News & Stories for Musicians

Brightly coloured purple and yellow megaphone facing outwards against a bright pink background.

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

The MU’s new Climate Emergency Action Group have now met twice, and are looking inwardly and outwardly at ways the Union, the wider music industry and the Government can address the climate emergency.

Published: 16 November 2023

A crowd march with union banners, including placards that read

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Add your voice to the call, by writing to English National Opera’s management urging them to reconsider proposals to axe 19 jobs and go part-time.

Published: 16 November 2023

A map of East London with Haggerston marked out in bright yellow

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

The MU are excited to welcome Signature Brew Haggerston to our Fair Play Venue scheme, which invites independent music venues to declare their support for the fair treatment of musicians and their opposition to pay-to-play and unfair ticketing deals.

Published: 15 November 2023

A person in a bright yellow t-shirt reading

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra

Musicians in the Royal Opera House orchestra campaigning for their pandemic pay cut to be restored are considering a new pay offer from management.

Published: 15 November 2023

Abstract picture of differently coloured building blocks

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

The MU’s Executive Committee have agreed today on a donation to the Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in Israel and Palestine, as well as releasing the following statement.

Published: 09 November 2023

Woman’s fist against a bright yellow background. Women's equality and rights concept.

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

The Worker Protection Bill has passed its final stage in the House of Commons which means it will become law before the end of the year.

Published: 08 November 2023

A quartet plays in an entrance foyer, displaying

Email Your MP to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Northern Ballet Sinfonia musicians are campaigning to protect their jobs and keep Northern Ballet Live. Email your MP for support.

Published: 31 October 2023

Naomi Pohl talks animatedly to two visitors to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has written to the Chancellor and Culture Secretary calling for support for Northern Ballet, English National Opera, Royal Opera House and the wider sector.

Published: 30 October 2023

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

Photo of the centre of Aberdeen, the City where this years 2023 SNP conference was held

Scottish First Minister Commits to Doubling Funding For Arts and Culture Over Next Five Years

The MU welcomes the news, which offers hope of a more secure future at a time when UK cultural institutions are struggling with rising costs and jobs. We look forward to further details on the proposals.

Published: 18 October 2023

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

We have recently reported on how Northern Ballet are being forced to consider using recorded music instead of live orchestra. Our Recording and Broadcasting department are keen to hear from any musicians approached for recording backing tracks.

Published: 17 October 2023

Outside of The London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

Martyn Brabbins has resigned in protest at English National Opera’s plans to axe 19 posts in the orchestra and go part time.

Published: 17 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Thangam Debbonaire MP at the Labour Party Conference 2023

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Shadow Secretary of State Thangam Debbonaire announces first ever first national cultural infrastructure plan for a future Labour government.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi appears on the large screen at the Labour Party conference, and stands in front of a panel

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl raised Northern Ballet Sinfonia’s campaign to protect their touring work on the main Labour Party Conference stage, at fringe events and MP meetings.

Published: 10 October 2023

Suella Braverman speaking in the Houses of Parliament

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

We are writing a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman demanding that she reconsiders her intention to no longer recognise LGBT discrimination as qualification for asylum, despite around 70 countries continuing to criminalise LGBT+ people.

Published: 05 October 2023

Members of the MU pose joyfully at the 2023 parade in London, with a sign reading Musicians' Union

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further

Following the release of hate crime statistics which show how England and Wales are continuing to become less safe for LGBTQ+ people, the MU points out how dangerous the anti trans narratives being peddled by the UK Government continue to be.

Published: 05 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, and MU Head of International Dave Webster hold up a sign outside the Royal Opera House reading

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Over 2000 people have backed the Royal Opera House orchestra’s campaign after a second day of action short of strike.

Published: 05 October 2023

Timpani player sits at a drum, hands visible only

Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Musicians in Northern Ballet Sinfonia are campaigning to protect their touring work and keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 04 October 2023

Gold ballet shoes in half shadow on a wooden floor

Musicians’ Union Extremely Concerned as Funding Crisis Deepens at Northern Ballet

The MU has today expressed its concern at the situation that has arisen for their members in the Northern Ballet Sinfonia and for the Company of Northern Ballet (NB).

Published: 29 September 2023

A view of Edinburgh Old Town on a bright blue day

MU Concerned by Cuts to Creative Scotland Budget

The MU is concerned to learn that the Scottish Government has reinstated a £6.6m cut to the budget of Creative Scotland.

Published: 28 September 2023

School orchestra, with most instruments blurred in the background and a xylophone in focus in the foreground

Ofsted Music Subject Report: MU Response

Ofsted has published a new report into music education in schools in England, revealing serious inequalities in terms of access to instrumental tuition among other findings.

Published: 26 September 2023

The Royal Opera House orchestra wearing yellow FairPay t-shirts outside of the entrance to the building.

Support Royal Opera House Musicians' Campaign for Fair Pay

Musicians are campaigning to have their pay restored to pre-pandemic levels at the Royal Opera House.

Published: 21 September 2023

Drum kit and piano in a music classroom.

MU and ISBA Launch New Consultancy Agreement for Visiting Music Teachers

Designed for self-employed MU members teaching in independent schools, the new contract template helps preserve genuine self-employment, protecting teachers’ freedom to set rates, use deputies and other rights.

Published: 21 September 2023

Young woman sat on the floor playing acoustic guitar next to her baby.

Update for Self-Employed Women Musicians Regarding Maternity Allowance

The issue of Keeping in Touch (KIT) days for musicians receiving Maternity Allowance is something the MU has previously lobbied on via motions to TUC Womens Conference. Read more about a recent DWP tribunal decision regarding this below.

Published: 20 September 2023

Naomi Pohl and the UK Music Delegation outside 10 Downing Street this week to discuss the impact of AI on the music industry.

MU General Secretary Summer Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at your rights and AI, developments in the Fix Streaming campaign, and how we’re negotiating the best rates for members.

Published: 07 September 2023

Busy school corridor with motion blurred students and staff.

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

More than 100 schools – a number that could increase – have been instructed to shut buildings made with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Contingency planning could affect MU members who teach.

Published: 07 September 2023

Busker sat on a small camping stall in London next to a red phone box, playing acoustic guitar on his knee with a guitar case open for passers-by.

MU Reaffirms Support for Buskers

Further to discussions on Good Morning Britain last week, which considered whether busking should be banned, the MU confirms that it stands firmly against the notion of licensing buskers, and that they deserve respect and recognition for their work.

Published: 04 August 2023

A train stands blurred in a train station with bright light and no visible passengers on the platform

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

With Transport Focus’ public consultation on ticket office closures currently ongoing, the MU have passed an emergency motion at the 2023 Delegate Conference to save UK rail ticket offices, showing support and solidarity with the RMT.

Published: 26 July 2023

Across a long room full of delegates sat at tables, we see Naomi presenting to the group, speaking into a microphone

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

In her opening speech at this year’s MU Delegate Conference, General Secretary Naomi Pohl describes how the Union is making progress in negotiations, campaigning and lobbying – and how we are improving what we do for members all the time. Read her full speech below.

Published: 25 July 2023

A fund the arts sign from the Musicians' Union is held aloft in a crowd

MU Commends Trade Union Solidarity Rallies Held in Support of SAG AFTRA Strikes

Equity are organising a rally on Friday 21 July in solidarity with strikes being held by their United States sister union SAG-AFTRA. The MU welcomes this trade union show of solidarity with a round-up of social media action.

Published: 19 July 2023

Colourful map of Lambeth showing Archbishop's park and the surrounding areas

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

The MU has written to the Mayor of London, calling on him to refuse the planning application for the development of office buildings in Lambeth that would see the recording and rehearsal spaces in community art venue Iklectik, destroyed.

Published: 19 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

The cultural institution Brixton Hill Studios has confirmed that they have been granted a lease renewal, following campaigning efforts and support from organisations across the industry including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 17 July 2023

Nigel Braithwaite on stage, behind a podium, making his speech to conference holding a walking aid. Behind him is the TUC blue presentation screen with a text display of his speech.

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Our Delegates Nigel Braithwaite and Fiona Branson spoke on the importance of protecting accessible ticket offices at UK railway stations, as well as defending the rights of disabled freelance musicians.

Published: 12 July 2023

MU Fights for English National Opera's Future

We are continuing to make the case for the English National Opera (ENO), writing to key stakeholders and emphasising the impact that hastily made plans and underfunding will have on the wider classical music industry.

Published: 10 July 2023

Large cup of coffee on a table in a brightly lit coffee shop

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

We’ll be running free 30-minute advice sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries, Glasgow and Galashiels over the summer, with more dates to be announced for Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen in the Autumn.

Published: 04 July 2023

Utako Toyama smiling in front of a blue presentation screen saying TUC LGBT+ Conference 2023.

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

MU Delegate Utako Toyama spoke about the importance of mental health in relation to trans and non-binary inclusion at work - a motion supported by the NUJ and passed unanimously.

Published: 03 July 2023

BBC Portland Place in the day time, with some people walking in and out of the building

BBC Write to MU General Secretary Confirming Progress on Performing Group Sustainable Future

The BBC have written to the MU with updates on how they plan to provide a sustainable future for their performing groups, and we remain in meaningful discussion with them following months of uncertainty for our members.

Published: 27 June 2023

A skyline view of Nottingham brick buildings in Nottingham's city centre

BBC Concert Orchestra Partners with Universities of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent

New partnership highlights the creative community input that orchestras can have across regions, improving the life and wellbeing of people in the city and supporting the local music education sector.

Published: 27 June 2023

New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician

From copyright and contracts to royalties and rights, a new MU event tells you all you need to know about maximising your income as a recording musician.

Published: 26 June 2023

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

Email Your MP to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Scottish First Minister Commits to Doubling Funding For Arts and Culture Over Next Five Years

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Musicians’ Union Extremely Concerned as Funding Crisis Deepens at Northern Ballet

MU Concerned by Cuts to Creative Scotland Budget

Ofsted Music Subject Report: MU Response

Support Royal Opera House Musicians' Campaign for Fair Pay

MU and ISBA Launch New Consultancy Agreement for Visiting Music Teachers

Update for Self-Employed Women Musicians Regarding Maternity Allowance

MU General Secretary Summer Update

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

MU Reaffirms Support for Buskers

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

MU Commends Trade Union Solidarity Rallies Held in Support of SAG AFTRA Strikes

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

MU Fights for English National Opera's Future

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

BBC Write to MU General Secretary Confirming Progress on Performing Group Sustainable Future

BBC Concert Orchestra Partners with Universities of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent

New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician