the USA

Tribute to Leon Slater

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

Northern Ballet Management is Now Using Non-Union Contracts

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Curriculum Review: Sign the Campaign Letter to Help Make Space for the Arts in Schools

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US