News & Stories for Musicians

Ankna singing into a microphone on stage.

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

In our fourth and final blog for Women's History Month 2025, vocalist Ankna Arockiam explores the challenges women in the music industry face, her work around higher education and activism, and how joining the MU opens up opportunities for a more inclusive industry.

Published: 26 March 2025

Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience of Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.

Published: 25 March 2025

Professional singer Sarah Mellor sitting at a piano holding a vocal microphone.

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

In our third blog for Women's History Month 2025, professional singer and MU member Sarah Mellor explores the values needed to build and sustain a truly accessible, inclusive music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

In our second blog for Women’s History Month 2025, Violinist and MU member Katrina Lee explores her journey as musician in relation to activism and social change, and discusses how her new album celebrates female composers and the violin in its virtuosity as a solo instrument.

Published: 12 March 2025

Kathryn, smiling stood holding the award.

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Kathryn Sturman, reflects on how her confidence has grown from supporting others.

Published: 07 March 2025

Folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian standing in front of a tree and wearing bright clothes and jewellery.

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

In our first blog for Women’s History Month 2025, British-Punjabi folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian shares her recent work to challenge traditional ideas about women’s roles in society, the importance of representation, and educating young people about careers in the music industry.

Published: 06 March 2025

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

In a special blog to mark World Hearing Day 2025, audiologist Matthew Allsop shares practical tips on how musicians can protect their ears, as well as the latest updates in hearing protection technology.

Published: 03 March 2025

Close up of hand turning the volume button on an amp.

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Read MU member and bass player Gary Toogood’s experience of using the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, and the difference between off the shelf ear plugs and custom ear protection.

Published: 27 February 2025

Rapper Nate Ethan wearing a white sweatshirt, blue jeans and a white baseball cap.

Nate Ethan for LGBT+ History Month: "We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone"

Nate Ethan Watson is a trailblazing artist and advocate, recognised by the BBC as the UK’s first transgender rapper. In this guest blog, he shares his experiences navigating the music industry and reflects on how it can be reshaped for the better.

Published: 24 February 2025

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

Utako Toyama singing and playing piano to a crowd, in front of a red curtain and flowers.

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Utako is a multi-award-winning composer and MU member who promotes diversity, equality, and world peace through her music. In this guest blog, she discusses why visibility and allyship is important not just in the music industry, but for society as a whole.

Published: 17 February 2025

Musician Kat Browning holding a clarinet and smiling.

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Katmuss, the resident bass clarinettist for Folk Clarinet Quartet, The Tradinettes, shares their experience of dealing with mental health issues and rediscovering a sense of community through the MU and its LGBT+ network.

Published: 10 February 2025

A musician singing into a microphone on stage.

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

In this blog for LGBT+ History Month, ALIA shares their experience as a queer independent musician and how the MU has supported their journey.

Published: 01 February 2025

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

Award winning musician, composer and MU member, Arowah, shares how starting a meditation practice in Zen Buddhism transformed their music practice, and how self-compassion helps them navigate the challenges of working in the music industry.

Published: 28 January 2025

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

'Self-image in movement' is the theme for January's MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how the simple act of body scanning can help improve your self-image.

Published: 15 January 2025

Close up of a red pin on Bristol and surrounding area on a map.

Support, Engage, Develop: A Review of the 2024 Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM

Ahead of new dates for 2025, MU Regional Officer Ruth Ballantyne looks back at key highlights from last year’s Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM. She reports on successes and areas of focus, as well as what members can expect at the next series of events.

Published: 23 December 2024

Musician Steve Luck in a white t-shirt and black blazer, standing next a graffitied wall on a cobbled road.

Beyond The Music: Essential Skills and Qualities for a Sustainable Music Career

MU Music Writers Committee member and award-winning composer Steve Luck reflects on his journey and shares why adaptability and continuous learning are key to building a long-term music career.

Published: 19 December 2024

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

A man's open hands behind figures of different people to show inclusion and diversity.

Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

In our second member blog for Disability History Month 2024, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neil Patterson reflects on his journey as an MU member and advocate for inclusion in the music industry.

Published: 21 November 2024

Maddie Morris standing wearing a green jumpsuit.

Maddie Morris for Disability History Month: "There Were Lots of Unspoken Rules in the Industry"

In our first member blog for Disability History Month 2024, folk musician Maddie Morris reflects on the barriers facing disabled musicians and how the MU has provided support.

Published: 14 November 2024

An activist holding a Love Music Hate Racism sign as part of a protest in the UK.

This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

Join the Love Music Hate Racism campaign this Black History Month and show your support for the antiracist movement.

Published: 22 October 2024

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

A female at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Sarah Sayeed: "Members' Assembly is a Tangible Platform For Me to Have my Voice Heard"

Musician, composer and songwriter Sarah Sayeed shares her experience of joining the MU and what her role on the Members' Assembly means to her as a British South Asian female artist.

Published: 16 October 2024

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Person holding up heart shaped hands at a live gig.

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

In this guest blog, Councillor Tom Plater discusses local authority arts and cultural funding, and explores how local councils can still prioritise this where budgets are cut. Tom also sits on our Members' Assembly as a representative for Young Workers and is an MU East South East Committee member.

Published: 16 September 2024

Samantha Lubin: Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Samantha Lubin reflects on the pride she feels helping others and making a difference, and how being an MU Education Rep aligns with who she is.

Published: 02 September 2024

Highlights From the MU at Tolpuddle Festival 2024

At this year’s Tolpuddle festival - which celebrates the trade union movement with a joyful range of workshops, performances and more - the MU’s Campaign & Organising Support Official took to the stage for a panel on Creative Arts, as well as joining members in the traditional banner march.

Published: 30 July 2024

The Caring Musician: Amber Leight’s Experience as a Musician and Carer

Amber Leight provides care for over 35 hours a week, and works as a musician and music teacher for 17 hours a week. In this guest-blog, she shares her day-to-day experience and challenges.

Published: 25 July 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

Young Sounds UK: Keeping Music Accessible for Young People from Low-Income Families

Read about how Young Sounds UK are supporting musical talent and addressing the challenges that young musicians face across the country.

Published: 16 July 2024

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

A dimly lit, empty theatre pit in front of a grand old stage.

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

In this member-only feature, panel moderator and MU Live, Theatre & Music Writers Official Nat Witts-Kilshaw, shares highlights from our recent Getting Into Theatre event, which includes resources and invaluable first hand advice from industry professionals.

Published: 11 July 2024

Member only Read more about Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Yellow headphones on yellow background. Listening concept.

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Member Heidi Fardell has been a one-to-one instrumental tutor for over 20 years. Drawing on her own experiences, she shares why music lessons can often invite conversations on health and wellbeing, and how to listen and recognise when students may need signposting to additional support.

Published: 04 July 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

Stacked gold coins and plants on a step, growing with each incline against a sunlight background. Investment and saving money concept.

The Dos and Don’ts of Pensions for Self-Employed Musicians

Over 90% of MU members are self-employed but most will not have any personal pension. Here’s how self-employed musicians can find affordable, flexible and ethical pensions to suit them.

Published: 17 May 2024

The four panelists talking in front of an audience.

Sustainable Touring: MU Sound the Alarm at Liverpool Sound City Forum 2024

The MU hosted a panel on the critical issue of sustainable touring in the music industry at this year’s Liverpool Sound City industry conference.

Published: 14 May 2024

Exterior of Caird Hall in the city centre of Dundee, Scotland.

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

This week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress with MU Delegates Christine Cooper and Ben Lunn, who discussed the importance of music education, community arts in Scotland and establishing a Music Expo Office for the country. All three of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 18 April 2024

Magnifying glass over a light bulb icon on a wooden block, with yellow background.

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

In this special feature, some of the key departments at the Musicians’ Union respond to Labour’s new report on supporting the creative industries, explaining how these plans may affect our members and their careers.

Published: 19 March 2024

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