News & Stories for Musicians

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Have Your Say in Select Committee Inquiry on Music Streaming

MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee want to know how the economics of music streaming are affecting you.

Published: 30 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 pink stage lights beaming down into the darkness. The picture focuses upwards, so we can just see the lights and rigging and not the stage.

Welsh Government Announces Two-Week Firebreak Lockdown

On Monday 19 October, the Welsh Government announced that it will be introducing a two-week firebreak lockdown to try and bring Coronavirus under control in Wales.

Published: 20 October 2020

Stylized photograph of the Houses of Parliament from across Westminster Bridge, with traffic rushing by.

ABO and MU Highlight Lack of Financial Support for Freelance Musicians

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the Musicians’ Union (MU) have joined forces to express their deep concern about the lack of support for self-employed musicians during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of a crowded audience watching the stage.

How Can We Work Towards a Safe Reopening

In this blog, MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge discusses the work the MU is doing towards safely opening up areas of the live performance sector.

Published: 15 October 2020

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Second 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 19 October.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of two live performers, only the people's legs and the bottom of the microphone is visible. One of the people is wearing very stand-out brightly pattered trousers.

Scottish Fund for Creative Freelancers Opening Soon

Creative Scotland’s Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers will be opening at 12:00 pm on Monday 26 October, and today they have announced their delivery partners.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of a brass instrument being played in an orchestral context. We are close to the instrument, but can see music stands and more musicians blurred in the background.

Musicians' Movement and ISM Letter to the Chancellor

The Musicians' Movement Forum, which has over 16,000 members on Facebook and is a campaigning group led by musicians Phil Meadows and Christopher Barrett, has collaborated with the ISM on a letter to the Chancellor.

Published: 15 October 2020

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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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Three-Tier System of Restrictions in England Announced

Boris Johnson has announced a new three-tier system of restrictions in England, which will come into force on Wednesday 14 October.

Published: 13 October 2020

Photograph of a stretch of bridge over the Clyde River in Glasgow.

Central Belt of Scotland Restrictions Apply to Non-Professional Activities

The new lockdown restrictions for the central belt of Scotland mean that between 10 and 25 October, organised non-professional performing arts activities are not permitted outdoors.

Published: 13 October 2020

Twenty (Isn’t) Plenty: A Members’ Experience of the SEISS Extension

Louise Braithwaite, MU member and Professional Oboe, Cor Anglais (English Horn) and Oboe d'amore player, talks us through her personal reaction to the Government’s newest payment scheme for self-employed people.

Published: 13 October 2020

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The Cultural Recovery Fund: A Lifeline for The Music Industry

The MU is delighted to see that the first round of funding for the arts sector has kept 1385 English arts organisations afloat.

Published: 13 October 2020

Photograph of empty Parliament Square in Edinburgh, during the heaviest of social distancing measures earlier this year.

An Update the Latest Covid-19 Restrictions in Scotland

16 days of new, tougher measures, have been announced for Scotland, which will implemented nationwide from Friday 9 October.

Published: 08 October 2020

Photograph of a violinist playing, the background is blurred and the person is not visible apart from their arm and shoulder

Unjust Treatment of Musicians Raised at Economic Affairs Committee

The MU’s General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, explained to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee that, “[MU] members don’t want to have to go cap in hand to the Government. They want to work, they want to perform, they want to earn money again that way.”

Published: 08 October 2020

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Urging the Government to Act Now for Musicians

An update on this week’s parliamentary debate on the effect of Covid-19 on the creative industries, a protest in Parliament Square, and our continued call on the Government.

Published: 08 October 2020

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Free Webinars on Online Music Teaching Open for Registration

The Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) have launched a series of free webinars for teachers and practitioners in Scotland.

Published: 07 October 2020

Photograph of a young boy in a yellow t-shirt, playing on an electric piano with earphones in that we assume are helping him learn from a distance.

UCan Play Announce Opening of INTERFACE:RESPONSE

UCan Play’s free training and mentoring programme for musicians impacted by Covid-19, INTERFACE:RESPONSE, has now opened.

Published: 07 October 2020

Photograph of an empty concert stage, with instruments set up to play but no musicians present.

The Chancellor Must be Reminded That “Our Members’ Jobs are Entirely Viable Jobs”

In an ITV News interview today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak suggested that musicians should retrain in different jobs.

Published: 06 October 2020

Panoramic photograph of Parliament Square as the sun sets.

Performance in Parliament Square to Highlight Needs of Freelance Musicians

On Tuesday 6 October, at 12:00 pm, 400 freelance professional musicians will be performing a short extract from Holst’s “Mars,” in Parliament Square – shining a light on the need for targeted support for freelance musicians.

Published: 05 October 2020

Photograph of a microphone, and chairs set out as if a performance was about to take place out doors with no one present at the time.

Welsh Freelancer Fund Opens on Monday 5 October

The Welsh Government’s Freelancer Fund opens for applications at 10:00 am on Monday 5 October and we would urge members to check the guidance and apply as soon as possible.

Published: 02 October 2020

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The Hub to Hold Free Day of Events to Support Mental Health

Creative consultancy, The Hub, are marking World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October, by holding a day of free online events.

Published: 01 October 2020

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Government Rebuked in Parliament Over Coronavirus Rules

Boris Johnson has been repeatedly criticised for a lack of clarity in rules and guidance aimed at tackling the pandemic – making things even more difficult for musicians who are trying to piece work together during this difficult time.

Published: 30 September 2020

Photograph of an empty stage set up in a band, with double bass, drum kit and piano.

Ask Your MLAs to Support Musicians During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Music is a crucial part of the creative economy in Northern Ireland. Live music is worth £70m in GVA and generates £8m in music tourism. But all this is on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with real consequences for musicians.

Published: 29 September 2020

Photograph of a tiny model piano, placed outside and resting on top of a face mask.

Mask Wearing and Performances: What Are the Rules

Updated – mask wearing indoors is now a requirement in many situations across the UK. For musicians in England this no longer includes when performing.

Published: 28 September 2020

Photograph of the UK Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London

Chancellor Responds to Intense Union Lobbying for Additional Job Support Assistance

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today responded to heavy pressure from trade unions including the MU to extend financial support for workers.

Published: 24 September 2020

Coronavirus Presses Mute Button on Music Industry

Our latest Covid-19 impact poll reveals that 34% of musicians are considering abandoning their career in music, while 37% are not sure.

Published: 22 September 2020

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New Statistics Showing Pandemics Effect on Musicians Gain Media Coverage

News sources such as The Guardian and BBC Breakfast have reported on our findings that show one-third of professional British musicians are considering giving up their careers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 22 September 2020

Photograph of a trumpet left resting on a window sill. The window behind the trumpet is closed.

New Covid-19 Restrictions: Key Points for Musicians

Further Covid-19 restrictions for England and Scotland have been announced today with details for Wales and Northern Ireland to come in the next few days.

Published: 22 September 2020

Trumpet player in a red t-shirt performing to an audience who are blurred in the background. Just the hands of the player are visable.

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

New guidance from the Scottish Government means that singers, and brass and woodwind players, can rehearse in groups, provided certain conditions are met.

Published: 18 September 2020

Photograph of an acoustic guitar on a stand, a face mask is also hanging off the stand, parallel with the guitar.

Further Guidance on the New Restrictions

We’ve produced some further guidance following the Government’s new restrictions – however we are continuing to seek further information from DCMS on how this will impact on our members’ work.

Published: 16 September 2020

Photograph of a musician playing a flute in a concert like setting, blurred in the background is a score on a stand and a number of other scores behind.

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

The MU has been seeking to clarify the new rules for England in the past 24 hours. We’ve had confirmation that indoor performances in Covid-19 secure venues will be able to continue, but are awaiting further information.

Published: 10 September 2020

Photograph of a woman holding a violin in what appears to be an orchestral setting, other stringed instruments can be seen in the blurred background along with a music stand.

Scotland Announces Six Person Restriction

The Scottish Government has announced that gatherings will be limited to a maximum of six people from two households from Monday.

Published: 10 September 2020

Set up for an outdoor concert, there are lights and a microphone is set up with tables and chairs in the background.

New Rules for Social Gatherings in England Announced

We are awaiting further details on what the Government’s new restrictions on social gatherings could mean for musicians in England.

Published: 09 September 2020

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The Government Must Do More – Help Us Make the Case

Despite constant pressure from the MU, the Government’s response to the issues that the coronavirus pandemic is causing for our members remains woefully inadequate.

Published: 03 September 2020

Government Allows Full Resumption of School Music Provision in England

Visiting music teachers may return to schools, and ensemble rehearsals and performances can resume as long as health and safety measures are in place.

Published: 02 September 2020

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Member Discount for Covid-19 'Gig Screens'

MU members can now get a 10% discount on 'gig screens' designed for live events.

Published: 02 September 2020

Riverside of the Clyde at Pacific Quay. The Clyde Auditorium, SSE Hydro concert venue

Funding For the Arts Sector Announced for Scotland

The Scottish Government have announced a £59m funding package for the culture and heritage sector to protect jobs and support the industry in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Published: 02 September 2020

Photograph of a saxophonist performing outdoors in a park setting.

Further Clarification for Performances and Rehearsals of Non-Professional Musicians in England

The Government has updated their Covid-19 guidance for those working in the performing arts, which clarifies that non-professional musicians can perform and rehearse in Covid-secure venues in England.

Published: 28 August 2020

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SEISS and Me: One Members Experience of Covid-19 Scheme Inequality

Member and orchestral, theatre and chamber musician Louise Braithwaite discusses her experience of claiming the SEISS grant and the inequalities contained by the Government’s Covid schemes.

Published: 28 August 2020

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Have Your Say in Select Committee Inquiry on Music Streaming

New Five Tier System for Scotland Unveiled

Welsh Government Announces Two-Week Firebreak Lockdown

ABO and MU Highlight Lack of Financial Support for Freelance Musicians

How Can We Work Towards a Safe Reopening

Second Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Scottish Fund for Creative Freelancers Opening Soon

Musicians' Movement and ISM Letter to the Chancellor

Four Week “Circuit Breaker,” Announced for Northern Ireland

Three-Tier System of Restrictions in England Announced

Central Belt of Scotland Restrictions Apply to Non-Professional Activities

Twenty (Isn’t) Plenty: A Members’ Experience of the SEISS Extension

The Cultural Recovery Fund: A Lifeline for The Music Industry

An Update the Latest Covid-19 Restrictions in Scotland

Unjust Treatment of Musicians Raised at Economic Affairs Committee

Urging the Government to Act Now for Musicians

Free Webinars on Online Music Teaching Open for Registration

UCan Play Announce Opening of INTERFACE:RESPONSE

The Chancellor Must be Reminded That “Our Members’ Jobs are Entirely Viable Jobs”

Performance in Parliament Square to Highlight Needs of Freelance Musicians

Welsh Freelancer Fund Opens on Monday 5 October

The Hub to Hold Free Day of Events to Support Mental Health

Government Rebuked in Parliament Over Coronavirus Rules

Ask Your MLAs to Support Musicians During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Mask Wearing and Performances: What Are the Rules

Chancellor Responds to Intense Union Lobbying for Additional Job Support Assistance

Coronavirus Presses Mute Button on Music Industry

New Statistics Showing Pandemics Effect on Musicians Gain Media Coverage

New Covid-19 Restrictions: Key Points for Musicians

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

Further Guidance on the New Restrictions

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

Scotland Announces Six Person Restriction

New Rules for Social Gatherings in England Announced

The Government Must Do More – Help Us Make the Case

Government Allows Full Resumption of School Music Provision in England

Member Discount for Covid-19 'Gig Screens'

Funding For the Arts Sector Announced for Scotland

Further Clarification for Performances and Rehearsals of Non-Professional Musicians in England

SEISS and Me: One Members Experience of Covid-19 Scheme Inequality