News & Stories for Musicians

Photo of guitarist setting themselves up for a video being recorded on a camera phone

Changes to Furlough Scheme From August Announced

Members who are employed, and currently being paid through the Government’s furlough scheme, should be aware of changes that will come into play from August onwards.

Published: 01 June 2020

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New Ways of Working: Teaching Choirs Online

Kerry Boyle, an experienced singing teacher and choral director, talks us through her personal experience of moving to online teaching with the choirs she works with, and the lessons she’s learnt along the way.

Published: 29 May 2020

Photograph of the Royal Albert Hall in the evening

BBC Proms Will Go Ahead in a New Format

The organisers behind the BBC Proms have stated that they are standing with music lovers everywhere, and musicians around the world affected by Covid-19, and that this year they plan to host the “Not the proms as we know them, the Proms as we need them.”

Published: 29 May 2020

Recording Sessions: A First Step Back on the Road to Recovery

Our Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, describes how the “Recording studios in England are on the threshold of welcoming back session musicians to fulfil a programme of recordings for film, TV, video games and commercial audio recordings.”

Published: 29 May 2020

Photograph of guitarist playing while wearing a face mask.

Call on the Treasury to Extend Government Support for the Self Employed

The Self Employment Income Support Scheme, the Government’s support for freelancers, comes to an end in June. We urge the Government to continue to provide SEISS until at least October. Add your voice to our call.

Published: 28 May 2020

Photograph of a recording studio panel with an unattended microphone resting on it.

Safety Advice for Musicians Taking Part in Recording Sessions

We’ve published some studio safety advice for recording session musicians taking part in recording sessions during Covid-19.

Published: 26 May 2020

Photo of a young child, sat outdoors with a ukulele looking dreamily into the distance.

Next Steps: Picturing Possibilities for the Return to Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl examines the question, “When will it be time for musicians to go back to work and what might work look like in the Government’s Covid-19 recovery phases?” in the hope of giving “a very broad-brush idea of what might be possible as we eme

Published: 22 May 2020

Photograph of man playing saxophone at home with a video and audio recording set up.

Support Vital in the Lead Up to Possible Return to Work, a Lobbying Update

MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez explains what we’re doing to lobby the Government for vital support, both in our current situation and as musicians are more able to return to work.

Published: 22 May 2020

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Our Keep Music Alive Campaign Has Over 10,000 Signatures

In May we joined forces with the Ivors Academy to launch a campaign to Keep Music Alive, starting with a petition to #FixStreaming. And we’re overjoyed to report that it’s already reached over 10,000 signatures!

Published: 22 May 2020

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Survey to Understand the Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of Creative Freelancers

The Hub UK and the Creative Industries Federation are looking to develop a new, totally free, mental health support programme – and your answers to their ten-minute survey can help them build something that meets your needs.

Published: 22 May 2020

Photograph of a person playing tambourine in a group setting.

New Advice on Online Group Teaching

We’ve published a new advice page with guidance on moving to group teaching online. You can read it now in the teaching online section of our Covid-19 advice pages.

Published: 20 May 2020

Help UK Music Speak for You by Completing This Survey

We’re calling on members to complete UK Music’s annual survey, at a time when it is more important than ever to speak to the Government about the needs of the music industry. It takes nine minutes to complete, and you can enter their prize draw.

Published: 19 May 2020

Photograph of an empty classroom, desks arranged in groups.

We Support the NEU’s Five Tests for Government Before Schools Can Re-Open

We are supporting the NEU’s five tests for Government before schools can re-open.

Published: 18 May 2020

Support Fair Play Venues Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

Many live music venues are having to fundraise to secure their futures, here is a list of crowdfunders that have been set up for venues which have signed up to our Fair Play scheme. If you are in a position to donate, or to share their crowdfunders on your social channels, please do.

Published: 15 May 2020

New Online Teaching Contract for Adult Students

We’ve added to the contracts we have on offer for online teaching, reflecting the change in teaching conditions that many of our members are currently undertaking.

Published: 15 May 2020

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Keep Music Alive Petition to Fix Streaming Gains Extensive Media Coverage

On Monday 11 May we joined forces with the Ivors Academy to launch a campaign to Keep Music Alive, starting with a petition calling on the Government to fix streaming now. And now it’s gaining traction across the media.

Published: 13 May 2020

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Applications for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme Have Opened

Members who have entered their details into HMRC’s online checker will have been given a date between 13-18 May on which they can apply for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Published: 13 May 2020

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The Life or Death Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination

MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official John Shortell explains why “now is exactly the time to talk about difference and about inequality,” and the disparities which the Coronavirus pandemic has brought into sharp focus.

Published: 12 May 2020

We’re Launching a Campaign to Fix Streaming Now With The Ivors Academy

We’ve joined forces with the The Ivors Academy at a time of crisis for tens of thousands of music creators, to form a new alliance that will campaign to Keep Music Alive.

Published: 11 May 2020

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Welsh Members Encouraged to Take Survey to Develop Online Learning Resources

CULT Cymru are looking to develop their online learning resources to meet new needs that have arisen during the coronavirus pandemic, and would like to hear from members in Wales about what would be useful to them.

Published: 11 May 2020

someone placing a heart-shaped coin in a piggy bank

New Items Added as MU Auction Approaches Deadline

We’ve received a number of exciting new donations to our auction to raise money for the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund – which will be ending on Wednesday 13 May at 7:00 pm.

Published: 11 May 2020

an illustration for Broken Record appeal featuring a person at their home full of music records

Announcing the #BrokenRecord Appeal and Festival

The Broken Record Appeal aims to support every kind of music creator in need as a result of Coronavirus. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Broken Record Appeal and the associated Festival planned for 24th May.

Published: 11 May 2020

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How Changes to the Coronavirus Lockdown Measures Could Affect Musicians

On Sunday 10 May evening, the Government announced some changes to the Coronavirus lockdown in England.

Published: 11 May 2020

Man and woman working behind the counter at a record shop

Applications Open for Bounce Back Scheme for Business Loans

Small businesses can apply for a Government backed loan of up to £50,000, with no interest charged or repayments needed in the first twelve months. Some self-employed workers and limited company directors may be able to use this as income support.

Published: 06 May 2020

Findings From Latest MU Impact Survey Covered on Sky News

Sky News covered the findings from our latest survey, which suggests that over a third of musicians will fall short of the criteria required for the Government’s assistance schemes.

Published: 06 May 2020

Video Message From Author Philip Pullman for Bidders on MU Auction

Our auction to raise money for the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund has been growing and growing. This week, author Philip Pullman recorded a video message to encourage bidding on the item he donated.

Published: 06 May 2020

Photograph of the UK's HM Treasury building

Impact Survey Identifies Key Gaps in Current Government Support for Self-Employed Workers

Our survey has found that a significant number of our members – the majority of whom are self-employed – will struggle financially, with two-in-five (38%) falling short of the criteria required for the Government’s assistance schemes.

Published: 05 May 2020

illustration with people staying at home in the lockdown socialising from their balconies

Three-Month Subscription Holiday Scheme Opens for Applications

MU members in dire financial need due to disruption from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can now apply for a three-month break in their subscription fees.

Published: 04 May 2020

A female musician holding a guitar and a baby next to her

Call for Evidence From Those Missing out on SEISS Due to Maternity Leave

Campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed are calling on those whose Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claim has been affected by maternity leave. Due to the massive response to their campaign so far, the Government’s deadline for evidence has been extended.

Published: 04 May 2020

MU Supports Music Venue Trust’s Save Our Venues Campaign

This week the Music Venue Trust (MVT) launched its Save Our Venues campaign. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, venues are facing real hardship with many threatened with closure as Government measures start to run out.

Published: 01 May 2020

Advice on Public Charge Designations for Musicians in the USA on Visas

Our friends at Tamizdat are offering Pro-Bono advice for musicians, who at the time of lockdown may have been working in the United States of America (USA) under a visa, and are concerned about whether a public charge designation could affect them.

Published: 01 May 2020

International Day of Families: Recognising Those Falling Through Gaps in the Government’s Response

MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official John Shortell highlights “the impact Coronavirus is having on those with families and how the Government’s response to the pandemic, especially in relation to freelancers with families, reinforces disadvantages.”

Published: 01 May 2020

AIM to Hold Free Virtual Conference on Independent Music

Following the success of its first virtual conference, AIM Sync, trade body The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has announced the transition of its Great Escape Conference programme, ‘AIM House’, to a full-day virtual event.

Published: 01 May 2020

Graphic of different people social distancing behind windows with instruments

Three-Month Subscription Holiday Announced for Members in Financial Hardship

In response to the widespread cancellation of work that has hit our profession as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have decided to offer a three-month subscription holiday to those who are in dire financial need.

Published: 30 April 2020

Soon to be Released Statistics Paint a Stark Picture of Musicians Left Behind by the Government’s Support Schemes

MU Head of Communications & Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez reports on how our recent impact survey shows that the percentage of those the Government claims will be protected by the Self-employed Income Support Scheme “is categorically not the case for musicians”.

Published: 29 April 2020

Rockschool Pledges to Donate £5 to NHS for Every Exam Entry

Rockschool, who provide graded exams for contemporary musicians of all levels, are holding their next exam period online to reduce disruption to teachers and students during the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 29 April 2020

Make Music Day people playing music instruments and dancing

Make Music Day Goes Digital

Make Music Day is an annual set of music events that takes place around the world on the longest day of the year – 21 June. This year participants are being encouraged to host and engage with events online.

Published: 29 April 2020

New Telephone Support Network For Musicians

Musicians feeling isolated and anxious can sign up to the Royal Society of Musicians’ (RSM’s) Coronavirus Support Network to chat with other musicians.

Published: 27 April 2020

The Government’s Self-Employment Support Extended to Musicians on Work Visas

Last week, the Home Office confirmed that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is available to migrants who are self-employed and have no recourse to public funds.

Published: 27 April 2020

Northern Ireland Launches Support Fund for Arts Sector

Northern Ireland's Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has announced funding of £1.5 million to support individuals and organisations in the Arts Sector in response to Covid-19.

Published: 27 April 2020

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Changes to Furlough Scheme From August Announced

New Ways of Working: Teaching Choirs Online

BBC Proms Will Go Ahead in a New Format

Recording Sessions: A First Step Back on the Road to Recovery

Call on the Treasury to Extend Government Support for the Self Employed

Safety Advice for Musicians Taking Part in Recording Sessions

Next Steps: Picturing Possibilities for the Return to Work

Support Vital in the Lead Up to Possible Return to Work, a Lobbying Update

Our Keep Music Alive Campaign Has Over 10,000 Signatures

Survey to Understand the Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of Creative Freelancers

New Advice on Online Group Teaching

Help UK Music Speak for You by Completing This Survey

We Support the NEU’s Five Tests for Government Before Schools Can Re-Open

Support Fair Play Venues Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

New Online Teaching Contract for Adult Students

Keep Music Alive Petition to Fix Streaming Gains Extensive Media Coverage

Applications for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme Have Opened

The Life or Death Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination

We’re Launching a Campaign to Fix Streaming Now With The Ivors Academy

Welsh Members Encouraged to Take Survey to Develop Online Learning Resources

New Items Added as MU Auction Approaches Deadline

Announcing the #BrokenRecord Appeal and Festival

How Changes to the Coronavirus Lockdown Measures Could Affect Musicians

Applications Open for Bounce Back Scheme for Business Loans

Findings From Latest MU Impact Survey Covered on Sky News

Video Message From Author Philip Pullman for Bidders on MU Auction

Impact Survey Identifies Key Gaps in Current Government Support for Self-Employed Workers

Three-Month Subscription Holiday Scheme Opens for Applications

Call for Evidence From Those Missing out on SEISS Due to Maternity Leave

MU Supports Music Venue Trust’s Save Our Venues Campaign

Advice on Public Charge Designations for Musicians in the USA on Visas

International Day of Families: Recognising Those Falling Through Gaps in the Government’s Response

AIM to Hold Free Virtual Conference on Independent Music

Three-Month Subscription Holiday Announced for Members in Financial Hardship

Soon to be Released Statistics Paint a Stark Picture of Musicians Left Behind by the Government’s Support Schemes

Rockschool Pledges to Donate £5 to NHS for Every Exam Entry

Make Music Day Goes Digital

New Telephone Support Network For Musicians

The Government’s Self-Employment Support Extended to Musicians on Work Visas

Northern Ireland Launches Support Fund for Arts Sector