News & Stories for Musicians

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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

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

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First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Today saw the first day of the MU Delegate Conference 2021, which for the first time ever is being held largely online due to the pandemic.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

We fully support We Shall Not Be Removed’s seven inclusive principles, and Art Council England’s statement on inclusive recovery – and wish to state our continued commitment to supporting members and lobbying the Government for better support and clearer guidance.

Published: 20 July 2021

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MU Signs TUC’s Letter of Solidarity With The Professional Footballers' Association

Along with dozens of others we have written to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in solidarity with the England team, read the full content of the TUC’s letter.

Published: 19 July 2021

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MU Continues to Support Members Injured on The Road Despite Government Changes

The Government is restricting access to justice with small claims changes – but we will continue to protect you.

Published: 07 July 2021

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All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

We’ve now released a recording of the webinars and Q&A session we put on, explaining the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Freelance Pay Increases Achieved by the MU Orchestras Department

The MU Orchestras Department are pleased to report having gained considerable ground on a number of historic “parity claims” since the outbreak of the pandemic, with a number of freelance payments increases ranging between 2% and 30%.

Published: 02 July 2021

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Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

In this Brexit update we discuss Lord Frost’s first appearance at the DCMS Select Committee, and our plans for moving forward.

Published: 30 June 2021

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Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The deadline for the questionnaires has now been extended to midnight on 1 August 2021, with results contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Review Of Jazz In England.

Published: 29 June 2021

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Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

An update on the MU’s lobbying activities following last week’s announcement of the Government’s delay to the Covid-19 roadmap in England.

Published: 24 June 2021

Positive News on US Visas

The visa system brought in by Donald Trump have been rolled back due to pressure from Tamizdat and support from arts organisations across the world, including the MU.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Open Invite to Young Trade Union Members in Scotland to Attend Online STUC Youth Conference

The STUC will be hosting a one-day virtual STUC Youth Conference on Saturday 26 June from 10:00 am - 4:05 pm over zoom, which will be open to all Young Trade Union Members across Scotland as guest participants.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

New guidance written by MU member and composer Ben Lunn with the team at sound contains information on the day-to-day challenges facing neurodivergent composers.

Published: 24 June 2021

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The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released ground-breaking research into the impact of long covid on workers.

Published: 24 June 2021

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New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

A new campaign launched by #LetTheMusicMove brought widespread social media action from artists, music professionals and fans across the UK on Wednesday 23 June.

Published: 24 June 2021

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New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

MU member Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members Bill, calling for a better deal for musicians and songwriters, is backed by eleven cross party MPs including Damian Green and Esther McVey.

Published: 22 June 2021

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Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Dave Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, discusses the state of the industry in this blog – from the delay in restrictions lifting, through to Brexit, and the audiences desperate to get back to live listening.

Published: 17 June 2021

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New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

Together with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) – the UK artist trade body – we are delighted to share a new piece of joint guidance for session musicians and featured artists.

Published: 16 June 2021

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Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Minister Caroline Dinenage MP has responded to parliamentary questions on Fix Streaming, saying the Government “recognises that it is important that artists are fairly remunerated for their work.”

Published: 16 June 2021

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Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

The MU is urging the Government to review some of its restrictions following today’s announcement of a four-week delay to the lifting of lockdown restrictions in England.

Published: 14 June 2021

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Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

Amateur choirs may be able to rehearse, perform and record under specific circumstances - as we continue to campaign to overturn the Government’s decision on continuing to limit their activities.

Published: 10 June 2021

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MU and ISM Bitterly Disappointed That Lord Frost has 'Dodged' Select Committee Scrutiny

Together with the ISM, we have expressed extreme disappointment that the Brexit Secretary Lord Frost has, at the eleventh hour, cancelled his appearance before the Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee on 10 June.

Published: 10 June 2021

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EasyJet Cabin Policy Changes in Favour of Musicians

EasyJet are now allowing musical instruments of up to 30 x 117 x 38 cm, including cases, into the cabin and overhead lockers – appearing to listen to the concerns of musicians.

Published: 07 June 2021

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Over 75 Artists Including The Rolling Stones Join The Call to Fix Streaming

The Rolling Stones, Pet Shop Boys, Emeli Sandé, Barry Gibb, Van Morrison, Sir Tom Jones and the Estates of John Lennon and Joe Strummer have written to the Prime Minister “on behalf of today’s generation of artists, musicians and songwriters here in the UK”.

Published: 07 June 2021

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No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

There has been no movement from the Government on their restrictions for amateur choirs in England, despite growing pressure from the MU and others. We’re calling on members to sign the petition to have the matter debated in parliament.

Published: 02 June 2021

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We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Together with the Royal College of Organists (RCO), we’ve announced a new partnership to deliver services and support for organists and choral directors.

Published: 02 June 2021

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Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

A report from the 2021 FIM Congress from MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl, discussing issues from the climate crisis to diversity and inclusion in orchestras.

Published: 28 May 2021

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Next Kill The Bill Day of Action to Take Place on 29 May

A series of organised protests will be taking place across the UK, calling for the Government to reconsider their Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, increasing discrimination and undermining democracy.

Published: 26 May 2021

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Mixed Picture for England Under Step 3 – MU Pressures Government Over Choirs

The MU is putting pressure on the Government over some of its restrictions in England.

Published: 19 May 2021

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Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Join us in marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) by promoting the TUC’s guidance and documents on being LGBT+ allies with your networks.

Published: 17 May 2021

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Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

A summary of changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence following their consultation with PRS members and the wider industry.

Published: 07 May 2021

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MU Responds to Consultation on the Ivory Ban Implementation

The MU alongside other music industry bodies have responded to the consultation on the implementation of the UK Ivory Ban.

Published: 06 May 2021

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Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

In this lobbying update, MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how we will be using the results from our Brexit survey when it closes next week, and other actions in Parliament.

Published: 29 April 2021

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Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

The MU will be standing in solidarity with this weekend’s social media boycott, to highlight social media company inaction on eradicating online hate and racism.

Published: 29 April 2021

A musician sits at a mixing desk, with different pieces of equipment, including multiple speakers and monitors facing them.

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Over 5,000 musicians, songwriters and fans have signed the Fix Streaming petition, after 150 artists including Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney and Kate Bush made headlines calling on the Government to act.

Published: 27 April 2021

Photograph of Genia, featured in this article. She is wearing her long hair loose, and a red dress with a silver necklace. She is looking forward seriously into the camera.

Concert Pianist Génia: “These days, I take full advantage of what the MU has to offer”

Russian-born concert pianist Génia describes why being a member of the MU has benefitted her, from legal and career advice through to insurance and training.

Published: 22 April 2021

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UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

UK Music is calling on music industry leaders to ensure disabled people and people with long term health conditions can realise their dreams by removing potential barriers to job opportunities.

Published: 22 April 2021

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a newly launched initiative which the MU has partnered with – on a mission to combat racism, uniting organisations and musicians to create a truly inclusive and diverse music industry.

Published: 20 April 2021

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

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

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

MU Signs TUC’s Letter of Solidarity With The Professional Footballers' Association

MU Continues to Support Members Injured on The Road Despite Government Changes

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

Freelance Pay Increases Achieved by the MU Orchestras Department

Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

Positive News on US Visas

Open Invite to Young Trade Union Members in Scotland to Attend Online STUC Youth Conference

Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

MU and ISM Bitterly Disappointed That Lord Frost has 'Dodged' Select Committee Scrutiny

EasyJet Cabin Policy Changes in Favour of Musicians

Over 75 Artists Including The Rolling Stones Join The Call to Fix Streaming

No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

Next Kill The Bill Day of Action to Take Place on 29 May

Mixed Picture for England Under Step 3 – MU Pressures Government Over Choirs

Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

MU Responds to Consultation on the Ivory Ban Implementation

Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Concert Pianist Génia: “These days, I take full advantage of what the MU has to offer”

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey