News & Stories for Musicians

View of the Houses of Parliament in London.

MPs Criticise ACE Funding Cuts in Debate in Parliament

The MU briefed MPs ahead of the debate that was held in Westminster Hall this week.

Published: 20 January 2023

MU Briefing: What MPs Need to Know About Arts Council England Funding Cuts

Facts, figures and Union talking points about arts funding to use in your own conversations with friends, colleagues and decision-makers.

Published: 18 January 2023

Dome of the London Coliseum, English National Opera and Theatre against the blue sky

ENO Receives National Lottery Funding for the Next Year

English National Opera will receive £11.46m National Lottery funding for 2023-24.

Published: 17 January 2023

MU Orchestras AGM Focuses on Improving Pay, Conditions and Arts Funding

MU members came together at Trades Union Congress headquarters for the union’s Orchestras Annual General Meeting.

Published: 17 January 2023

A large crowd marches in central London, some MU branded signs read Fund The Arts and Love ENO.

Impact of Arts Funding Cuts Highlighted in Leafleting Drive

Musicians’ Union members took to the Coliseum for a leafleting session on Friday 6 January, talking to audience members about the impact of arts funding cuts on opera and ballet.

Published: 13 January 2023

MU Signs Letter to Cabinet Secretary Over Music Cuts at BBC Radio Scotland

The MU has signed a joint letter to intervene over BBC Radio Scotland’s plans to axe some key music programmes.

Published: 12 January 2023

Speaker panel discussions at the MU Members' Conference 2022

Celebrating Culturally Diverse Organisations in the Arts Council England National Portfolio

We need more arts funding, not less, to make sure that a career as a musician is available and accessible to everyone.

Published: 14 December 2022

Arts funding cuts demo in front of the DCMS

MU Supports Latest ENO Statement on Funding Cuts

The MU agrees with English National Opera that Arts Council England needs to provide further clarity, and the Union remains committed to fighting the cuts altogether.

Published: 09 December 2022

Naomi Pohl speaking in a microphone in a crowd in front of DCMS building

Entertainment Unions Protest Outside Government Department

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl today joined members in a protest outside DCMS to demand an increase in arts funding.

Published: 22 November 2022

Entrance sign to the UK government building for the DCMS on London's Whitehall, England.

Take Part in Arts Council England Funding Cuts Protest on Tuesday 22 November

Join MU, Equity and BECTU members outside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for a protest against cuts to English National Opera and other arts organisations.

Published: 18 November 2022

Banner signs outside the London Coliseum Theatre advertising performances of the English National Opera (ENO)

MU in Urgent Talks Following Major Funding Cuts to English National Opera and Other Arts Organisations

The Musicians' Union (MU) has today heavily criticised the decision by Arts Council England (ACE) to make major cuts in public funding to English National Opera (ENO) and other arts organisations.

Published: 04 November 2022

Close up of musical icons on on wooden cubes/blocks. Icons include: microphone, headphones, loud speaker, radio, and vinyl discs.

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Labour leader Keir Starmer this week to talk through the Union’s policy priorities.

Published: 06 July 2022

A young person is sat in a bright library setting wearing red headphones and looking intently at a computer screen.

Universities Cut Arts Courses

The MU is saddened to see large-scale cuts to arts courses at two universities following ongoing Government funding cuts and anti-arts rhetoric.

Published: 14 June 2022

Rab Noakes, Caroline Sewell, Iona Fyfe and Neil Patterson at STUC Congress

MU Member Success at STUC Congress in Aberdeen

It was a successful week for MU members at the Scottish TUC Congress in Aberdeen.

Published: 29 April 2022

four students walking down the stairs of the college

Take Part in the Consultation on Government’s Plans for Higher Education Music and Arts in England

New Government plans to limit access to higher education music and the arts in England. We've put together a guide to the consultation's questions and key points to raise.

Published: 22 March 2022

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

The two-year license fee freeze is likely to harm job opportunities for musicians as The BBC is the single biggest employer of MU members in the UK.

Published: 19 January 2022

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

Photograph of Keir Starmer speaking at the Labour Conference, against a

MU EC Member Speaks to BBC News Following Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Music Education

MU Executive Committee member Andi Hopgood spoke to BBC News following Keir Starmer’s speech at the Labour Party Conference, explaining how “it’s important to think of the education of our young people as a holistic thing.”

Published: 05 October 2021

Photograph of a microphone against the background of yellow stage lights.

Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

Help us make the case to the Government to use the money that is left in the Cultural Recovery Fund to provide bridging loans and other investment for musicians, by answering three short questions.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a close up of a young flute player, practicing in a classroom setting. Behind them we can see other performers and a teacher figure.

MU Urges New Education Secretary and Schools Minister to Work Together to Protect Music Education

Following the sacking of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Schools Minister Nick Gibb – and their replacement by Nadhim Zahawi and Robin Walker respectively – the MU urges the new ministers to work together to address systemic problems affecting music education in England.

Published: 17 September 2021

Stone pillar with a plac reading DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

The Musicians’ Union has written to the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries MP, highlighting ongoing challenges MU members are facing.

Published: 16 September 2021

Photograph of a socially distanced audience watching a live performance from the back. We see them from behind, seated on distanced chairs with a red light.

Vaccination Certification Will Become Mandatory for Various Events in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament has approved the use of Coronavirus vaccination certificates to enter some events and higher risk venues, with the scheme coming into effect on 1 October.

Published: 10 September 2021

Photograph of a masked woman sitting outdoors, writing into a notebook and wearing headphones.

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Joint research by the MU and The Ivors Academy has revealed that 70% of musicians, songwriters and composers who are still shielding are facing financial hardship because of their continued need to shield.

Published: 10 September 2021

Photograph of a young man singing into a microphone, while another person mans the recording station, a drum kit is also visible in the background

Graduates Share Their Concerns About The Devastating Impact of Government Funding Cuts to HE Arts and Music Subjects

This summer, the MU asked musicians and other arts workers what the 50% cut to Government funding for Higher Education arts and music subjects means to them.

Published: 25 August 2021

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, explains how the MU political fund provides invaluable help for members.

Published: 24 August 2021

Member only Read more about The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Photograph of a white board with music notation written on it, in a classroom setting.

Next Steps for England’s National Plan for Music Education Announced

The Government has released a summary of responses to its public consultation on music education and appointed an industry panel to guide the next National Plan for Music Education.

Published: 06 August 2021

Photograph of a young adult walking with a violin case strapped to their back against an urban backdrop.

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

Photograph of stained glass window with insturments and the text

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 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

Photographs of various young artists displayed on a photo wall at the event BBC Introducing

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Published: 29 June 2021

Photograph of a young person having a trumpet lesson, standing in a medium sized recital hall.

Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

Seven trade unions including the MU have come together to publish an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in opposition to the Government’s proposed funding cuts for arts and music subjects.

Published: 23 June 2021

MU Still Waiting for Response to Letter Urging Government to Pause Proposed HE Funding Cuts

The letter highlighted the catastrophic impact that the Government's proposed higher education funding cuts could have on music and the arts in the UK.

Published: 21 May 2021

A woman sat outside is writing into a notebook, she is wearing earphones and a facemask and looking into the distance.

Help Us Make the Case Against HE Funding Cuts by Taking our Flash Survey

Take action now against the Government’s plans to impose a catastrophic 50% cut in funding for higher education in England – take our brief survey and use your story to speak out.

Published: 21 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of music stands and chairs in a music learning setting.

Who Will HE Funding Cuts Disproportionately Affect?

An explanation of how cuts to HE Funding for music and arts subjects in England are likely to have a disproportionate effect on disabled, Black, Asian and minority ethnic students and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Published: 13 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of young adults in a classroom setting, the photo focuses on one young woman facing seriously forward, with other students blured in the background.

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

Photograph of three young musicians sat on sofas. One has a laptop and microphone, one a guitar, and one is writing on a notepad.

HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

What the Government’s proposed higher education (HE) cuts could mean for students and course providers – from affecting the financial viability of courses to cutting access for less privileged students and disproportionately affecting disabled people.

Published: 07 May 2021

Photograph of a young woman walking past what might be a music college, with a violin case strapped to her back.

Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

The MU strongly opposes Government plans to impose a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects including music at Higher Education (HE) level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

Photograph focusing on a singer, singing emotively into a microphone. Blurred in the foreground is a second musician mixing into a laptop.

Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

Shadow secretaries of state Jo Stevens MP and Kate Green MP have written to Gavin Williamson calling on the Secretary of State for Education to drop proposals for a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects at the Higher Education level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

Photograph of the sun setting through the windows of an empty classroom.

MU Expresses Horror at Proposed Halving of Funding for Music at HE in England

The Government has announced that it plans to impose a 50 percent funding cut to “high cost” subjects at higher education (HE) in England, including music. This is because music and the arts are not among its “strategic priorities”. Members are encouraged to respond to their consultation.

Published: 30 April 2021

BBC of Exceptional Value to Public During Crisis

We responded to a Select Committee inquiry into the future of public broadcasting, explaining why the BBC is essential to making sure that arts and culture and available to everyone.

Published: 12 June 2020

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features

MPs Criticise ACE Funding Cuts in Debate in Parliament

MU Briefing: What MPs Need to Know About Arts Council England Funding Cuts

ENO Receives National Lottery Funding for the Next Year

MU Orchestras AGM Focuses on Improving Pay, Conditions and Arts Funding

Impact of Arts Funding Cuts Highlighted in Leafleting Drive

MU Signs Letter to Cabinet Secretary Over Music Cuts at BBC Radio Scotland

Celebrating Culturally Diverse Organisations in the Arts Council England National Portfolio

MU Supports Latest ENO Statement on Funding Cuts

Entertainment Unions Protest Outside Government Department

Take Part in Arts Council England Funding Cuts Protest on Tuesday 22 November

MU in Urgent Talks Following Major Funding Cuts to English National Opera and Other Arts Organisations

MU Meets with Leader of Labour Party

Universities Cut Arts Courses

MU Member Success at STUC Congress in Aberdeen

Take Part in the Consultation on Government’s Plans for Higher Education Music and Arts in England

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

MU EC Member Speaks to BBC News Following Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Music Education

Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

MU Urges New Education Secretary and Schools Minister to Work Together to Protect Music Education

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

Vaccination Certification Will Become Mandatory for Various Events in Scotland

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Graduates Share Their Concerns About The Devastating Impact of Government Funding Cuts to HE Arts and Music Subjects

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Next Steps for England’s National Plan for Music Education Announced

TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

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

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

MU Still Waiting for Response to Letter Urging Government to Pause Proposed HE Funding Cuts

Help Us Make the Case Against HE Funding Cuts by Taking our Flash Survey

Who Will HE Funding Cuts Disproportionately Affect?

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

MU Expresses Horror at Proposed Halving of Funding for Music at HE in England

BBC of Exceptional Value to Public During Crisis