skip to main content

MU announces election for General Secretary

The Musicians’ Union’s (MU) General Secretary, John Smith, is to stand down in July 2017 after 15 years in office. The process for electing a new MU General Secretary is currently underway.

Published: 04 February 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

The Musicians’ Union’s (MU) General Secretary, John Smith, is to stand down in July 2017 after 15 years in office. The process for electing a new MU General Secretary is currently underway.

The nomination process is now complete and two candidates will go forward to a ballot of members. These will be MU Executive Committee member Kathy Dyson and MU Assistant General Secretary Horace Trubridge. The ballot of members will be held between 6 and 27 March 2017.

MU General Secretary John Smith says:

"As my time as General Secretary of the Musicians' Union draws to a close, it's gratifying to look back and see how the MU has consolidated its position within both the music industry and the trade union movement. I took over at a time of internal political turmoil and spent my first few years stabilising the organisation.

"I then oversaw the Union's restructuring and modernisation. This was achieved successfully which allowed me to concentrate on the MU's position as an important music industry body and an independent specialist trade union. I've had a great group of people working with me over the last 15 years and I'm sure that the MU will go from strength to strength after I've retired this coming summer."

Candidate contact details

Kathy Dyson
07941 301799
kathydyson175@gmail.com

Horace Trubridge
07977 990354
ht4gs2017@gmail.com

Contact details for John Smith:

Isabelle Gutierrez
07817 949782
isabelle.gutierrez@theMU.org

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

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
Close up hands playing an organ.

MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates

Sector expertise, including contributions from the Royal College of Organists (RCO) and MU/RCO joint members, helped shape the new rates, which introduce new categories, updated guidance and a 3% uplift for 2026 to better reflect organists' working practices and responsibilities.

Published: 30 October 2026

Read more about MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates