News & Stories for Musicians

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

Pastel red sunrise over the Humber Bridge in Hull

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

The Finale of Love Music Hate Racism’s Crisis Music Tour will be taking place at the Adelphi Club in Hull on Sunday 2 July with a free all-dayer. The MU will be present and are sponsoring the event.

Published: 20 June 2023

A small church on a sunny day in Tolpuddle, Dorset

MU Returns to Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival

The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival will run 14-16 July in Dorset, seeing thousands of trade unionists gather from around the UK to commemorate the bravery of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock will be in attendance for the weekend.

Published: 20 June 2023

Microphone against a dark background with rainbow light

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

As part of Pride month we’d like to highlight resources for the LGBT+ community and allies in the music industry, including the second season of Come Play With Me’s podcast which focuses on queer conversations in music.

Published: 19 June 2023

Welly boots covered in mud lie in the sunshine on very fresh green grass

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Scottish musician, activist and MU Member Iona Fyfe advises performers to speak to the MU before engaging with the festival.

Published: 08 June 2023

William Shakespeare statue in Leicester Square, London.

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

The MU will join other members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions to show solidarity in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 14 June.

Published: 07 June 2023

Two musicians on a stage lit with purple lighting, one on a microphone and phone in the background on a deck.

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

The new membership for musicians escaping famine, conflict and persecution means that refugees can now join the MU for one year for free, and access all the union’s advice and services to help build their lives in the UK.

Published: 01 June 2023

A view panning over rooftops indicating dense housing in an area of Lewisham.

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

A classical musician who had to move out of her London flat following noise complaints has started a petition calling for clarification around music practice in relation to statutory nuisance laws, which the MU has followed up with a letter to Lewisham Council.

Published: 23 May 2023

A keyboard is propped up at a diagonal angle with rainbow lights highlighting the different keys, the background is dark.

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

Pink glittering sequins sewn onto fabric

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

In an article by NationalWorld revealing that the UK’s contestants have included no Black or Asian artists for the past 12 years, the MU has commented on how important it is that the media reflects our “ever-diversifying society.”

Published: 12 May 2023

An audience raises their arms in silhouette at a live gig with purple and pink lighting

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Following a bumper year for fee recovery in 2022, MU Midlands Regional Officer Ben Benson talks us through some of the Midlands biggest wins for members, and his top tips for fee recovery in 2023.

Published: 17 April 2023

Out of focus back of seated audience members head, watching a play on stage.

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

The Anything Doesn’t Go campaign aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in UK theatres, calling on venue management to take a more proactive approach via the new Charter.

Published: 11 April 2023

Naomi Pohl and Jack Apperley holding the Singers petition outside of the BBC offices.

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and conductor Jack Apperley have delivered a copy of the Save the BBC Singers petition to BBC Director General Tim Davie.

Published: 28 March 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

Tall green glass building with the letters BBC spelt out on the front, Portland Place in London

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Following intense discussions with the MU, a petition reaching over 120,000 signatures, and musicians and supporters rallying against the proposed job cuts, the announcement comes as very welcome news.

Published: 24 March 2023

The Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, standing out in the sunshine

Scotland Lobbying Update: The Need for Ongoing and Sustainable Investment

A brief update on recent lobbying activity in Scotland from MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell, who has been discussing arts funding, instrumental music provision and the wellbeing economy amongst other issues.

Published: 16 March 2023

Theatre sign written in stained glass on a theatre front in the West End

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

Now that the percentage of female players in the West End has reached a record high of 27%, we’re reflecting on how vital it is that every union member working in the West End feels represented on the Committee.

Published: 14 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers performing in a concert

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

Musicians and supporters are rallying behind BBC Singers and Orchestras affected by proposed job cuts – taking action, sharing on social media, and keeping the issue in the press.

Published: 10 March 2023

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features

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

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

MU Returns to Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Scotland Lobbying Update: The Need for Ongoing and Sustainable Investment

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts