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MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has pledged to make the arts accessible to every child in Britain and to reverse a Conservative education policy that has decimated the uptake of arts subjects in state schools.

Published: 12 March 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge
Audience hands in the air in front of a stage, representing community and positive wellbeing.

Why Arts Funding is Essential

From boosting the economy to enriching the lives of marginalised communities across the UK, we explore how the arts lie at the very heart of our physical, social and cultural wellbeing.

Published: 26 February 2024

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Women's History Month

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Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Read more about Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music
Vulva Voce standing in a dark room holding their instruments.

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

In this blog, all-female genre-defying string quartet Vulva Voce celebrate their recent involvement in a world record for the longest acoustic music live-streamed concert, and share the powerful reminder that music written and performed by women and non-binary people is abundant and limitless.

Published: 06 March 2024

Read more about International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music
Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

Health, safety & wellbeing

An almost silhouette of a women from behind in front of a stage in the spotlight.

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Read more about Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music
Musician with short pink hair, sat in a wheelchair at a desk in front of a laptop, mic and pop shield.

MU Supports Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s First Conference on Disability and Music

This May Cheltenham Jazz Festival will host the first Access To Music Conference, which will see industry figures gather together to explore the challenges faced by disabled people participating in music and live events. Tickets are now on sale for both in-person and online attendance.

Published: 21 February 2024

Read more about MU Supports Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s First Conference on Disability and Music
Volume dial against a glittery green background.

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Professional musicians are four times more likely to incur hearing damage in the workplace and one of the most distressing noise-induced conditions is hyperacusis. Here, two MU members speak of their experiences of coping with this condition.

Published: 12 February 2024

Read more about Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Careers in music

An almost silhouette of a women from behind in front of a stage in the spotlight.

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Read more about Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music
The office front of a building with the name US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

The MU is disappointed to learn that US Visa fees are on the rise yet again. The final decision, made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras.

Published: 11 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees
Vulva Voce standing in a dark room holding their instruments.

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

In this blog, all-female genre-defying string quartet Vulva Voce celebrate their recent involvement in a world record for the longest acoustic music live-streamed concert, and share the powerful reminder that music written and performed by women and non-binary people is abundant and limitless.

Published: 06 March 2024

Read more about International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

Working overseas

The office front of a building with the name US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

The MU is disappointed to learn that US Visa fees are on the rise yet again. The final decision, made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras.

Published: 11 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees
General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Read more about 2023 End of Year Round Up