News & Stories for Musicians

School students in a music lesson learning on keyboards.

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

The MU welcomes the news, which we hope will be central to the Labour Government’s delivery on its pledges to boost music and arts education in England.

Published: 19 March 2025

Hungary Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Banning Pride Events

Hungary has passed a new anti-LGBTQ+ law that bans Pride events and allows authorities to use facial recognition software to identify those attending the festivities.

Published: 19 March 2025

A middle aged woman standing with a selection of music instruments.

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

The Musicians' Union is partnering with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) to host a webinar and panel on the menopause and how it can affect people working in the live music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

Professional singer Sarah Mellor sitting at a piano holding a vocal microphone.

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

In our third blog for Women's History Month 2025, professional singer and MU member Sarah Mellor explores the values needed to build and sustain a truly accessible, inclusive music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

The exterior of the Opera House in Buxton, Derybshire.

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

We are delighted to announce a new agreement between the MU and Buxton International Festival (BIF), detailing how its musicians will work as well as the minimum fees they will be paid.

Published: 18 March 2025

The outside of the Government's Department for Work and Pensions in London.

MU Deeply Concerned by Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits

The UK Government has announced plans for major welfare reforms, proposing cuts to disability benefits including personal independence payments (PIP).

Published: 18 March 2025

STUC and Fellow Unions Launch Fair Work Survey for Creative Industries

In anticipation of the Scottish Government's commitment to becoming a Fair Work Nation by 2025, the STUC and its creative unions have created a survey to help campaign for fair work across the creative industries.

Published: 14 March 2025

A DJ performing at an outdoor festival in Croatia.

Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

The Croatian Parliament has passed amendments to the Aliens Act, meaning UK artists and crew performing or touring in Croatia for less than three months no longer need a visa and work authorisation certificates.

Published: 13 March 2025

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

In our second blog for Women’s History Month 2025, Violinist and MU member Katrina Lee explores her journey as musician in relation to activism and social change, and discusses how her new album celebrates female composers and the violin in its virtuosity as a solo instrument.

Published: 12 March 2025

Close up of news microphone and computer screen as a recording set up.

BBC News Explores Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Musicians and Creative Workers

Following the release of a silent protest album, the MU spoke to BBC News about the impact of AI on our members.

Published: 10 March 2025

Kathryn, smiling stood holding the award.

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Kathryn Sturman, reflects on how her confidence has grown from supporting others.

Published: 07 March 2025

A young girl wearing school uniform and playing a violin in a classroom.

Funding Applications Open for Youth Music Projects in Scotland

Individuals, organisations and networks in Scotland can apply for funding for CPD to support their youth music project. Applications close on 31 March 2025.

Published: 07 March 2025

Folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian standing in front of a tree and wearing bright clothes and jewellery.

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

In our first blog for Women’s History Month 2025, British-Punjabi folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian shares her recent work to challenge traditional ideas about women’s roles in society, the importance of representation, and educating young people about careers in the music industry.

Published: 06 March 2025

An outstretched hand, with a blue graphic in the palm showing an image of a human brain on the right and a robotic brain on the left, with scales in the middle. Representing the ethics and balance of

TUC Launches AI for Creative Workers Manifesto to Protect UK Music and Creative Industries

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) calls for consent, credit and fair remuneration to protect all workers from exploitation in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Published: 05 March 2025

Double bass leaning against a wooden chair.

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

Although the absolute ban on musicians travelling with a double bass on TGV trains in France has been reversed, there are some restrictions members need to be aware of.

Published: 04 March 2025

Young Black woman smiling at an open laptop at home surrounded by pens and a note pad.

New Career Opportunities for Creative Freelancers in the West and South West of England

West of England Music and Arts’ Cultural Education Hub is offering up to 12 grants as part of its Creatives in Schools programme, and Black South West Network have opened applications for their CultureBiz Connect Incubator Programme.

Published: 03 March 2025

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

In a special blog to mark World Hearing Day 2025, audiologist Matthew Allsop shares practical tips on how musicians can protect their ears, as well as the latest updates in hearing protection technology.

Published: 03 March 2025

A pair of headphones in a neon pink light.

'Is This What We Want?' Album Protests Proposed Changes to Copyright Law

Over 1000 musicians back ‘silent’ album in protest against UK government proposals to allow tech firms to train AI models on creative work.

Published: 27 February 2025

Two people sat having a coffee in a coffee shop, with laptop, phones and notebooks.

New One-to-One Advice Surgeries and Online Events Announced for MU North of England Members

One-to-one advice sessions will take place in Birkenhead, Manchester and York in the coming months, and online events will occur throughout the year, to help members familiarise themselves with the range of MU benefits available to them.

Published: 27 February 2025

Close up of hand turning the volume button on an amp.

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Read MU member and bass player Gary Toogood’s experience of using the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, and the difference between off the shelf ear plugs and custom ear protection.

Published: 27 February 2025

The outside of the Senedd building in Wales.

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

The MU welcomes the announcement of an additional £4.4m for arts, culture and publishing in Wales as part of the Welsh Government Final Budget for 2025/26.

Published: 26 February 2025

The MU’s Presence on X/Twitter

The MU will be focusing on other social media platforms and our X feed will not be monitored.

Published: 26 February 2025

A female music teacher sitting at a piano with a young girl teaching her how to play.

Advice for Music Teachers on the Central Digital Platform and Procurement Act 2023

The MU has been approached by a number of musicians who teach in schools, concerned about the introduction of the government’s Central Digital Platform. MU Education Official, David Barnard, has reviewed the legislation in consultation with a solicitor and has produced a summary for members.

Published: 25 February 2025

silhouette of raised hands in the crowd at an outdoor music festival, lit by orange and yellow spotlights.

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

The UnMute roster, which was developed with help from the MU, is a new initiative designed to empower disabled musicians and improve access to live performance opportunities. Applications are now open.

Published: 24 February 2025

Rapper Nate Ethan wearing a white sweatshirt, blue jeans and a white baseball cap.

Nate Ethan for LGBT+ History Month: "We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone"

Nate Ethan Watson is a trailblazing artist and advocate, recognised by the BBC as the UK’s first transgender rapper. In this guest blog, he shares his experiences navigating the music industry and reflects on how it can be reshaped for the better.

Published: 24 February 2025

Nick performing onstage in front of a Genesis Connected banner.

Tribute to Nick Smith

A highly successful bass player, friend, and teacher, Nick (doctor_bass) was a long term member of the MU. This tribute has been provided by his sisters, Kathryn and Alison.

Published: 21 February 2025

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

On Saturday 22 February, musicians, students and alumni will be gathering to publicly protest the proposed closure of Cardiff University's School of Music.

Published: 21 February 2025

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

London cityscape with Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower at sunset.

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

The MU’s Head of Communications and Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez, reports on a busy month of highlighting musicians’ issues in parliament, with updates relating to streaming, music education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Published: 20 February 2025

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at the launch in London.

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

The newly launched campaign, led by the National Education Union with support from the MU, urges political change to restore the place of arts subjects in schools.

Published: 19 February 2025

Utako Toyama singing and playing piano to a crowd, in front of a red curtain and flowers.

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Utako is a multi-award-winning composer and MU member who promotes diversity, equality, and world peace through her music. In this guest blog, she discusses why visibility and allyship is important not just in the music industry, but for society as a whole.

Published: 17 February 2025

A silhouette of a man speaking into a megaphone as part of a trade union protest.

Heart Unions Week 2025

Explore some of the Union’s highlights from the last 12 months as part of Heart Unions week.

Published: 14 February 2025

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

Music education and arts funding need urgent investment to protect jobs and the future of music.

Published: 13 February 2025

MPs and representatives from the CMM, sat along a table for dinner at Parliament, to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

It comes at a crucial point in Creator Remuneration Working Group negotiations to fix streaming and get a better deal for musicians and music creators.

Published: 13 February 2025

Shaftesbury Avenue London in the evening, with signs advertising different West End shows lighting up the street.

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

The Society Of London Theatres (SOLT) have failed to resolve outstanding issues with the MU regarding triggering of effects and AMD pay. Although ongoing for several years, we have now reached an impasse and as such, here are our recommendations to affected members.

Published: 13 February 2025

Three vocalists in a recording studio singing into a microphone.

Music Streaming: What Does a Fair Deal for Musicians Look Like?

How are musicians paid for music streaming and what could a fair deal look like? MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 11 February 2025

Young woman playing Mandolin at home while writing music.

Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

The Alan Surtees Trust has opened its 2025 round of funding for folk and traditional music performers aged 16 to 30. The Trust will make four awards of up to £2,000 per person and applications close 30 April.

Published: 10 February 2025

Musician Kat Browning holding a clarinet and smiling.

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Katmuss, the resident bass clarinettist for Folk Clarinet Quartet, The Tradinettes, shares their experience of dealing with mental health issues and rediscovering a sense of community through the MU and its LGBT+ network.

Published: 10 February 2025

MU Head of Education and Wellbeing, Chris Walters, passing a microphone to a young member to speak about their motion at the last Delegate Conference in 2023.

Represent the Views of Musicians in Your Region: Apply to Attend MU Delegate Conference 2025

MU Delegate Conference 2025 will take place in Liverpool, on Tuesday 22 July and Wednesday 23 July 2025. Applications to attend as a delegate are now open, and members have until Sunday 27 April to apply.

Published: 07 February 2025

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Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

Hungary Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Banning Pride Events

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

MU Deeply Concerned by Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits

STUC and Fellow Unions Launch Fair Work Survey for Creative Industries

Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

BBC News Explores Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Musicians and Creative Workers

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

Funding Applications Open for Youth Music Projects in Scotland

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

TUC Launches AI for Creative Workers Manifesto to Protect UK Music and Creative Industries

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

New Career Opportunities for Creative Freelancers in the West and South West of England

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

'Is This What We Want?' Album Protests Proposed Changes to Copyright Law

New One-to-One Advice Surgeries and Online Events Announced for MU North of England Members

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

The MU’s Presence on X/Twitter

Advice for Music Teachers on the Central Digital Platform and Procurement Act 2023

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

Nate Ethan for LGBT+ History Month: "We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone"

Tribute to Nick Smith

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Heart Unions Week 2025

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

Music Streaming: What Does a Fair Deal for Musicians Look Like?

Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Represent the Views of Musicians in Your Region: Apply to Attend MU Delegate Conference 2025