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Two musicians, one saxophonist and closer to the camera, a guitarist, perform outdoors. We can only see the torso and instruments of the musicians. There is a blurred audience in the background.

PPL Contribute a Further £200,000 to the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund

PPL have made a further, generous contribution to help provide emergency grants to musicians with pressing financial hardship

Published: 02 December 2020

Photograph of a live performance taking place, we can just see the stage and a number of set up instruments, with the interesting trousers of one musician.

Welcome U-Turn on Alcohol Sales for Tier 2 Music Venues in England

The Government has announced that alcohol sales will be permitted in music venues in England’s Tier 2 regions, without the need for a substantial meal, provided that the event is ticketed and the audience are seated.

Published: 01 December 2020

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar, the heavy blue light means we can't clearly see the performer.

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

Photograph of an assortment of percussive instruments set out for use in a classroom.

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Over the last week we’ve updated our advice for music teachers working in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to reflect changes to – and clarifications we’ve received on – the Coronavirus restrictions across the UK.

Published: 30 November 2020

Blurred stage, there are purple stage lights and the suggestion of musicians, seen as if looking up from the wooden boarded floor at the bottom.

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

In welcome news for the self-employed, today’s Spending Review from the Government confirms that changes to the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will stay in place.

Published: 26 November 2020

Black and white photograph of an orchestra pit during a theatre performance, we are looking from behind the conductor who is gesturing largely.

New Government Measures Deliver Blow for Live Music in England

The Government’s re-worked three tier system has given us reason for concern, in particular the new cap on capacities for indoor live events under Tiers 1 and 2.

Published: 26 November 2020

Photograph of an old fashioned map of England, focusing around Manchester.

List of Tiers in England Announced by the Government

Members in England can now find out which tier will apply to them when lockdown measures are lifted on Wednesday 2 December, and check it against our advice for musicians under the different levels.

Published: 26 November 2020

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Musicians’ Union has written to the Government to request more pragmatic and clearer guidance for instrumental and vocal learning during the next period of restrictions in England.

Published: 24 November 2020

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 24 November 2020

Photograph of an aerial view of Glasgow, the sky above is blue and the trees are bright green.

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Further clarification from the Scottish Government means that we have now updated our guidance for teachers in Scotland, with more detailed advice for working across the five tier system.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of a young child wearing a facemask, sat at a keyboard.

Third Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Members are encouraged to use the eligibility check and prepare their evidence in advance of the second phase of the Welsh Freelancer Fund opening at 10:00 am on Monday 23 November.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of an empty stage, looking out from the back towards where the audience would be, with bright lights shining down.

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

UK Music’s annual Music By Numbers report reveals the £5.8bn boost to the economy before Covid-19’s catastrophic blow – and renewed calls for Government action to protect the industry.

Published: 18 November 2020

Photograph of a film composer working at a computer with a musical keyboard under the other hand.

New Online Donation Platform for Composers Announced

Sound and Music have received significant funding from the Boltini Trust to lead the development of Music Patron, an ambitious new online platform that will connect composers directly with patrons.

Published: 17 November 2020

Photograph of MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge stood on a podium, he appears to be mid speech, talking into a microphone.

A Message From MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge explains how, due to our unprecedented times and the Union’s need for stability and continuity, he will be standing again for election to the position of General Secretary for a further term at the beginning of 2022.

Published: 16 November 2020

Photograph of a musicians hand poised over a mostly blank score, they are holding a pen and have notated a few music notes.

MU at STUC Fringe Event on Building Back Better

MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Caroline Sewell, will be presenting on Thinking outside the box: creative solutions to building back better, online on Sunday 15 November.

Published: 13 November 2020

Photograph of an empty recording studio.

New Guidance Document on Music Production During English Lockdown

Umbrella organisation UK Music – of which the MU is a part – has launched a new guide on working safely during Covid-19 in workplaces for music and music video production.

Published: 12 November 2020

Photograph of a musician with a guitar performing outside, their back is to the camera and there are bright green and yellow leaves against a grey sky.

Welsh Government Announces Additional Funding for Cultural Recovery Fund

The Welsh Government announced on Wednesday 11 November that it will be investing a further £10.7m in the Cultural Recovery Fund, including further money for the Freelancer Fund.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of a group of young musicians sat cross legged on the floor, they appear to be rehearsing something and sheet music is spread out on the floor.

Help Musicians Hardship Fund Opens for Third Phase of Applications

The Hardship fund is designed to provide financial support to professional musicians who fall through the gaps of government support or are unable to make ends meet.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of earphones and a microphone resting on a wooden surface.

Updated Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve now received confirmation DCMS that it is okay for musicians to rehearse in their homes under the current lockdown in England.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of a young mother, playing on a guitar whilst being distracted by a toddler who is reaching out to the instrument. They are both smiling.

Discrimination Against Women in SEISS to go Under Judicial Review

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed have pointed out that self-employed women who have taken maternity leave between 2016 and 2019 will miss out in the calculation of their SEISS entitlement

Published: 10 November 2020

Photograph of an outdoor music performance taking place at night. We can only see the neck of a guitar and the shoulder of the musician, in the background there is bunting and bright lights.

What the End of the Welsh Firebreak Could Mean for Musicians

The Welsh Government’s Firebreak response to Covid-19 is due to end on Monday 9 November, here’s our summary of the new measures and how they’re likely to affect musicians.

Published: 06 November 2020

Photograph of a masked musician practicing guitar in front of a laptop, in what appears to be a living room in a home.

Updates to Guidance for Scotland’s Five Tier System

The Performing Arts and Venues guidance, Events Sector guidance and Creative Studio guidance have all been updated – here’s a walk through on how this may affect musicians and where to learn more.

Published: 06 November 2020

Photograph of a guitarist playing guitar towards a webcam, there appears to be an online lesson taking place.

Teaching Under the New English Lockdown Restrictions

While private music teaching should remain online throughout the new restrictions, music lessons can take place in students' homes if no other option is viable.

Published: 05 November 2020

Photograph of a musician, we can't see their face but they are holding a microphone with plastic gloves on, and have a surgical mask on their face.

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve had confirmation from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that rehearsals can continue, provided that the band or individual is working.

Published: 05 November 2020

Photograph of a musician playing saxophone at home, playing into a webcam that is set up to record.

Lobbying Update: SEISS and Furlough Extensions Confirmed

As England heads into a month-long lockdown and the other nations consider their next steps, the MU has welcomed the extension of the furlough and SEISS schemes.

Published: 05 November 2020

Photograph close up to a microphone set up in a recording studio.

Advice for Members on Covid-19 Testing Requests

Our advice to members who are asked to participate in Covid-19 testing, in order to attend recording session engagements.

Published: 04 November 2020

Photograph of the houses of parliament, in the sunshine.

England to Go Under Nationwide Lockdown

A nationwide lockdown has been announced for England, from Thursday 5 November, through to Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 02 November 2020

Photograph of a clarinet performer in what appears to be an orchestral setting, although we can only see the performers hands and a blur of other instruments and music stands in the background.

Lockdown in England: The Likely Effect on Musicians

A nationwide lockdown has been announced for England, as well as extensions to the Government’s SEISS and furlough schemes which will apply across the UK.

Published: 02 November 2020

Photograph of a musician playing guitar on a stage in front of an audience, there are red and orange lights around and behind.

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Stability and Renewal Programme Opens

The £7.75m Stability and Renewal Programme is now open to support arts and cultural organisations in Northern Ireland.

Published: 29 October 2020

Fife coastal path from Burntisland to Kirkcaldy photographed from above, the path is empty.

New Five Tier System for Scotland Unveiled

Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled new Covid restrictions for Scotland today, the new five tier system will come into force from 6:00 am on Monday 2 November.

Published: 29 October 2020

Photograph of a saxophone lesson taking place, we see the teachers back but she is emphasising something with her hands. The student facing us is holding a saxophone and laughing.

The Welsh Economic Resilience Fund

The third round of funding from the Welsh Economic Resilience Fund opens for applications on the afternoon of Wednesday 28 October, members are urged to check the eligibility criteria and apply as soon as they are able.

Published: 28 October 2020

Photograph of a tuba being played, the musician is not visible apart from their hands and the background is black and shaded.

Connecting with Audiences as an Orchestra During Lockdown

In this blog, originally put together in August, Daniel Trodden – Principal Tuba for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales – talks us through what an orchestral musician’s working life could look like in the new normal.

Published: 28 October 2020

Photograph of a woman performing on a small stage, the lighting around her is blue with streaks of yellow - we can't see the audience.

Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

We've extended our grant application advice to now cover Developing Your Creative Practice applications, as well as continuing to offer advice on ACE National Lottery Project Grants.

Published: 26 October 2020

Text reading: We can't leave workers without vital skills in a pandemic: the government must save union learning

Take Action Against Decision to Axe Union Learning Fund

For more than twenty years, the Union Learning Fund has supported trade union learning projects. Now the Government wants to cut its funding – putting the FEU Training programme under threat.

Published: 23 October 2020

FEU Releases Statement on #SaveUnionLearn

The FEU general secretaries have released the following statement on the scrapping of the Union Learning Fund from April 2021.

Published: 23 October 2020

Photograph of popular Welsh seaside town Aberystwyth, standing completely empty

Further Clarification on Welsh Firebreak

We’ve had further clarification from the Welsh Government on recordings, and broadcast and streamed performances being able to continue during the firebreak.

Published: 23 October 2020

Photograph of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, taken from across Westminster Bridge. The Thames is visible below, and behind the sun is rising with a golden glow.

Chancellor Announces Changes to Job Support Scheme and SEISS

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the next round of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme would rise from 20 to 40% of “people’s incomes” in a statement to the House of Commons.

Published: 22 October 2020

Photograph of a flute player, with just the flute and the performers hands visible. Other musicians are blurred in the background.

Eligibility Criteria for Creative Scotland Hardship Fund Announced

Applications for the £5m Hardship Fund will open for creative freelancers in Scotland at 12:00 pm on Monday 26 October.

Published: 22 October 2020

Photograph of Millicent Stephenson, she is wearing white against a white background whilst holding out a microphone and smiling.

The Journey of a Menopausal Musician

Multi-award winning saxophonist and MU Executive Committee member Millicent Stephenson shares her experiences, ahead of World Menopause Day 18 October.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of a guitar with a mask hanging from the neck, a blue curtain in the background.

Four Week “Circuit Breaker,” Announced for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Executive have announced a number of new restrictions in the form of a four week “circuit breaker” exercise in order to curb the current increase in coronavirus infections.

Published: 14 October 2020

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All News and Features

PPL Contribute a Further £200,000 to the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund

Welcome U-Turn on Alcohol Sales for Tier 2 Music Venues in England

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

New Government Measures Deliver Blow for Live Music in England

List of Tiers in England Announced by the Government

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Third Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

New Online Donation Platform for Composers Announced

A Message From MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

MU at STUC Fringe Event on Building Back Better

New Guidance Document on Music Production During English Lockdown

Welsh Government Announces Additional Funding for Cultural Recovery Fund

Help Musicians Hardship Fund Opens for Third Phase of Applications

Updated Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

Discrimination Against Women in SEISS to go Under Judicial Review

What the End of the Welsh Firebreak Could Mean for Musicians

Updates to Guidance for Scotland’s Five Tier System

Teaching Under the New English Lockdown Restrictions

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

Lobbying Update: SEISS and Furlough Extensions Confirmed

Advice for Members on Covid-19 Testing Requests

England to Go Under Nationwide Lockdown

Lockdown in England: The Likely Effect on Musicians

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Stability and Renewal Programme Opens

New Five Tier System for Scotland Unveiled

The Welsh Economic Resilience Fund

Connecting with Audiences as an Orchestra During Lockdown

Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

Take Action Against Decision to Axe Union Learning Fund

FEU Releases Statement on #SaveUnionLearn

Further Clarification on Welsh Firebreak

Chancellor Announces Changes to Job Support Scheme and SEISS

Eligibility Criteria for Creative Scotland Hardship Fund Announced

The Journey of a Menopausal Musician

Four Week “Circuit Breaker,” Announced for Northern Ireland