Latest News & Features

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Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Musicians in Northern Ballet Sinfonia are campaigning to protect their touring work and keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 04 October 2023

Campaigning

Red wooden doll figure surrounded in circle by other doll figures on a white background. Harassment and bully concept.

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Members are encouraged to engage with the free, online module which is aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those working in the creative industries.

Published: 07 December 2023

The sun shines on the outside of the Stormont building under a blue sky.

MU Attends All Party Group on Arts at Stormont

At the All Party Ground on Arts that was held at Stormont at the end of November, MU Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland Sam Dunkley heard reports on two strategies that will be out for consultation in the spring.

Published: 07 December 2023

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MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

Working with Music Mark and the Independent Society of Musicians, we have written urgently to Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, asking for increased funding for music education.

Published: 06 December 2023

Orchestra pit, chairs and music stands in black and white.

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

The MU is continuing talks with English National Opera regarding their proposals, which do not currently mention the future of our members’ jobs.

Published: 06 December 2023

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Working overseas

Person using a computer to create content from home with music software.

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

The Beijing Treaty will bring additional rights for audiovisual performances and is now set to become UK law, with the MU advising government that musicians would be best served by Equitable Remuneration.

Published: 23 November 2023

A mobile phone is left resting on the background of a passport, a wodge of euros and a map

Funding Round Opens for Music Export Growth Scheme

Round 22 of funding for small to medium sized music companies looking to build the profile of their artists overseas will close on 4 December 2023. The Music Export Growth Scheme will also be running an explanatory webinar on 27 November.

Published: 15 November 2023

A hand holding a new Navy British citizen passport.

Domestic Advisory Groups Agree Principles to Support Musicians and Creative Industries Working in the EU

In a joint formal agreement, UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups have called for more flexible travel arrangements and the creation of a cultural visa waiver for creative workers in the EU.

Published: 15 November 2023

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MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

The MU’s Executive Committee have agreed today on a donation to the Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in Israel and Palestine, as well as releasing the following statement.

Published: 09 November 2023

Singer on stage in front of a microphone on a stand and large audience, in blue light.

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

UK Music’s annual economic report, This Is Music 2023, states that the music industry’s contribution to the UK economy was £6.7 billion (GVA) in 2022.

Published: 07 November 2023

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Health, safety & wellbeing

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Members are encouraged to engage with the free, online module which is aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those working in the creative industries.

Published: 07 December 2023

A woman wrapped in a blanket holding a mug of hot drink.

PRS Winter Crisis Scheme Open for Applications

The scheme is open to eligible PRS members who are experiencing financial hardship over the winter period.

Published: 07 December 2023

Male musician sat in front of a keyboard and microphone deep in thought and concentration.

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Further report findings from the first ever UK Musicians’ Census show that almost a third of professional musicians in the UK are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, due to factors such as low pay, career barriers and witnessing or experiencing discrimination.

Published: 24 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Close up of group of people playing drums, therapy by music concept.

Call Out to MU Members Working in Health, Wellbeing and Music

The MU invites members who work in health and wellbeing to discuss workplace challenges and opportunities, including how the MU could help.

Published: 15 November 2023

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Members are encouraged to engage with the free, online module which is aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those working in the creative industries.

Published: 07 December 2023

PRS Winter Crisis Scheme Open for Applications

The scheme is open to eligible PRS members who are experiencing financial hardship over the winter period.

Published: 07 December 2023

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Published: 24 November 2023

A group of diverse people of differing ages surrounding a piano singing while two play. Representing community music groups.

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Elizabeth J. Birch shares how the community music space saw her potential, and how she integrates inclusivity into her work.

Published: 24 November 2023

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Latest News & Features

Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Campaigning

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Attends All Party Group on Arts at Stormont

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

Working overseas

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

Funding Round Opens for Music Export Growth Scheme

Domestic Advisory Groups Agree Principles to Support Musicians and Creative Industries Working in the EU

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

Health, safety & wellbeing

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

PRS Winter Crisis Scheme Open for Applications

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

Call Out to MU Members Working in Health, Wellbeing and Music

Careers in music

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

PRS Winter Crisis Scheme Open for Applications

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience