Music Industry News & Feature Stories

Young female teacher sat with a pupil in a music room where he plays an electronic keyboard.

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

We welcome news of this new grant for specific Music Hub organisations, which comes after sustained advocacy from the MU, working alongside Music Mark and the ISM.

Published: 20 August 2024

Campaigns

School students in a music lesson learning on keyboards.

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

The MU welcomes the news, which we hope will be central to the Labour Government’s delivery on its pledges to boost music and arts education in England.

Published: 19 March 2025

Double bass leaning against a wooden chair.

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

Although the absolute ban on musicians travelling with a double bass on TGV trains in France has been reversed, there are some restrictions members need to be aware of.

Published: 04 March 2025

The outside of the Senedd building in Wales.

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

The MU welcomes the announcement of an additional £4.4m for arts, culture and publishing in Wales as part of the Welsh Government Final Budget for 2025/26.

Published: 26 February 2025

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

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Musicians who experience racism

Folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian standing in front of a tree and wearing bright clothes and jewellery.

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

In our first blog for Women’s History Month 2025, British-Punjabi folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian shares her recent work to challenge traditional ideas about women’s roles in society, the importance of representation, and educating young people about careers in the music industry.

Published: 06 March 2025

Young Black woman smiling at an open laptop at home surrounded by pens and a note pad.

New Career Opportunities for Creative Freelancers in the West and South West of England

West of England Music and Arts’ Cultural Education Hub is offering up to 12 grants as part of its Creatives in Schools programme, and Black South West Network have opened applications for their CultureBiz Connect Incubator Programme.

Published: 03 March 2025

Close up of young, Black male musician, singing into a microphone on a stage.

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

A survey by Black Lives In Music, the Musicians’ Union, UK Music, LIVE, and the Mayor of London, has been launched to investigate reported race inequality, bias and over-policing of music events in London. 

Published: 07 February 2025

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Careers news & opportunities

A young girl wearing school uniform and playing a violin in a classroom.

Funding Applications Open for Youth Music Projects in Scotland

Individuals, organisations and networks in Scotland can apply for funding for CPD to support their youth music project. Applications close on 31 March 2025.

Published: 07 March 2025

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

'Self-image in movement' is the theme for January's MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how the simple act of body scanning can help improve your self-image.

Published: 15 January 2025

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

Successful applicants will receive a showcase and travel fee, as well as a development fund and tailored mentorship programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

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Members' Voice

Professional singer Sarah Mellor sitting at a piano holding a vocal microphone.

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

In our third blog for Women's History Month 2025, professional singer and MU member Sarah Mellor explores the values needed to build and sustain a truly accessible, inclusive music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

In our second blog for Women’s History Month 2025, Violinist and MU member Katrina Lee explores her journey as musician in relation to activism and social change, and discusses how her new album celebrates female composers and the violin in its virtuosity as a solo instrument.

Published: 12 March 2025

Kathryn, smiling stood holding the award.

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Kathryn Sturman, reflects on how her confidence has grown from supporting others.

Published: 07 March 2025

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

In our first blog for Women’s History Month 2025, British-Punjabi folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian shares her recent work to challenge traditional ideas about women’s roles in society, the importance of representation, and educating young people about careers in the music industry.

Published: 06 March 2025

Close up of hand turning the volume button on an amp.

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Read MU member and bass player Gary Toogood’s experience of using the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, and the difference between off the shelf ear plugs and custom ear protection.

Published: 27 February 2025

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Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

A middle aged woman standing with a selection of music instruments.

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

The Musicians' Union is partnering with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) to host a webinar and panel on the menopause and how it can affect people working in the live music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

In a special blog to mark World Hearing Day 2025, audiologist Matthew Allsop shares practical tips on how musicians can protect their ears, as well as the latest updates in hearing protection technology.

Published: 03 March 2025

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Read MU member and bass player Gary Toogood’s experience of using the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, and the difference between off the shelf ear plugs and custom ear protection.

Published: 27 February 2025

silhouette of raised hands in the crowd at an outdoor music festival, lit by orange and yellow spotlights.

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

The UnMute roster, which was developed with help from the MU, is a new initiative designed to empower disabled musicians and improve access to live performance opportunities. Applications are now open.

Published: 24 February 2025

Utako Toyama singing and playing piano to a crowd, in front of a red curtain and flowers.

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Utako is a multi-award-winning composer and MU member who promotes diversity, equality, and world peace through her music. In this guest blog, she discusses why visibility and allyship is important not just in the music industry, but for society as a whole.

Published: 17 February 2025

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Latest News & Features

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

Campaigns

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

Musicians who experience racism

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

New Career Opportunities for Creative Freelancers in the West and South West of England

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

Careers news & opportunities

Funding Applications Open for Youth Music Projects in Scotland

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Members' Voice

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”