skip to main content

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

The guide provides tips and important information for owners in relation to the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits.

Published: 02 June 2023 | 12:09 PM Updated: 05 June 2023 | 4:13 PM
Close up of hand on bow playing violin.
"It's important that we all do what we can to take an active part in the conservation of this important wood". Image credit: Shutterstock.

Music Industry bodies have joined forces to provide a guide for musicians to understand the outcome of the recent CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP) 19, held in Panama in November 2022.

It was decided at the CoP that Brazil’s proposal - to move its indigenous tree that produces the only wood in the world used for string instrument bow manufacture, from a CITES Appendix II listing to Appendix I - should not be agreed, however certain safeguarding provisions were put in place to ensure Pernambuco is protected in the future. What was agreed however, was that any Pernambuco or finished bows as a finished product leaving Brazil for the first time will require an export permit.

The International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and the League of American Orchestras in association with the MU and other organisations, have now produced this useful guide for musicians as to how they can protect themselves and their bows when moving and working around the globe.

A really useful guide for members with Pernambuco bows

Dave Webster MU Head of International says:

“This is a really useful guide for members with Pernambuco bows. Following our successful campaign to keep Pernambuco on CITES Appendix II, it's important that we all do what we can to ensure that it stays that way, and that we take an active part in the conservation of this important wood. Our thanks to FIM and the League of American Orchestras in producing this guide”.

Get support as a musician working overseas

The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

Get support as a musician working overseas

Continue reading

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre
Two parents holding their new born baby at home.

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) is hosting two in-person roundtables in Wales this May and June, inviting freelancers and organisations to share their experiences of balancing touring with caring responsibilities and help develop practical solutions for a more inclusive sector.

Published: 10 April 2026

Read more about Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales
Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)