News & Stories for Musicians

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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

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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

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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 an empty recital hall, there are two double basses lying on their sides and a lot of empty chairs and music stands.

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

The MU is devastated that the Office for Students has recommended implementing Government funding cuts to Higher Education arts and music subjects.

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

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

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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

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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 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

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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

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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

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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 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Extend Government-Backed Pilots to Allow More Events to Go Ahead, Say MPs

In the absence of a wider insurance scheme for the events industry, the Government liability that will enable pilot events to go ahead this summer should be extended to cover a wider range of events to prevent further cancellations, say MPs.

Published: 29 April 2021

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The Copyright Directive

In this feature Mark Sutherland discusses the European Copyright Directive in detail, and looks at the vital actions that must take place to protect UK music industry in the post-Brexit environment.

Published: 26 April 2021

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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What Does The Spring Budget Really Mean for Musicians?

We’re taking a closer look at what the Budget announcement means for musicians, and what we can do to support members over the next six months.

Published: 04 March 2021

Two double bases are left leaning against chairs in what appears to be an orchestra setting.

Orchestras In Healthcare Report

First comprehensive review reveals orchestras contribute more than £1.6m to the public health sector. Almost two thirds of professional orchestras are working in health, wellbeing and social care across the UK.

Published: 04 March 2021

Photograph of a corridor inside the Houses of Parliament, striped tape on the floor indicates how people must stand 2 metres appart to socially distance.

The Chancellor Announces the Spring Budget

The Chancellor has announced that SEISS will be extended and widened, but we will continue to put as much pressure on the Government as possible until every musician has access to financial assistance.

Published: 03 March 2021

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We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Along with over 3,000 other signatories, we’ve signed ExcludedUK’s letter calling for support in the Spring Budget for the 3.8m people who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s support scheme.

Published: 02 March 2021

View of Waverly Hill in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh standing empty.

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

The Scottish Government today outlined a four-stage approach for the easing of lockdown, taking us up to the end of April. After that, the plan is to return to a localised tier system.

Published: 23 February 2021

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Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

An update on our Invest in Musicians campaign – which has been running for almost a year now – and what our plans are moving forwards.

Published: 19 February 2021

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Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

With two weeks to go until the next budget, getting our message through to Rishi Sunak is more important than ever.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a musician playing an acoustic double bass outdoors. The camera is looking up the double bass' neck from below, and the musician is looking away with a concentrated expression.

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened

Help Musicians UK (HMUK) have opened their Do It Differently Fund for another round of applications on 15 February, offering support for professional musicians of all genres and disciplines.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograpgh of a function band from behind, they appear to be playing a gig in a small venue. We can see the back of a guitarist, and two singers standing further from the camera.

Additional £9M in Funding Announced for Scotland’s Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund

The Scottish Government have announced an additional £17.5 million to support creative freelancers and the events sector, including a welcome £9 million allocation to the Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund.

Published: 17 February 2021

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Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

We’ve released our joint research with The Ivors Academy today, revealing how the majority of shielding musicians, songwriters and composers who we surveyed do not feel they can return to work until they are vaccinated.

Published: 16 February 2021

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New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Campaigning organisation Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) have published a new report on the impact of Covid-19, focusing on groups which are currently underrepresented in the sector.

Published: 03 February 2021

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Lobbying Update: Feeling like Groundhog Day, But The Impact is Real

With the budget coming up on 3 March, getting our message through to Rishi Sunak is more important than ever and we thank every member who has been involved in this effort.

Published: 02 February 2021

Photograph of a sandy coloured electric guitar laid out on a wood table with a loop of amplifier cable and earphones also displayed.

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced

PRS for Music have announced that PRS members performing their own works in a small online ticketed concert can now obtain a free licence.

Published: 02 February 2021

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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

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

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

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

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

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?

MU General Secretary Addresses Phantom of the Opera Situation

Extend Government-Backed Pilots to Allow More Events to Go Ahead, Say MPs

The Copyright Directive

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

Ask Your Metro Mayor Candidate to Sign the Creative Workforce Pledge

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Exiting Alert Level 4 Lockdown

What Does The Spring Budget Really Mean for Musicians?

Orchestras In Healthcare Report

The Chancellor Announces the Spring Budget

We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened

Additional £9M in Funding Announced for Scotland’s Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Lobbying Update: Feeling like Groundhog Day, But The Impact is Real

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced