News & Stories for Musicians

Members of the BBC Singers gather at Madia Vale

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – here's what the union is doing and how you can show your support.

Published: 10 March 2023

Multiple instruments including a microphone, an acoustic guitar and a drum, laid out on a grey surface.

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts.

Published: 23 February 2023

A crowd of people making up the Workers Group who attended the meeting, with Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster center.

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting.

Published: 20 February 2023

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster stand together in front of row of flags of member states attending the ILO.

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

The ILO (International Labour Organisation) brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set Labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all.

Published: 15 February 2023

An orchestra podium against a background of pink and purple light

National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report

The report describes and evaluates the work of the world’s first disabled-led youth orchestra – essential reading for music educators looking to develop their understanding of inclusive music-making.

Published: 08 February 2023

Red plastic chairs in a circle on a white and grey background

Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications

The development programme aims to give the confidence and key skills needed to influence union structures, and has just opened to applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic workers in Wales.

Published: 08 February 2023

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

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

The new partnership will see a new series of LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops and the two organisations working together to create more resources for LGBTQ+ musicians and artists.

Published: 31 January 2023

Picture of a wooden recorder against a bright pink background.

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

A demo will be taking place on Tuesday 31 January against planned cuts that will see pupils in Primary 6 and 7, and in S1-S3 no longer having access to music lessons.

Published: 27 January 2023

MU flags visible as part of a larger trade union march moving through a busy street in London.

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Take part in marches and events on 1 February to protest against the Government’s anti-strike laws.

Published: 27 January 2023

Person walking through a bright and busy airport wheeling a suitcase.

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers

21 Trade Unions including the MU, UNISON, the RMT and the PCS union have condemned the Government’s attempts to ‘pit’ workers against each other, and are calling for urgent action to end the exploitation of migrant workers, including undocumented people.

Published: 25 January 2023

A flute left lying flat across a piece of blurred out sheet music.

Nevis Ensemble Cease Trading Due to Severe Funding Challenges

Members engaged with the Nevis Ensemble either as freelancers or ‘Fellows’ are encouraged to contact the MU’s Orchestras Department for advice and support.

Published: 24 January 2023

Abstract close up of a cello bridge, throwing an interesting shaped shadow on a sunny lit floor.

Midlothian Council Propose Drastic Cuts to Instrumental Music Service

The MU are urging members affected to contact their regional office, following the hugely concerning news that Midlothian Council plans to reduce their instrumental music service by 60%.

Published: 24 January 2023

What the NEU and EIS Strikes Mean for MU Members

Following ballots, two of the MU’s sister unions have announced strike action. The MU stands in solidarity with both unions’ members.

Published: 19 January 2023

Phil Kear speaking at the MU Orchestra Conference

MU Assistant General Secretary Discusses Concerns About AI and Songwriting on BBC Newsnight

What could AI mean for your rights as a musician, and what could it mean for audiences? MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear appeared on BBC Newsnight to discuss the topic.

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 Secures New Agreement With The Bridge Theatre

The MU have secured a new agreement with the Bridge Theatre, and are happy to welcome another new opportunity for members under an MU-negotiated agreement.

Published: 17 January 2023

New TUC General Secretary Launches Campaign to Protect the Right to Strike

The Trades Union Congress will fight new anti-strike legislation every step of the way supported by member unions including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 13 January 2023

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against

A Bill coming back to Parliament next week puts legislation on workers’ rights and copyright at risk.

Published: 13 January 2023

In black and white we see a persons legs, holding a guitar and standing in front of a large amplifier.

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming

The new report by the Department for Culture, Digital, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee is recommending more of a focus on fair remuneration in the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) process examining music streaming.

Published: 13 January 2023

Highlights From Mayor Tracy Brabin Keynote Speech at MU Members’ Conference

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin spoke about her priorities for the region in her keynote speech at the second ever Musicians’ Union Members’ Conference.

Published: 05 January 2023

Red vintage guitar against a red background.

Remembering Joe Strummer

Professor Gregor Gall remembers British singer, musician and songwriter Joe Strummer on the twentieth anniversary of his death.

Published: 22 December 2022

Bright orange and white traffic cones stand in a line on a concrete road

Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival Liquidation Developments Spark Concern

The MU have been made aware of a large number of artists and suppliers who have still not been paid, and encourage affected members to get in contact with the MU’s Glasgow office.

Published: 20 December 2022

Red post box stands in front of a brick wall in the bright sunshine.

Solidarity and the Cost of Living Crisis

The MU would like to express solidarity with other union workers who are on strike this week, including nurses, postal workers and railway staff.

Published: 16 December 2022

The London Coliseum in Covent garden, statue details on the tower lit up by the sun under a bright blue sky.

MU Demands Clarity from ENO Chief Executive Regarding Future Location

ENO’s chief executive suddenly seems to have accepted that the company will be based outside London. The MU disagrees and is seeking urgent clarification.

Published: 16 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

MU officers and organisers hold up MU flags at a busy UCU rally.

MU Supports UCU at Strike Rally

MU officials joined the UCU rally on Wednesday 30 November to show our solidarity and support.

Published: 09 December 2022

Zoom into spotlights over a theatre stage, not turned on.

Subsidised Rates Increase for MU/UK Theatre

New Subsidised rates have now been agreed for members for the MU/UK theatre agreement, and will be backdated to May 2022.

Published: 02 December 2022

A guitar case lies in the street with a pool of coins on it, in the background is a mic stand, a guitar and an amp.

Busking and Street Entertainment Policy Review Survey

Members who are currently licensed under, or have been licensed under Westminster City Council’s busking and street entertainment policy are encouraged to take their survey, to help the council understand its key themes and issues.

Published: 01 December 2022

A person is pressing their hands against a radiator with an open window beside them

STUC Scotland to Hold Demo Outside of Scottish Parliament

The STUC are inviting trade union members from across Scotland to join them on Thursday 8 December for a pre-budget demonstration outside Scottish parliament in support of the People’s Plan for Action.

Published: 01 December 2022

Musician protesters with Fix Streaming plackards

Competition and Markets Authority Says Low Pay From Music Streaming Not a Competition Issue

The Competition and Markets Authority has published its final report after campaigning by the Musicians’ Union, the Ivors Academy and Broken Record.

Published: 30 November 2022

A music teacher holds up a tambourine, we can see the blurred figures of a class in the background.

Future of Music Education Hubs Clarified by Arts Council England

Long awaited details have been provided of the timeline for a bidding process for new hubs, with funding for the current hubs now safe until August 2024.

Published: 24 November 2022

A small child is signing in BSL, with just their hands and arms in the focus of the camera.

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

UK Music has launched its Diversity Report 2022, including the findings of its Workforce Diversity Survey 2022 and an action plan for long-term change.

Published: 24 November 2022

Laughing crowd at a fix streaming rally, violinist and camera person in view, everyone holding signs reading

Fix Streaming: MU General Secretary at DCMS Select Committee

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl appeared at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee on Tuesday to answer questions on music streaming and fair remuneration for musicians.

Published: 18 November 2022

Celebration blur of different colours and gold.

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

The MU is proud to be an official partner organisation of Black Lives in Music, who are celebrating two incredible years of advocating for Black representation in the music industry.

Published: 18 November 2022

MU Meets with Arts Council England Following Arts Funding Cuts

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has met with Arts Council England (ACE) as the union campaigns to reverse damaging funding cuts to English National Opera and others.

Published: 11 November 2022

Quiet figure sits at the end of a dock, watching a sun rise over a body of water.

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 November 2022

Musician playing a flute in an orchestral section, only the hands of the musician are visible.

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

The Musicians’ Union joins politicians, academics and civil society organisations calling on the Prime Minister to introduce a universal basic income.

Published: 09 November 2022

Two people are talking using sign language sat on a sofa.

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

The TUC is launching brand new leadership schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers.

Published: 03 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holds a red sign reading

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

Musicians’ Union member Robert Scott moved a motion on touring in the EU at the TUC’s annual Congress.

Published: 31 October 2022

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MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report

Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers

Nevis Ensemble Cease Trading Due to Severe Funding Challenges

Midlothian Council Propose Drastic Cuts to Instrumental Music Service

What the NEU and EIS Strikes Mean for MU Members

MU Assistant General Secretary Discusses Concerns About AI and Songwriting on BBC Newsnight

ENO Receives National Lottery Funding for the Next Year

MU Secures New Agreement With The Bridge Theatre

New TUC General Secretary Launches Campaign to Protect the Right to Strike

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming

Highlights From Mayor Tracy Brabin Keynote Speech at MU Members’ Conference

Remembering Joe Strummer

Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival Liquidation Developments Spark Concern

Solidarity and the Cost of Living Crisis

MU Demands Clarity from ENO Chief Executive Regarding Future Location

MU Supports Latest ENO Statement on Funding Cuts

MU Supports UCU at Strike Rally

Subsidised Rates Increase for MU/UK Theatre

Busking and Street Entertainment Policy Review Survey

STUC Scotland to Hold Demo Outside of Scottish Parliament

Competition and Markets Authority Says Low Pay From Music Streaming Not a Competition Issue

Future of Music Education Hubs Clarified by Arts Council England

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

Fix Streaming: MU General Secretary at DCMS Select Committee

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

MU Meets with Arts Council England Following Arts Funding Cuts

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC