skip to main content

Latest News & Features

Campaigning

Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

Yellow headphones on yellow background. Listening concept.

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Member Heidi Fardell has been a one-to-one instrumental tutor for over 20 years. Drawing on her own experiences, she shares why music lessons can often invite conversations on health and wellbeing, and how to listen and recognise when students may need signposting to additional support.

Published: 04 July 2024

Read more about The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching
Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Read more about MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals
View from the back of the room of all hands raised in a support of our motion at the LGBT+ Conference.

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

The MU sent a delegation to this year’s STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference in May, where our motion on tackling transphobia, ensuring culturally relevant mental health provisions and improvements to the Equality Act passed unanimously.

Published: 17 June 2024

Read more about MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

Musicians who experience racism

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Read more about MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals
A violinist playing as part of a live orchestra performance.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment.

Published: 30 April 2024

Read more about MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

Careers news & opportunities

Filkin’s Drift and their manager walking along a grassy road carrying backpacks and instruments.

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Last year MU member Chris Roberts (aka Hafren) undertook a 870-mile walking tour across the Welsh coast with his folk duo Filkin’s Drift. Here he shares the honest, humorous and relatable tale of the 50 show journey, and contemplates the benefits of thinking innovatively when booking tours.

Published: 20 February 2024

Read more about Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Working overseas

Naomi Pohl and other trade union leaders outside government buildings in London.

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

This week the MU met with important members of Labour’s new Government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss key topics such as music education, EU touring and workers' rights.

Published: 25 July 2024

Read more about MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister
Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Read more about MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals