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Person holding up heart shaped hands at a live gig.

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

In this guest blog, Councillor Tom Plater discusses local authority arts and cultural funding, and explores how local councils can still prioritise this where budgets are cut. Tom also sits on our Members' Assembly as a representative for Young Workers and is an MU East South East Committee member.

Published: 16 September 2024

Read more about Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

Musicians who experience racism

Multiple raised hands against a bright, white sky, each holding a piece of a wooden jigsaw puzzle. A teamwork, problem-solving concept.

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Musicians from across the UK recently came together in London for the first meeting of the Union’s new Members’ Assembly, which will explore MU policy issues and campaigns from diverse perspectives.

Published: 09 August 2024

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Wooden meeple figures in varying colours, concept of diversity and equality in society.

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

We actively oppose all forms of racism and Islamophobia, and we are here for all our Global Majority and Muslim members affected by recent events. Any members with concerns regarding safety in fulfilling engagements are advised to contact their regional office for advice.

Published: 08 August 2024

Read more about Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots
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

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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

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Members' Voice

Person holding up heart shaped hands at a live gig.

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

In this guest blog, Councillor Tom Plater discusses local authority arts and cultural funding, and explores how local councils can still prioritise this where budgets are cut. Tom also sits on our Members' Assembly as a representative for Young Workers and is an MU East South East Committee member.

Published: 16 September 2024

Read more about Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed
Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

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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

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Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

People gathered outside on the grass area of Aviva Studios’ Factory International building in Manchester.

Join the MU’s Networking Event at Beyond the Music Conference

We are pleased to be hosting a networking event for all delegates at Beyond The Music Conference 2024 at Aviva Studios, Manchester on Thursday 10 October. MU Members can also secure a discounted ticket for the whole festival and conference by using our exclusive code.

Published: 16 August 2024

Member only Read more about Join the MU’s Networking Event at Beyond the Music Conference
Wooden meeple figures in varying colours, concept of diversity and equality in society.

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

We actively oppose all forms of racism and Islamophobia, and we are here for all our Global Majority and Muslim members affected by recent events. Any members with concerns regarding safety in fulfilling engagements are advised to contact their regional office for advice.

Published: 08 August 2024

Read more about Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots