skip to main content

A Generous Donation from Jazz Legend and MU Member

Trombonist Malcolm Griffiths – who sadly passed away in January 2021 – left a generous donation of instruments from his own collection, which have now been passed on to the Kent Music instrument library to inspire a future generation of musicians.

Published: 01 October 2021 | 12:54 PM Updated: 06 October 2021 | 3:31 PM
Close up photograph of a tenor trombone.
Kent Music will be making sure the instruments are passed on to passionate and talented young players to help them on their musical journey. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Malcolm Griffiths had a career of over five decades, and through the 1960s and 70s was at the core of the British jazz scene and forefront of an exciting new generation of trombonists. He was well known as a talented and memorable improviser, and worked with many luminaries of the British jazz scene.

Griffiths' donation included a drum kit, an upright piano, and (of course) four trombones. Now a part of the Kent Music instrument library, Kent Music will be making sure these instruments are passed on to passionate and talented young players to help them on their musical journey.

Speaking on the donation, the Musicians’ Union Head of Membership Wasim Yunus said:

“The MU is humbled by Malcolm’s generosity, and we’re privileged to have played a part in keeping alive his legacy; a legacy of inspiring and educating generations of musicians in and around Kent.”

You can find out more about Malcolm Griffiths and the Kent Music instrument library on Kent Music’s website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Large, glass curved exterior of the BBC building HQ. its logo is on the front in white.

Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!

The BBC is the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK. Invite your MP to our drop-in event in Parliament to learn more and show their support for the BBC's music future!

Published: 11 November 2026

Read more about Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!
Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists
Black background with wooden stick figures placed on top in different colours, some also represent wheelchair users.

Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 2026

This week, Attitude is Everything published the State of Access Report 2026, the charity’s first major research report in eight years, revealing persistent and widespread barriers to accessibility across the UK music and live events sector, despite signs of progress in access provision.

Published: 05 November 2026

Read more about Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 2026
A calculator and pair of glasses on top of a sound mixing desk.

Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians

From royalties and advances to self-employment, PAYE and international work, musicians often have unique tax needs. MU members can access discounted advice from qualified tax professionals with experience of the music industry.

Published: 01 November 2026

Read more about Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians