News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a collection of musicians silhouetted against the sun rise.

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

Photograph showing three chairs and a music stand in front of an empty concert hall.

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

a female singer performing in front of the transparent protective gig screen

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

Photograph of a smiling woman, holding her reed instrument and looking through a detached part of it with one eye.

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

Photograph of a guitarist and saxophonist performing to an outdoor audience.

Scottish Government Publish New Guidance for Venues and Performing Arts

The guidance is intended to assist the performing arts and venues sector in Scotland on safe re-opening during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 25 August 2020

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Over 100 Organisations Including the MU Call for SEISS Extension

A joint letter is calling for Government to extend support for freelancers in the performing arts and entertainment industries after October.

Published: 20 August 2020

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Socially Distanced Theatre and Live Music Could Return to Scotland in September

Some outdoor live events in Scotland will be able to return with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene measures and restricted numbers from Monday 24 August.

Published: 20 August 2020

Teenage Pupil Playing Drums In Music Lesson

A-Level Results to be Based on Teacher Assessed Grades

We are pleased that the governments across all four nations of the UK will now be basing their A-level grades on teacher assessed grades.

Published: 18 August 2020

Second Round of Self Employment Income Support Scheme Open

The second round of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is now open for claims from freelancers across the UK.

Published: 17 August 2020

Graphic image with a black and white photograph of a woman singing into a microphone, bisected by two coloured squares and the text

Growing Pressure on the Government, Platforms and Major Labels to Fix Streaming Now

There have now been over 15,000 signatures on our petition – which we’re running with the Ivors Academy – calling on the Government to help us #FixStreaming and keep music alive.

Published: 13 August 2020

Photograph of two drinks with ice, limes and mint. They appear to be set outside, with sun shining on them.

Online Festival to Raise Money for our Coronavirus Hardship Fund

In a bid to support venues and performing artists, a group of musicians, dancers and entertainers have created The Fantastical Festival of Furlough to bring you live streamed entertainment in a spectacular fashion.

Published: 11 August 2020

Photograph of a number of instruments, including an acoustic guitar and percussion, propped around a recording studio with various microphones.

Petition to Fix Streaming Receives Over 15,000 Signatures

Over 15,000 people have signed the petition to fix streaming and keep music alive. Your support for the campaign, calling on Government to urgently undertake a review of streaming, is already having an impact.

Published: 11 August 2020

Cara Dillon looks out of a window sideways with a contemplative expression, in dim lighting. The walls behind and around her are aged and faded, suggesting that she's standing in an old cottage.

Cara Dillon: How the Folk Singer and Musician has Emerged With a Concert Film of Real Emotional Power

For Irish folk singer and musician Cara Dillon, the Covid-19 crisis has been a particularly worrying time. But the urge to create and perform has culminated in an online concert with real emotional resonance. Read her profile as written by Andy Fyfe.

Published: 10 August 2020

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Discount on Coaching and Mentoring Training Sessions

MU members can claim a 10% discount on Guildhall School's Coaching and Mentoring training sessions, helping musicians develop their skills as coaches and mentors.

Published: 10 August 2020

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Calling the Government Out on Its Failure to Help Musicians

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez describes the “woefully inadequate,” response from the Government to protect musicians – and how we are lobbying against it.

Published: 06 August 2020

Summer Of Live: MU Online Fundraiser #2 Showcases Best of British Folk

Journalist Henry Yates describes how the “second charity livestream for the MU’s Coronavirus Hardship Fund featured homegrown talent performing in Sheffield, Devon, New Orleans and Montreal.”

Published: 04 August 2020

Changes to The Government’s Furlough Scheme From 1 August

Since 1 August, employers have been required to pay National Insurance and pension contributions to staff on furlough.

Published: 04 August 2020

A Reflection on Make Music Day 2020

Looking back on this year's Make Music Day – a global celebration of music which took place last month – we examine how it still succeeded during a global pandemic, and where you can go to catch the highlights you may have missed.

Published: 04 August 2020

Silence is Not an Option: UK Music Industry Unites Against Racism and Intolerance

We’ve signed an open letter urging the music industry to speak out and eradicate racism, along with over 700 artists, managers, producers and companies.

Published: 03 August 2020

Photograph of a young child standing in front of a chalk board, learning the violin.

We’re Calling on the ABRSM to Diversify Their Syllabi

We've sent a letter on behalf of over 70 organisations, musicians, music teachers and academics to ABRSM, demanding they take meaningful and measurable action to diversify their syllabi.

Published: 03 August 2020

Prime Minister Announces Delay to Return of Indoor Live Music

The Prime Minister has announced that the easing of coronavirus restrictions in England will be delayed due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 31 July 2020

Photograph of a jazz band performing outdoors.

£53M of New Funding Announced for Arts and Culture in Wales

The Welsh Government announced today that it will be investing £53 million to help Wales’ diverse culture sector deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 30 July 2020

Photo of musician singing into a microphone on the stage with bright white lights behind.

Provisional Timetable for Easing Lockdown in Scotland Announced

The announcement includes hopes for outdoor events and concerts from 24 August, and live music venues and theatres from 14 September.

Published: 30 July 2020

Photograph of the houses of parliament, viewed from across Westminister bridge and the Thames on a bright, blue day.

Further Details on the Cultural Recovery Fund Announced

Key highlights from the Government’s most recent announcement on how organisations can apply for the £880m being made to organisations in the arts sector in England.

Published: 29 July 2020

Photograph of a young group of musicians hanging out and rehearsing.

Final Set of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Released

Young Guns Network (YGN), have added five more articles to their commission mission series – aiming to inspire, educate and interest young people aged 18-30 in music.

Published: 28 July 2020

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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

Scottish Government Publish New Guidance for Venues and Performing Arts

Over 100 Organisations Including the MU Call for SEISS Extension

Socially Distanced Theatre and Live Music Could Return to Scotland in September

A-Level Results to be Based on Teacher Assessed Grades

Second Round of Self Employment Income Support Scheme Open

Growing Pressure on the Government, Platforms and Major Labels to Fix Streaming Now

Online Festival to Raise Money for our Coronavirus Hardship Fund

Petition to Fix Streaming Receives Over 15,000 Signatures

Cara Dillon: How the Folk Singer and Musician has Emerged With a Concert Film of Real Emotional Power

Discount on Coaching and Mentoring Training Sessions

Calling the Government Out on Its Failure to Help Musicians

Summer Of Live: MU Online Fundraiser #2 Showcases Best of British Folk

Changes to The Government’s Furlough Scheme From 1 August

A Reflection on Make Music Day 2020

Silence is Not an Option: UK Music Industry Unites Against Racism and Intolerance

We’re Calling on the ABRSM to Diversify Their Syllabi

Prime Minister Announces Delay to Return of Indoor Live Music

£53M of New Funding Announced for Arts and Culture in Wales

Provisional Timetable for Easing Lockdown in Scotland Announced

Further Details on the Cultural Recovery Fund Announced

Final Set of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Released