Music Industry News & Feature Stories

Exterior of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Cardiff

Famous Names Sign Open Letter in Support of RWCMD's Junior Department

Famous names including Alistair McGowan and journalist Cathy Newman, as well as award-winning songwriters, playwrights and other prominent figures in the music industry, have signed an open letter in support of the Young RWCMD programme at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Published: 21 June 2024

Campaigning

A MU Wales Official holding a sign and handing out flyers to a man and his young baby during a demo outside of The Wales Millennium Centre in June.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera’s orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, in response to proposals that would reduce the employment of the orchestra from a full-time to 85% contract, along with a 15% pay cut.

Published: 17 July 2024

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

More leading figures from music and the arts sign the Union’s open letter in support of Young RWCMD, as the Senedd Petitions Committee call for urgent action to protect the programme.

Published: 04 July 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

People holding 'protect WNO' posters outside of The Wales Millennium Centre.

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

The MU is balloting its members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra for a mandate for industrial action.

Published: 25 June 2024

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Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

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

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

Silhouette of two sound engineers, in front of empty stage at a mixing desk.

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

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

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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

All 40 participants, smiling in a group photo.

POWER UP Announces Year 4 Programme Participants

40 Black music creators and industry professionals have been selected to receive career-changing support in POWER UP’s fourth year.

Published: 20 June 2024

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

MU delegates and visitors standing outside of the Congress Centre in London for TUC Black Workers' Conference 2024.

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

Our motion for the TUC to support Art Not Evidence and promote the restricted use of creative expression in court was passed at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference.

Published: 14 June 2024

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

Careers news & opportunities

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

A dimly lit, empty theatre pit in front of a grand old stage.

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

In this member-only feature, panel moderator and MU Live, Theatre & Music Writers Official Nat Witts-Kilshaw, shares highlights from our recent Getting Into Theatre event, which includes resources and invaluable first hand advice from industry professionals.

Published: 11 July 2024

Member only Read more about Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Red headphones on an open book with pair of glasses.

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Join the MU in Glasgow on 25 - 26 October for two days of high-quality training, career support and networking for music educators.

Published: 11 March 2024

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

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

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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

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

A woman handing over her passport and travel documentation to an immigration officer.

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

If you're seeking guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad, you can access Viva La Visa's free advice line.

Published: 01 June 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

A lively crowd and street market in Portugal.

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

Taking place in early 2025 across four Portuguese cities, SQUARE is seeking British and European artists to perform as part of its inaugural showcase line-up.

Published: 24 April 2024

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Latest News & Features

Famous Names Sign Open Letter in Support of RWCMD's Junior Department

Campaigning

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

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

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

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

Musicians who experience racism

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

POWER UP Announces Year 4 Programme Participants

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

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

Careers news & opportunities

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

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

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Working overseas

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

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

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE