Latest News & Features

Singer, songwriter and rapper S1mba performing on stage

How Artists Can Make the Most Out of TikTok for Their Career

As TikTok becomes a vital promotional tool that can break a song internationally, we ask the musicians gaining traction on the app for their advice on going viral.

Published: 12 April 2022

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Close up of musical icons on on wooden cubes/blocks. Icons include: microphone, headphones, loud speaker, radio, and vinyl discs.

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Labour leader Keir Starmer this week to talk through the Union’s policy priorities.

Published: 06 July 2022

Stacked cardboard boxes next to a cotton sack with a large euro symbol on.

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

In June HW Fisher and the MU’s Head of International Dave Webster presented a webinar for members entitled ‘Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU’ and the video is now available to watch back.

Published: 04 July 2022

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Sunrise winter sky in Birmingham city centre, showing close up of the Bullring.

Important Advice for Buskers in the Midlands Between July and August 2022

Buskers will need to obtain a licence from the Commonwealth Games to continue to perform in specific locations and times during the Games.

Published: 29 June 2022

A music stand is empty against a brightly lit background

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 become the first UK broadcasters to back the next stage of Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for an Independent Standards Authority to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.

Published: 22 June 2022

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Working overseas

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

Published: 04 July 2022

Member only Read more about Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

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Information for Members Wishing to Take Action Further to Roe V Wade Ruling

Resources for members wishing to stand in solidary with the fight to defend abortion rights in the US.

Published: 27 June 2022

Microphone on the background of the National Flag of Afghanistan, realistic 3d illustration.

Overcoming Adversity to Play Again: A Refugee’s Story

In recognition of Refugee Week 2022, Musician and Associate Prof. Dr. Waheedullah Saghar (former head of the Music Department for the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kabul University) speaks of his experiences of being a refugee, and how music helps to keep our stories alive across continents.

Published: 24 June 2022

Windscreen drivers view of a touring van, an open road and greenery are ahead.

Navigating Tours in Ireland and Europe post Brexit and Covid: A Case Study

In this insightful case study, MU member Sarah McQuaid outlines the extensive process she has gone through prior to touring in Ireland and Europe.

Published: 20 June 2022

7 wooden shaped non gender figures on grey surface, with 3 dots in a speech bubble in white, one of the figures has a speech bubble in green showing they are talking.

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

PPL are supporting the MEAA in trying to lobby for change in Australia so that orchestras can receive their PPL equivalent PPCA.

Published: 08 June 2022

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Covid-19

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Labour leader Keir Starmer this week to talk through the Union’s policy priorities.

Published: 06 July 2022

Woman with pink hair sat at keyboard with left hand in the air, looking at an open laptop, teaching online music.

Guidance for Clinically Vulnerable Musicians Who Teach

As Covid-19 restrictions and free mass testing end, many CEV musicians who teach are understandably concerned about the safety of the school environment.

Published: 01 April 2022

Nurse in protective blue cap, gown, gloves and facial shield holding a COVID test tube and swap.

MU Responds to the End of Free Covid-19 Testing

The Musicians’ Union has serious concerns about how the end of free testing may affect all musicians, and in particular clinically extremely vulnerable musicians.

Published: 31 March 2022

Back view of a woman playing violin reading sheet music, the background and rest of the orchestra are out of focus

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

Now that social restrictions have ended, you still need to be sure your employer or engager is offering you a safe place to work.

Published: 29 March 2022

Man wearing blue face mask in leather jacket with short hair, looking out of a window waiting to get off a bus.

MU Expresses Concern at Impact Upon Musicians Following End of Covid-19 Restrictions

The MU, whilst welcoming in principle the scrapping of restrictions taking effect from today in England, has expressed serious concerns about how the end of free testing may affect its members.

Published: 24 February 2022

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Equalities news

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Labour leader Keir Starmer this week to talk through the Union’s policy priorities.

Published: 06 July 2022

Small LGBT+ flag near cropped psychologist with digital tablet on blurred background.

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

A motion on the need for specialist LGBT+ mental health services was passed at the conference last week.

Published: 05 July 2022

Flat lay of musician and sound engineer items such as a guitar, mixer, microphone, keyboard, cables, note pad and headphones. Image has a vintage style filter.

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

In this informative and thought-provoking piece, MU member Stephe Meloy discusses what it means to celebrate both LGBTQ+ Pride and Gypsy Roma Traveller History months.

Published: 30 June 2022

UK Music Opens its 2022 Survey to Boost Diversity and Inclusion in UK Music Industry

UK Music, the collective voice of the music industry, has launched its Workforce Diversity Survey and it needs responses from all those who work behind the scenes.

Published: 27 June 2022

Information for Members Wishing to Take Action Further to Roe V Wade Ruling

Resources for members wishing to stand in solidary with the fight to defend abortion rights in the US.

Published: 27 June 2022

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Careers in music

A woman is busking with a guitar and microphone on a busy London street, with a phone set up to take contactless payments

A Guide to Card Readers

Whether you’re busking or selling merch after a gig, the card reader is now a vital tool in the modern musician’s kit. Neil Crossley asks various artists for tips on how to choose and use these devices, so they keep you busy earning.

Published: 06 July 2022

FACT Together Puts up a New Call Out to Early Career Artists in the North of England

Leading cultural organisation FACT will be supporting four early-career artists to make digital work that pushes boundaries of presenting work online, with applications closing on 24 July.

Published: 06 July 2022

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

A motion on the need for specialist LGBT+ mental health services was passed at the conference last week.

Published: 05 July 2022

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

Published: 04 July 2022

Member only Read more about Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

In this informative and thought-provoking piece, MU member Stephe Meloy discusses what it means to celebrate both LGBTQ+ Pride and Gypsy Roma Traveller History months.

Published: 30 June 2022

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Latest News & Features

How Artists Can Make the Most Out of TikTok for Their Career

Campaigning

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

Important Advice for Buskers in the Midlands Between July and August 2022

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

Working overseas

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

Information for Members Wishing to Take Action Further to Roe V Wade Ruling

Overcoming Adversity to Play Again: A Refugee’s Story

Navigating Tours in Ireland and Europe post Brexit and Covid: A Case Study

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

Covid-19

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

Guidance for Clinically Vulnerable Musicians Who Teach

MU Responds to the End of Free Covid-19 Testing

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

MU Expresses Concern at Impact Upon Musicians Following End of Covid-19 Restrictions

Equalities news

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

UK Music Opens its 2022 Survey to Boost Diversity and Inclusion in UK Music Industry

Information for Members Wishing to Take Action Further to Roe V Wade Ruling

Careers in music

A Guide to Card Readers

FACT Together Puts up a New Call Out to Early Career Artists in the North of England

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself