MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl's #MUMoment Musicians’ Union Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl shares her #MUmoment on BBC Radio Ulster’s Classical Connections with John Toal. Published: 21 May 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM <p class="intro-text">Musicians’ Union Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl shares her #MUmoment on BBC Radio Ulster’s Classical Connections with John Toal. </p> <p>“Funnily enough, outside the studio a moment ago was Ben Folds who is my favourite artist of all time. I nearly keeled over!</p> <p>"I think actually seeing him perform at the Barbican with an orchestra and doing some improvisation. Just seeing the skill of the orchestral musicians who were able to just to turn it on and do whatever he required them to do at that short notice in front of an audience.</p> <p>"Obviously they are very highly skilled musicians and I am constantly impressed by their talent”</p> <p>– Naomi Pohl</p> <p>Listen to the full interview from 1:26:00 via BBC iPlayer Radio.</p> <h3 class="delta">The Musician Behind the Moment</h3> <p>The Musician Behind the Moment campaign highlights the value of orchestral musicians across the UK.</p> <p>Explore four musicians' inspiring stories, and share your #MUmoment.</p> See all news
Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh The MU has partnered with Studio Forty Two, a boutique recording facility in Edinburgh, to offer members discounted studio time. Published: 01 August 2026 Read more about Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh
MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year. Published: 31 July 2026 Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area. Published: 30 July 2026 Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms. Published: 28 July 2026 Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords
Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now As new Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office, here are three things he can do to support music and musicians right now. Published: 24 July 2026 Read more about Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now