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Empty illuminated stage with drumkit, guitar and microphones..

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

This April marks Musicians’ Mental Health Month and the MU has partnered with YCAT, BAPAM and Tonic Rider to focus on the important issue of performance anxiety, alongside the launch of new member resources.

Published: 02 April 2024

Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Musician with short pink hair, sat in a wheelchair at a desk in front of a laptop, mic and pop shield.

MU Supports Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s First Conference on Disability and Music

This May Cheltenham Jazz Festival will host the first Access To Music Conference, which will see industry figures gather together to explore the challenges faced by disabled people participating in music and live events. Tickets are now on sale for both in-person and online attendance.

Published: 21 February 2024

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Music artists and producers affected by tinnitus share their stories. Learn more about what preventative steps can be taken and how other musicians manage this hearing condition.

Published: 20 February 2024

Volume dial against a glittery green background.

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Professional musicians are four times more likely to incur hearing damage in the workplace and one of the most distressing noise-induced conditions is hyperacusis. Here, two MU members speak of their experiences of coping with this condition.

Published: 12 February 2024

Inclusion and discrimination concept. Lines of wooden figurines as a barrier in front of different coloured figurines.

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

New findings from the Musicians’ Census show that LGBTQ+ musicians are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and sexual harassment, particularly for trans musicians, having a more widespread impact on their careers and ability to work.

Published: 07 February 2024

Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar alone in the dark.

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

The report, which was based on an inquiry into what misogynistic attitudes existed in the music industry and why, concluded that much work is still needed to tackle discrimination and the harassment and sexual abuse of women.

Published: 30 January 2024

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was the first Black musician to win BBC’s Young Musician award in 2016, and is currently facing racist abuse for speaking out about the ongoing inclusion of Rule Britannia in the BBC Proms.

Published: 25 January 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist on stage. He performs to the crowd against smoke and bright lights.

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

The campaign believes that art, and particularly rap music, should be protected as a fundamental form of freedom of expression, and should not be used to unfairly implicate individuals in criminal charges.

Published: 04 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Red wooden doll figure surrounded in circle by other doll figures on a white background. Harassment and bully concept.

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Members are encouraged to engage with the free, online module which is aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those working in the creative industries.

Published: 07 December 2023

Male musician sat in front of a keyboard and microphone deep in thought and concentration.

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Further report findings from the first ever UK Musicians’ Census show that almost a third of professional musicians in the UK are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, due to factors such as low pay, career barriers and witnessing or experiencing discrimination.

Published: 24 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Young Black female musician singing into a studio mic with pop shield in a recording studio.

12 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive, According to the Musicians' Census

Our Musicians from the Global Majority Insight Report reveals multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more diverse and inclusive.

Published: 13 November 2023

New Musicians’ Census Report Outlines the Level of Racism and Discrimination Still in Music Industry

The Musicians from the Global Majority Insight Report demonstrates that discrimination is still an unfortunate reality for musicians from the Global Majority, with 85% saying they had witnessed or experienced some form of discrimination.

Published: 13 November 2023

Close up of a hand holding a Trans Pride flag during a walk or march.

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

This year Trans Awareness Week takes place 13 to 19 November. Here we share some of the latest news and resources to help us all foster a more inclusive and supportive space for Trans and gender non-conforming people.

Published: 13 November 2023

Many hands overlapping together in a circle, representing partnership and teamwork.

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman will be speaking at the event on Monday 27 November, which brings industry professionals together to discuss pay and jobs in the arts and culture sector. Members are invited to attend, either in person or online.

Published: 08 November 2023

Woman’s fist against a bright yellow background. Women's equality and rights concept.

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

The Worker Protection Bill has passed its final stage in the House of Commons which means it will become law before the end of the year.

Published: 08 November 2023

Interior of the National Rail Ticket office in St Pancras, London.

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Government has withdrawn all plans to close rail ticket offices, following the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch objecting to the proposals in their entirety. Thank you to all MU members who responded to the consultation.

Published: 08 November 2023

Close up of two pairs of hands, sat opposite each other, holding cups of coffee on table.

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

MU member Heather Simmons is a Methodist Church Musician’s Chaplain, providing support for all musicians, across all faiths or none. Here she shares her knowledge of how musicians in need could get support from a Music Chaplain.

Published: 07 November 2023

Close-up view of a test hearing machine in a clinic.

Musicians’ Hearing Health Clinic in Belfast on 9 and 10 November

MU members in Northern Ireland are encouraged to apply to the Musician’s Hearing Health Scheme and take advantage of the regional clinic at the end of next month.

Published: 19 October 2023

White hand fan on yellow background, top view, concept of hot flush and the menopause.

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

To mark World Menopause Day on Wednesday 18 October, Angela Gascoine, PA to the MU’s Assistant General Secretaries, shares her blog on the role of Menopause Champions at the Union, as well as a list of resources for other organisations and individuals.

Published: 17 October 2023

Clarinet with close up of detached reed mouthpiece.

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

A new London exhibition shows how the dedication and passion of dentist Maurice Porter helped generations of brass and woodwind players perfect and resolve problems with their embouchure.

Published: 02 October 2023

Busy school corridor with motion blurred students and staff.

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

More than 100 schools – a number that could increase – have been instructed to shut buildings made with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Contingency planning could affect MU members who teach.

Published: 07 September 2023

Early Years Music Opens Programme of Events and Mentoring Opportunities for Musicians in Scotland

The year-long programme offers free online events for those working with children in the early years in Scotland, as well as mentoring opportunities with Chair of the MU’s Education Committee Yvonne Wyroslawska.

Published: 21 August 2023

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

MU Education Rep Sarah Tomlinson tells us why she decided to use the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme and why hearing health is important for everyone.

Published: 14 August 2023

Four wooden cubes with head symbols and a hand that is flipping one to reveal a lightbulb representing an idea.

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

Musician and MU London member Alice Angliss shares her first-hand experience of what Regional Committee meetings are, how they work and why they’re vital in giving support to members and the industry.

Published: 10 August 2023

Crowd with raised hands in front of small stage for a live performance. Dimly lit with purple stage lights.

Boost Your Career With Fair Play on Tour Event Series Taking Over Grassroots Venues Across the UK

Learn how to protect your rights and your wellbeing with the MU's series of events and masterclasses, taking place in independent Fair Play Venues across all four nations of the UK.

Published: 09 August 2023

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

Colourful paper chain of people in a circle, in the middle of open cupped hands, representing safeguarding and protection.

MU Launch New Safeguarding Resources For Musicians Who Teach

The new resources define best practice in safeguarding for members working with children and vulnerable adults.

Published: 27 July 2023

MU Executive Committe Vice Chair Andi Hopgood, stands and speaks from the mic while holding a small child.

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Delegate Conference wraps up with motions on the Welsh language, future pandemic planning for musicians and the closure of rail ticket offices, with union members using the second day of MU Delegate Conference to vote on a very clear set of policy priorities.

Published: 26 July 2023

A train stands blurred in a train station with bright light and no visible passengers on the platform

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

With Transport Focus’ public consultation on ticket office closures currently ongoing, the MU have passed an emergency motion at the 2023 Delegate Conference to save UK rail ticket offices, showing support and solidarity with the RMT.

Published: 26 July 2023

Long exposure of a bus travelling in Glasgow city center at night time.

MU Concerned by First Glasgow Plans to Cancel Night Bus Service

Although plans to cancel the service have currently been delayed until August, the MU is asking any members affected to contact the Scotland Regional Office to discuss their concerns, with the potential to be interviewed about their experiences.

Published: 19 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Three rocks balanced on top of each other on the beach, concept of balance and harmony.

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

The Balancing Act Survey is aimed at all workers in music, opera, dance and theatre. It is open to all genders, parents and carers, as well as those who do not currently have caring responsibilities.

Published: 14 July 2023

Nigel Braithwaite on stage, behind a podium, making his speech to conference holding a walking aid. Behind him is the TUC blue presentation screen with a text display of his speech.

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Our Delegates Nigel Braithwaite and Fiona Branson spoke on the importance of protecting accessible ticket offices at UK railway stations, as well as defending the rights of disabled freelance musicians.

Published: 12 July 2023

Customers bring served at the ticket office inside Marylebone railway station in London.

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

The MU is supporting RMT in its opposition to plans by Government and train companies to close ticket offices across the rail network. Have your say by taking part in a public consultation and signing the official petitions.

Published: 07 July 2023

Large cup of coffee on a table in a brightly lit coffee shop

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

We’ll be running free 30-minute advice sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries, Glasgow and Galashiels over the summer, with more dates to be announced for Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen in the Autumn.

Published: 04 July 2023

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All News and Features

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

MU Supports Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s First Conference on Disability and Music

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

2023 End of Year Round Up

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

12 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive, According to the Musicians' Census

New Musicians’ Census Report Outlines the Level of Racism and Discrimination Still in Music Industry

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

Musicians’ Hearing Health Clinic in Belfast on 9 and 10 November

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

Early Years Music Opens Programme of Events and Mentoring Opportunities for Musicians in Scotland

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

Boost Your Career With Fair Play on Tour Event Series Taking Over Grassroots Venues Across the UK

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

MU Launch New Safeguarding Resources For Musicians Who Teach

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

MU Concerned by First Glasgow Plans to Cancel Night Bus Service

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland