skip to main content

New Advice for Teachers Returning to Workplaces

In light of the new Government guidance meaning teachers can begin face to face lessons again in England, we’ve published new advice on returning to work as a teacher.

Published: 14 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
a female student and teacher playing piano
“We welcome these changes to the guidelines which will allow our many members who teach privately to return to face to face teaching." Photo: Shutterstock

Following the recent publication of government guidance on working safely in the performing arts  and  working safely in out of school settings in England during Coronavirus (Covid-19), we have updated our advice for members who teach.

Our aim to cover as many scenarios as possible so that you are able to make a decision about returning to face to face teaching, confident that you have practically considered all the issues so that you minimise the risk to yourself and to your students.

Members have embraced the change and unforeseen opportunities

Our National Organiser for Education and Training, Diane Widdison, welcomed this news:

“We welcome these changes to the guidelines which will allow our many members who teach privately to return to face to face teaching.

“Many of them moved to teaching online and embraced the change that brought about unforeseen opportunities as well as some technical challenges which had to be overcome – but we know that our members are looking forward to resuming seeing their students in person to continue the valuable contribution they make to their music education.”

Read our new advice on returning to face to face teaching, including teaching in schools, and other educational establishments.

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

Blue digital sound waves over a black background.

Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

AI-generated voices, deepfakes and digital replicas are creating new challenges for musicians. Dr Hayleigh Bosher examines why existing UK copyright law may not be enough, and how personality rights could give creators greater control over their image and voice.

Published: 20 July 2026

Read more about Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?
The white M U x LMHR t-shirt on a hanger.

MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt

The MU and Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) have launched a special collaboration at this year's Tolpuddle Festival, celebrating music, solidarity and the fight against racism, with profits supporting anti-racist campaigning and the MU Benevolent Fund.

Published: 17 July 2026

Read more about MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt
Portrait of Chris Walker holding a clarinet.

Tribute to Chris Walker

Chris Walker was an accomplished clarinettist with a lifelong love of music. A much-respected member of the MU's East and South East England Regional Committee, he had been a member of the Union for almost 48 years. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Janet.

Published: 16 July 2026

Read more about Tribute to Chris Walker