News & Stories for Musicians

A Black woman sits and looks into a mirror while placing her hearing aid into her right ear. The woman is wearing black and her hair is pulled back by a scarf.

Attitude is Everything Launch Just Ask Campaign to Support Promoters to Welcome Disabled Artists

The MU welcomes the Just Ask campaign, and encourages conversations between promoters and disabled musicians to talk about their access needs and normalise the use of access riders.

Published: 07 April 2022

Woman with blonde hair in red shirt sat in very dark room. Her headphones are around her neck and she is illuminated by the open laptop screen.

One Year On: The Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

On the anniversary of the MU and Ivors Academy campaign launch #ComposersAgainstBuyouts, we celebrate its successes and what more still needs to be done to ensure a fair deal for composers.

Published: 31 March 2022

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl gave a historic video address at the conference, whilst MU Executive Committee member Sarah Williams gave a moving speech on supporting women through early pregnancy loss.

Published: 21 March 2022

Close up of hands over a big pile of paperwork held together with large clips

MU Reacts to Admission From Lord Frost

Frost has admitted his Brexit trade deal failed touring musicians.

Published: 17 March 2022

Collect of paper tickets in a pile, coloured orange, dark pink, light blue and red. Each one days ticket in large text on the front with a number for the stub.

UK Music Write to The Chancellor Ahead of VAT Increase For Live Tickets

The final day of VAT relief for venues selling live tickets is 31 March, from 1 April this will increase again to 20%.

Published: 17 March 2022

Girl in red checked shirt wearing over ear headphones, one hand to one ear, also looking down at a studio mixing desk

Concern Over Moonbug Entertainment's Performing Rights Royalties

MU and The Ivors Academy condemn demands by Moonbug Entertainment that composers hand over performing rights royalties.

Published: 15 March 2022

Close up of Harpsicord key made out of ivory.

Ivory Ban – Latest Update

The Government has announced a registration process for items containing Ivory.

Published: 04 March 2022

Open passport showing country stamps, lying over a map of the world.

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

Watch the recording of the Touring in the EU post Brexit event from 24 February 2022.

Published: 01 March 2022

Two same-sex parents embracing a new born baby. Both woman have red/pink in their hair and are looking down and smiling at the baby in the middle of them.

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Following a decision at the last MU delegate conference, parental grants for members are now offered per-child in the case of multiple births or adoptions.

Published: 24 February 2022

People at a protest with Autumn trees in the background, man in foreground is holding a fix streaming campaign board

The Competition & Markets Authority Wants to Hear From You to Help Fix Streaming

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) is asking for comments on the scope of its market study into music and streaming services.

Published: 11 February 2022

Woman in yellow jumper working at a laptop in afternoon light with cup of coffee in right hand

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Morrish Solicitors are the new provider for our personal injury claim service and other legal service benefits.

Published: 07 February 2022

Close up of computer keyboard, tablet and mobile phone stacked on top of each other

MU Reacts to NFT Platform HitPiece

We are aware that many musicians have expressed alarm that works associated with them have been presented for auction as NFTs, seemingly without their knowledge by the platform HitPiece.

Published: 04 February 2022

Close up of the Birmingham Bullring shopping centre with a sunny and cloudy sky reflected in the mirrors of the building

Sign the Petition to Stop the Busking Ban in Birmingham

MU asks musicians to sign the petition against new proposals in Birmingham that would ban busking in many of the prime pitches in the city.

Published: 26 January 2022

Photograph of someone writing into a notebook wearing a white coat in what appears to be a medical setting

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

A guitarist faces out into a crowd, lit with warm purple and yellow lighting.

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

As well as voting to donate to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action, the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

Published: 16 December 2021

Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

MP Esther McVey stands in Parliament Square holding a sign that reads Fix Streaming. She's surrounded by other musicians, holding instruments and banners.

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl joined Kevin Brennan MP and Esther McVey MP to deliver a letter in support of streaming reform.

Published: 02 December 2021

A woman with grey hair sits on a sofa with two opened notebooks, looking at a laptop computer.

Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

MusicTeachers.co.uk, which partnered with the MU to offer free online listings for music teachers, has announced that its free service will end ahead of a relaunch early next year.

Published: 29 November 2021

Photograph of a singer holding a microphone up to their face against a purple misty background, the rest of the image is in shadow.

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

Two young adults playing their guitars in the kicthen, both are holding acoustic guitars as if they are preparing to play them.

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

Photograph of a young person playing on a rainbow coloured instrument

Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

This article is a transcript of a talk given by Chris Walters, the MU’s National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing, for the Westminster Education Forum policy conference entitled “Next Steps for Music Education in England”. This event took place online on 10 November.

Published: 12 November 2021

A person is sat at a large recording desk, we can just see the back of their head with short cropped hair, a baseball cap, and earphones over their ears.

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

It is fair to say that the Fix Streaming campaign, run jointly by the Musicians’ Union and The Ivors Academy, and Tom Gray's Broken Record have had far greater impact in a short period of time than we thought possible when we embarked on this journey.

Published: 09 November 2021

Electric bass guitarist performs on stage, we can only see their silhoutte outlined against orange and red lights

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

The MU will be attending Sound of Belfast festival, which is running across the city 11-12 November. We will be running an introduction to the MU event, as well as hosting 1-2-1 advice sessions.

Published: 05 November 2021

A guitar player in a function band, we can see the back of the neck of an electric guitar looking out over a blurred audience

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Forty-four Conservative MPs are calling for key measures to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 05 November 2021

A huge crowd of climate protestrors with various banners gathered in a street, a blow up beachball style planet is being thrown by the crowd.

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

In the run up to COP26, Make My Money Matter (MMMM) have released a free online guide for organisations committing to greening their pensions – one which members may find useful to share with employers and colleagues where relevant.

Published: 29 October 2021

Photograph of MU Executive Committee Member Diljeet Bhachu, speaking into a microphone.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: MU Member Diljeet Bhachu’s Opening Speech to the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

This year’s STUC Black Workers’ Conference was chaired by MU Executive Committee member Diljeet Bhachu, who reflected on how challenging the previous 18-months have been for Black workers across Scotland, and the importance of solidarity across the Trade Union movement.

Published: 04 October 2021

Photograph of a number of instruments left backstage, a well aged piano, an upright bass lying on its side, a red synth on a stand and a music stand, as well as fairy lights and wires and visible.

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have published research on “Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age”, in a timely move, given current industry debates and our campaign to defend media composers' royalties.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a bass musician standing on a busy looking stage with orange and purple light shining over them

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

The MU, The Ivors Academy and Tom Gray, Founder of the #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the Government’s response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Streaming Report, but call for firm action now to put the value of music back in the hands of music makers.

Published: 22 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

Close up photograph of a cello's bridge and strings

MU Deputy General Secretary Attends Meeting with Scotland’s First Minister on Measures Against Covid-19

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl represented the Union at a meeting with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today.

Published: 15 September 2021

Photograph of a woman backstage, she has a concerned expression and is looking into her mob

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

New reports reveal sexual harassment and abuse remain rife in the music industry despite the #MeToo movement. We’re calling on the Government and music industry organisations to protect musicians and other workers from victimisation and harassment.

Published: 03 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

A woman holding earphones who appears to be recording, there is a microphone, and open laptop and a notebook on the table.

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The MU has signed UN Women UK’s open letter, calling for 2021 to be the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commits to change.

Published: 24 August 2021

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

MU member and harpist Cecilia De Maria took to Facebook and Instagram, to spread an important message about why so many women in the music industry are scared of their work being affected by people finding out that they are pregnant.

Published: 24 August 2021

Photograph of a stack of newspapers spread out, blurred so the text and images are not visible.

Did You See the News? MPs Join the Fix Streaming Call

MPs from the Labour, Conservative and Scottish National parties joined the collective call to fix streaming this summer.

Published: 13 August 2021

Photograph of a double bass player performing on a stage alongside an electric guitarist with pink lights.

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

Whilst we acknowledge the introduction of a Government-backed insurance scheme for live music, we reserve further comment until we know the schemes details.

Published: 05 August 2021

Photograph of a pile of touring creates, behind a large metal fence.

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

The MU cautiously welcomes the Government’s announcement – made on Wednesday 4 August – that visa-free short-term touring is allowed in 19 member states, but it does not solve many of the problems currently facing musicians touring in the EU.

Published: 05 August 2021

Photograph of a persons hand turning the tuning peg on a guitar, in the background is wild countryside.

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

Set up during the pandemic, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) is putting the welfare of our planet in the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide, and the MU is proud to have contributed.

Published: 30 July 2021

A woman is looking in the mirror and adjusting her hearing aid in the mirror.

Government Response to Consultation on Sexual Harassment Welcomed

The Government has responded to the consultation on sexual harassment with a number of commitments, and the MU wishes to congratulate everyone involved in making this happen, including MU members who contributed to the consultation.

Published: 22 July 2021

Photograph of the hands of two colleagues in a meeting at work.

MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights

Together with over 38 other unions and the TUC, we have written to equalities minister Liz Truss to call for an urgent reset in the government’s approach to LGBT+ rights.

Published: 22 July 2021

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Attitude is Everything Launch Just Ask Campaign to Support Promoters to Welcome Disabled Artists

One Year On: The Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU Reacts to Admission From Lord Frost

UK Music Write to The Chancellor Ahead of VAT Increase For Live Tickets

Concern Over Moonbug Entertainment's Performing Rights Royalties

Ivory Ban – Latest Update

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

The Competition & Markets Authority Wants to Hear From You to Help Fix Streaming

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

MU Reacts to NFT Platform HitPiece

Sign the Petition to Stop the Busking Ban in Birmingham

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

Looking Back, Moving Forward: MU Member Diljeet Bhachu’s Opening Speech to the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

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

MU Deputy General Secretary Attends Meeting with Scotland’s First Minister on Measures Against Covid-19

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

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

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

Did You See the News? MPs Join the Fix Streaming Call

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

Government Response to Consultation on Sexual Harassment Welcomed

MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights