Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Government has updated and published its guidance on working safely during Coronavirus in the Performing Arts – and we have updated our guidance on how this relates to musicians accordingly.

Published: 01 December 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM

The Government’s new tier three system for England is due to begin on Wednesday 2 December, and we have been publishing details on how these restrictions will affect musicians as they have been confirmed with us.

The Performing Arts guidance has now been published on the Government’s website – with the main changes being a U-turn that allows music venues in Tier 2 to serve alcohol without substantial meals, changes to our advice for education, recording and broadcasting, and orchestras across all three tiers.

Musicians in England should check our page Covid-19 restrictions page for the advice relevant to them.

Be sure your voice is heard

In order to present the Government with undeniable evidence on the action that they must take to protect musicians, we need proof. Please take part in our fourth Covid-19 impact survey to make sure that your voice is heard.

This time we’re asking for more detailed information, including your region and gender, so that we can reflect the changing restrictions geographically.

Be sure your voice is heard – take our Covid-19 impact survey to help us help musicians.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Continue reading

Naomi Pohl and other trade union leaders outside government buildings in London.

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

This week the MU met with important members of Labour’s new Government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss key topics such as music education, EU touring and workers' rights.

Published: 25 July 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

View of Big Ben and the houses of parliament in London,.

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

The King’s Speech, which marks the state opening of parliament, took place on Wednesday 17 and set out many promising pieces of legislation that the Labour Party intend to implement.

Published: 18 July 2024

A MU Wales Official holding a sign and handing out flyers to a man and his young baby during a demo outside of The Wales Millennium Centre in June.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera’s orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, in response to proposals that would reduce the employment of the orchestra from a full-time to 85% contract, along with a 15% pay cut.

Published: 17 July 2024

Five people wearing matching t-shirts and standing in front of a big projector screen.

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

The MU’s motion protecting LGBT+ musicians was passed unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024.