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A woman holding earphones who appears to be recording, there is a microphone, and open laptop and a notebook on the table.

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The MU has signed UN Women UK’s open letter, calling for 2021 to be the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commits to change.

Published: 24 August 2021

Photograph of a double bass player performing on a stage alongside an electric guitarist with pink lights.

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

Whilst we acknowledge the introduction of a Government-backed insurance scheme for live music, we reserve further comment until we know the schemes details.

Published: 05 August 2021

Photograph of a number of peoples legs, standing in a queue in the daylight behind a small, temporary fence.

Why A Covid Secure Passport Would be Better News for Live Music Than a “Vaccine Passport”

The MU has outlined the questions which would need to be addressed before we would be able to support a vaccine passport – including potential discrimination and data privacy – an described how a Covid Secure Passport with extended qualifying criteria could provide a better solution.

Published: 02 August 2021

Photograph of a young adult walking with a violin case strapped to their back against an urban backdrop.

TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady sent a strong message of solidarity and support to MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Delegate Conference.

Published: 26 July 2021

Photograph of the houses of parliament in the bright sunshine.

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Jo Stevens MP shared a powerful message with MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

Published: 23 July 2021

Photograph of stained glass window with insturments and the text

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 July 2021

Photograph from the MU Conference in 2019, focusing on a large white speakers podium with

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Today saw the first day of the MU Delegate Conference 2021, which for the first time ever is being held largely online due to the pandemic.

Published: 20 July 2021

Woman applies hand sanitizer to a child wearing a facemask and a rainbow coloured t-shirt.

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

We fully support We Shall Not Be Removed’s seven inclusive principles, and Art Council England’s statement on inclusive recovery – and wish to state our continued commitment to supporting members and lobbying the Government for better support and clearer guidance.

Published: 20 July 2021

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Published: 14 July 2021

Photograph of a hand spraying disinfectant spray on to a tissue and using it to sanitize a keyboard.

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

Black and White Photograph of a retro looking sign reading

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The deadline for the questionnaires has now been extended to midnight on 1 August 2021, with results contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Review Of Jazz In England.

Published: 29 June 2021

Blurred photograph of a crowd outdoors, sitting and facing an outdoor stage.

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

An update on the MU’s lobbying activities following last week’s announcement of the Government’s delay to the Covid-19 roadmap in England.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of sun shining through a window on to a peaceful blank table.

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released ground-breaking research into the impact of long covid on workers.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of a small, empty stage, with drum set, microphone and amplifier set up to play.

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Dave Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, discusses the state of the industry in this blog – from the delay in restrictions lifting, through to Brexit, and the audiences desperate to get back to live listening.

Published: 17 June 2021

Photograph of a sunny festival camping scene, blankers, chairs and tents are strewn around.

Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

The MU is urging the Government to review some of its restrictions following today’s announcement of a four-week delay to the lifting of lockdown restrictions in England.

Published: 14 June 2021

Photograph of a trumpet resting on the sill of a closed window, with light shining through.

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

The MU and the Ivor’s Academy in collaboration with ConnectsMusic.com and with the support of HMUK are surveying musicians and creators to find out about those who are still, and will need to keep, shielding once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted – and ways to support them.

Published: 14 June 2021

Photograph of a choir, blurred in the background, with a keyboard and microphone in sharp focus.

Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

Amateur choirs may be able to rehearse, perform and record under specific circumstances - as we continue to campaign to overturn the Government’s decision on continuing to limit their activities.

Published: 10 June 2021

Amateur Choirs: “It’s In Our Bones to Use Our Voices”

As the Government continues to restrict the meeting and rehearsing of amateur choirs in England, jazz vocalist, musician and teacher Andi Hopgood discusses why amateur choirs are so essential – from their benefits to wellbeing to the employment they provide.

Published: 10 June 2021

Abstract style photo of a blurred chour, who appear to be dressed in black tie.

No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

There has been no movement from the Government on their restrictions for amateur choirs in England, despite growing pressure from the MU and others. We’re calling on members to sign the petition to have the matter debated in parliament.

Published: 02 June 2021

A woman works at a desk, looking concentratedly at her laptop computer as a large silver coloured cat slinks under the table.

Free Workshop on Building Mental Resilience to be Held by Help Musicians

Leading UK Charity for musicians, Help Musicians, will be holding a free, open to all workshop on building mental resilience, introducing different tools and techniques to maintain your mental wellbeing during difficult times.

Published: 27 May 2021

In this photograph musician holds up a small brass instrument, in the background blurred are other uniformed musicians with brass instruments in what appears to be a band setting.

Scotland Relaxes Some Restrictions on Wind, Brass and Singing in Schools

We are pleased that new guidance from Education Scotland relaxes some of the restrictions that have held back access to singing and lessons on brass and wind instruments in schools in Scotland.

Published: 20 May 2021

Choir singers holding musical score and singing on student graduation event

Mixed Picture for England Under Step 3 – MU Pressures Government Over Choirs

The MU is putting pressure on the Government over some of its restrictions in England.

Published: 19 May 2021

A person is playing on a drum kit, the photograph just shows us a close up of the kit, one well used stick, and the arm and shoulder of the person who is wearing a leopard print vest.

Feedback Service Available for Those Applying to Next Round of ACE’s DYCP Fund

With the deadline for ACE’s tenth round of Developing Your Creative Practice funding approaching on 27 May – we’d like to take a moment to remind members about our guidance and feedback service for applications.

Published: 14 May 2021

Brightly coloured photograph of a busy crowd at a music gig, with audience members' arms raised and excited.

LIVE Release Audience Survey Results on What Events Will Look Like After “Lockdown”

Promising results from LIVE’s survey indicate that music fans are more passionate about going to more shows than before the pandemic started, with only 3% saying they will no longer attend.

Published: 13 May 2021

Photograph zoomed in to the volume dials on an electric guitar, with the sun shining brightly on the polished wood.

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

The MU were one of the project partners in the research that led to this report, and it now offers musicians an insight into fans’ experiences and expectations of live streamed gigs and concerts.

Published: 13 May 2021

Photograph of a man playing an acoustic guitar, he is outdoors in the sunshine, and a sun flare covers his face.

Wales Update: Lobbying and The Freelancer Fund

An update on the recent election results in Wales, the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the next round of the Freelancer Fund and the joint Q&A session that we will be hosting for applicants.

Published: 11 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of young adults in a classroom setting, the photo focuses on one young woman facing seriously forward, with other students blured in the background.

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

In this blog, MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Government’s proposed HE funding cuts in England, that “MU members are at their most passionate when there is a risk to colleagues or the future workforce,” and how we must do everything to fight back.

Published: 11 May 2021

Photograph of a musician holding a guitar, we can't see their face and the photo focuses on their hands on the fretboard.

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

A summary of changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence following their consultation with PRS members and the wider industry.

Published: 07 May 2021

Photograph of three theatre spotlights, turned off.

MU General Secretary Addresses Phantom of the Opera Situation

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge has today written to all members regarding the closure of the West End production of Phantom of the Opera in 2020, and the subsequent forthcoming production of the show featuring a greatly reduced orchestra.

Published: 06 May 2021

Closeup photograph of a drumkit, taken from above.

DrumathonLIVE to Raise Money for Mental Health Charities

DrumathonLIVE will involve seven days of non-stop drumming by some of the world’s top drummers, starting from Saturday 15 May and raising money for mental health charities.

Published: 29 April 2021

Young child wearing a mask is sat at a piano, turning round to face the camera he raises one thumb in a positive gesture.

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

Following updated advice and further clarification from the devolved governments of the UK, we have updated our advice for musicians who teach in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

Published: 09 April 2021

White painted chairs set out with socially distanced amount of space between them, outdoors.

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

The Government has now confirmed a number of changes and extra details for musicians in its previously published Spring Roadmap for England – and we have updated our guidance accordingly.

Published: 09 April 2021

Photograph of an orchestra set out in a socially distanced way, we can see all the musicians sat out across the stage in distanced positions, whilst a conductor gestures from the front.

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

In this longer-read feature, find out more about how UK orchestras have been faring through the pandemic – including taking on remote recording projects, working in creative new directions, and putting health and safety first in the move back to work.

Published: 06 April 2021

Photograph of an online teaching set up, a mobile phone camera and a laptop camera are recording a person playing on a keyboard.

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Work Online

A year since the pandemic struck, we assess how teaching music online became a “new normal” in this longer-read feature.

Published: 01 April 2021

Photograph of Bishi Bhattachaya, she is wearing a brightly coloured top and gold head piece, and is looking directly into the camera with one arm raised.

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

For Women’s History Month, singer-songwriter Bishi Bhattachaya talks us through how the pandemic has exposed major issues of inequality within the music industry, and calls for concrete action and investment.

Published: 30 March 2021

Photograph of Sheffield town hall, taken at dusk the sky is darkening and the street lights have just turned on.

Ask Your Metro Mayor Candidate to Sign the Creative Workforce Pledge

Join the call for candidates for England’s upcoming Metro Mayor elections in England to sign the Creative Workforce Pledge, and commit to making sure the creative and cultural life of our regions thrive well into the future.

Published: 30 March 2021

Photograph of white chairs in an outdoor setting, set out with socially distanced space around each one.

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021

Photograph of a woman in a plaid shirt, standing in a field and looking out to a sunset.

Music Support Keen to Hear From Women in Music About Experiences of Isolation

Music Support, the charity that provides help and support to those in or employed by the UK music industry, is interested in hearing from any women in the industry about their experiences of isolation over the past year.

Published: 15 March 2021

Photograph of a saxophone up close, the background of a brick outdoor wall implies that the performer is outside, we can only see the performers arm and hand.

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

An update on our call for busking to be permitted again in England, following the Government’s Spring 2021 roadmap – plus further legal advice for buskers.

Published: 15 March 2021

The Welsh Parliament building at the Cardiff Bay development, the sun is shining in a blue sky behind a very modern piece of architecture with a glass wall and a large wooden roof.

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Exiting Alert Level 4 Lockdown

MU Regional Organiser for Wales, Andy Warnock, describes our main areas of focus in Wales, following the First Minister’s announcement of an outline for the first steps out of alert level 4 lockdown in Wales.

Published: 15 March 2021

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All News and Features

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

Why A Covid Secure Passport Would be Better News for Live Music Than a “Vaccine Passport”

TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

Amateur Choirs: “It’s In Our Bones to Use Our Voices”

No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

Free Workshop on Building Mental Resilience to be Held by Help Musicians

Scotland Relaxes Some Restrictions on Wind, Brass and Singing in Schools

Mixed Picture for England Under Step 3 – MU Pressures Government Over Choirs

Feedback Service Available for Those Applying to Next Round of ACE’s DYCP Fund

LIVE Release Audience Survey Results on What Events Will Look Like After “Lockdown”

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

Wales Update: Lobbying and The Freelancer Fund

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

MU General Secretary Addresses Phantom of the Opera Situation

DrumathonLIVE to Raise Money for Mental Health Charities

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Work Online

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

Ask Your Metro Mayor Candidate to Sign the Creative Workforce Pledge

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

Music Support Keen to Hear From Women in Music About Experiences of Isolation

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Exiting Alert Level 4 Lockdown