Music Industry News & Features

a woman in a surgical mask facing a question mark

How Has the Latest Surge of Covid-19 Cases Affected Your Work So Far?

Help us make the best case possible to Government by taking part in our quick survey.

Published: 17 December 2021

Campaigning

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

Question mark graphic on a speech bubble, against a bright yellow background

Three Days Left to Share How the Omicron Variant Has Affected Your Work

On Monday we will be using statistics gathered from our survey to press for the urgent support needed by musicians and the music industry in the face of the Omicron variant.

Published: 07 January 2022

Traffic caution sign for school against a bright background with blue sky and green trees.

Concerns Over Proposals to Suspend School Music Lessons

Ofqual boss Ian Bauckham has suggested that schools might consider emergency timetable changes in response to the Omicron surge, that would see music teachers redeployed to other subjects. We advocate strongly against this idea.

Published: 06 January 2022

Stage with bright lights and microphones ready for concert

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, incidences of musicians being asked to play for free are still rife. Neil Crossley examines how the MU is responding and what musicians can do.

Published: 23 December 2021

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Covid-19

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

Out of focus stage captured from the right side, one musician is playing guitar in front of a microphone with yellow stage lighting.

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

SMEadvisor have been in touch with the MU to let us know that they have access to grants of up to £10,000 for businesses in the central Portsmouth area that continue to be impacted by the economic impact of Covid-19.

Published: 11 January 2022

Three Days Left to Share How the Omicron Variant Has Affected Your Work

On Monday we will be using statistics gathered from our survey to press for the urgent support needed by musicians and the music industry in the face of the Omicron variant.

Published: 07 January 2022

Concerns Over Proposals to Suspend School Music Lessons

Ofqual boss Ian Bauckham has suggested that schools might consider emergency timetable changes in response to the Omicron surge, that would see music teachers redeployed to other subjects. We advocate strongly against this idea.

Published: 06 January 2022

Hands of people holding Bengal light at the NYE party

Funds Available for Musicians Through Help Musicians UK from January

The DCMS have just announced an increase to the Culture Recovery Fund top-up and that support will be available for creative freelancers impacted by the pandemic over the Christmas period through Help Musicians UK.

Published: 23 December 2021

Working overseas

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

SMEadvisor have been in touch with the MU to let us know that they have access to grants of up to £10,000 for businesses in the central Portsmouth area that continue to be impacted by the economic impact of Covid-19.

Published: 11 January 2022

Three Days Left to Share How the Omicron Variant Has Affected Your Work

On Monday we will be using statistics gathered from our survey to press for the urgent support needed by musicians and the music industry in the face of the Omicron variant.

Published: 07 January 2022

Concerns Over Proposals to Suspend School Music Lessons

Ofqual boss Ian Bauckham has suggested that schools might consider emergency timetable changes in response to the Omicron surge, that would see music teachers redeployed to other subjects. We advocate strongly against this idea.

Published: 06 January 2022

Funds Available for Musicians Through Help Musicians UK from January

The DCMS have just announced an increase to the Culture Recovery Fund top-up and that support will be available for creative freelancers impacted by the pandemic over the Christmas period through Help Musicians UK.

Published: 23 December 2021

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Working overseas

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

SMEadvisor have been in touch with the MU to let us know that they have access to grants of up to £10,000 for businesses in the central Portsmouth area that continue to be impacted by the economic impact of Covid-19.

Published: 11 January 2022

Three Days Left to Share How the Omicron Variant Has Affected Your Work

On Monday we will be using statistics gathered from our survey to press for the urgent support needed by musicians and the music industry in the face of the Omicron variant.

Published: 07 January 2022

Concerns Over Proposals to Suspend School Music Lessons

Ofqual boss Ian Bauckham has suggested that schools might consider emergency timetable changes in response to the Omicron surge, that would see music teachers redeployed to other subjects. We advocate strongly against this idea.

Published: 06 January 2022

Funds Available for Musicians Through Help Musicians UK from January

The DCMS have just announced an increase to the Culture Recovery Fund top-up and that support will be available for creative freelancers impacted by the pandemic over the Christmas period through Help Musicians UK.

Published: 23 December 2021

See all international news

Careers

a man browsing Instagram with his headphones on

Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

With social media increasingly becoming a key aspect of the music business, Katie Nicholls talks to artists and digital experts to find out if Instagram is the holy grail it promises to be for musicians.

Published: 08 January 2022

Member only Read more about Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

Two musicians both on guitar playing in what appears to be a small pub environment

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Covering topics including Covid-19 secure approaches to the future, international marketing tips, and getting your music on TV and radio – Wide Days have just released a selection of useful recordings on their youtube channel, following their 2021 Scottish Music Convention.

Published: 18 November 2021

Electronic Artist Scanner on His Music Experiments and Working in Lockdown

Electronic musician Robin Rimbaud has been producing music under the name Scanner for many years now. Here he explains his methods of creation and hopes for the future.

Published: 17 November 2021

How to Take Care of the Tabla

Kuljit Bhamra explains how the tabla is a sensitive instrument that requires careful maintenance

Published: 30 October 2021

Member only Read more about How to Take Care of the Tabla

Pregnant Jocelyin Freeman sitting, one hand on the piano, one on her baby bump..

How Mothers are Fighting Workplace Discrimination in Music

Female musicians face discrimination in the workplace – and it only increases if they get pregnant. Here, we focus on some of the inspiring musicians lobbying for change.

Published: 26 August 2021

Features

Taking Care of a Violin

BBC Symphony Orchestra leader Stephen Bryant’s violin is so valuable that it needs constant professional care.

Published: 14 January 2022

Member only Read more about Taking Care of a Violin

Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

With social media increasingly becoming a key aspect of the music business, Katie Nicholls talks to artists and digital experts to find out if Instagram is the holy grail it promises to be for musicians.

Published: 08 January 2022

Member only Read more about Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Equality is a trade union issue, and the collective weight of the MU is the key to successfully creating safer and fairer workplaces and communities for musicians.

Published: 30 December 2021