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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

Audience hands in the air in front of a stage, representing community and positive wellbeing.

Why Arts Funding is Essential

From boosting the economy to enriching the lives of marginalised communities across the UK, we explore how the arts lie at the very heart of our physical, social and cultural wellbeing.

Published: 19 March 2024

A group of adults with drum sticks and drum kits having a drum lesson.

Members’ Voice: My Journey as a Blind Drummer, Sound Engineer and Educator

MU member Steve Burge reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his career in the music industry, and his hopes for more inclusive music teaching and playing.

Published: 14 March 2024

People sitting at a conference with their hands raised to vote.

MU Members Move Motions for Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

MU members Hailey Willington and Sarah Williams represented the MU at the TUC Women’s Conference from 6-8 March, moving motions tackling unpaid caring work, the gender pay gap, and the gender pension gap.

Published: 14 March 2024

An almost silhouette of a women from behind in front of a stage in the spotlight.

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Man standing in front of whiteboard and next to a table in a meeting with employees.

Members' Voice: "I Became Much More Aware of the Full Length and Breadth of What the Union Was Doing"

Folk musician and MU member Martin Jeremiah shares his journey of getting involved with the Union’s political activity over the past 20 years, and recounts his first experiences of joining the Regional Committee (RC).

Published: 13 March 2024

Black and white image of a session musician in the studio, looking at a screen and mixing desk.

MU Responds to BPI’s Latest Offer for Session Musicians

The BPI’s latest offer for session musicians is not worth the paper it’s written on. In this blog, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear explains why and what the union is doing about it.

Published: 12 March 2024

Vulva Voce standing in a dark room holding their instruments.

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

In this blog, all-female genre-defying string quartet Vulva Voce celebrate their recent involvement in a world record for the longest acoustic music live-streamed concert, and share the powerful reminder that music written and performed by women and non-binary people is abundant and limitless.

Published: 06 March 2024

Close up of someone holding a smart phone landscape in their hands, watching a streamed live music video through headphones.

Fix Streaming: Government Announces Equitable Remuneration Working Group Dominated by Labels

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl evaluates why the newly announced equitable remuneration working group is unbalanced, and how this directly impacts music creators and the fix streaming campaign.

Published: 22 February 2024

A hand reading music notation in a braille book filled with sheet music.

Members’ Voice: The Barriers to Music Education for Those With a Visual Impairment

Educator, singer-songwriter and MU member Alison Trelfa reflects on the barriers she has experienced working in music education, and offers her thoughts on how we can start to break them down.

Published: 22 February 2024

Filkin’s Drift and their manager walking along a grassy road carrying backpacks and instruments.

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Last year MU member Chris Roberts (aka Hafren) undertook a 870-mile walking tour across the Welsh coast with his folk duo Filkin’s Drift. Here he shares the honest, humorous and relatable tale of the 50 show journey, and contemplates the benefits of thinking innovatively when booking tours.

Published: 20 February 2024

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Music artists and producers affected by tinnitus share their stories. Learn more about what preventative steps can be taken and how other musicians manage this hearing condition.

Published: 20 February 2024

Out of focus back of man standing in front of small meeting talking.

Members’ Voice: “You Can Help Shape the Profession of Music For Years to Come”

Professional musician and educator David Miller sits on the Wales and South West England Regional Committee. In this overview of his union activity, he explains what he’s been involved in and why he’s been a member for over 25 years.

Published: 19 February 2024

Out of focus shot of a man teaching a group how to play guitar.

The Damage Caused by a Decade of Arts Funding Cuts

The MU assesses the severe economic, social and cultural damage caused by a decade of Tory arts funding cuts.

Published: 12 February 2024

Volume dial against a glittery green background.

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Professional musicians are four times more likely to incur hearing damage in the workplace and one of the most distressing noise-induced conditions is hyperacusis. Here, two MU members speak of their experiences of coping with this condition.

Published: 12 February 2024

Diverse group of men and woman talking informally in a bright open space.

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

In this blog, musician, arts facilitator and MU member Giles Perring shares his thoughts on why Regional Committees (RC) can help shape the work of the Union, and gives us an insight into a typical Scotland and Northern Ireland meeting.

Published: 09 February 2024

James Taylor: The Hammond Organ Player and Composer Carving a Creative Niche Over a Four Decade Career

From cool 60s film themes and gritty jazz funk grooves to innovative cross-genre collaborations – composer, band leader and revered Hammond organ player James Taylor is a tireless creative spirit.

Published: 05 February 2024

Woman smiling as she joins an online meeting from her tablet.

Members’ Voice: Why I’d Love to See the MU Education Committee Become Even More Diverse

Musician, activist, educator and MU Member Yvonne Wyroslawska writes about her experience as Vice Chair of the MU’s Education Section Committee, and why it’s important that our committees are representative of our members.

Published: 31 January 2024

Close up of the track listing of SGT. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles on a gold LP.

Industry Insights: How to Sequence a Music Album

Deciding which tracks should go where in the running order of an album can be pivotal. Two artists and one producer tell what works for them.

Published: 26 January 2024

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

A marching military band on parade in full uniform.

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

The British Armed Forces represent one of the largest employers of UK musicians. Three experienced military band members share their advice on this rewarding but often-overlooked career path.

Published: 08 January 2024

Steve Pearce smiling holding up a red bass guitar.

It’s About Playing For the Song: A Look Into the Career of Session Bassist Steve Pearce

Find out how bassist, studio musician and MU member Steve Pearce balances his love of session recording with gigging, and why he continues to sustain a highly successful career, which already spans four decades.

Published: 05 January 2024

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

For most freelance musicians, negotiating doesn’t come naturally. But with gig fees, contracts and more to consider, knowing how to do so is crucial to your success within the music industry.

Published: 22 December 2023

Aerial view of a diverse crowd of people against a white background, connected by lines, representing connection and networking concepts.

You Don’t Need to Navigate Your Career Alone: A Report on the Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM

MU Regional Officer Ruth Ballantyne reflects on the first ever Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM, looking back at the highlights, exploring both regional and national success, and how we can implement member feedback and ideas moving into 2024.

Published: 13 December 2023

Fair Play on Tour 2023: Celebrating a Decade of the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

Natalie Witts-Kilshaw, MU Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official, reflects on this year’s series of live themed events, which collectively marked a decade of the Fair Play Venue scheme. Find out what our members and fellow musicians were discussing on each leg of the tour.

Published: 13 December 2023

A group of diverse people of differing ages surrounding a piano singing while two play. Representing community music groups.

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Elizabeth J. Birch shares how the community music space saw her potential, and how she integrates inclusivity into her work.

Published: 24 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Close up of curled music sheet with notes.

How to Conjure an Estimate: Jill Streater on the Who, What and Why of Being a Music Copyist

In this blog, MU Music Writers' Section Committee member Jill Streater demystifies the world of the Music Copyist and explains exactly how she breaks down estimates for her work.

Published: 20 November 2023

Close up of two pairs of hands, sat opposite each other, holding cups of coffee on table.

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

MU member Heather Simmons is a Methodist Church Musician’s Chaplain, providing support for all musicians, across all faiths or none. Here she shares her knowledge of how musicians in need could get support from a Music Chaplain.

Published: 07 November 2023

Black and white silhouette of singer under a spotlight with both arms raised and a microphone in one hand.

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

October is Black History Month and the MU has partnered with Scottish charity Intercultural Youth Scotland to bring you this guest blog from one of its members Ash Harper, which explores the relationship between Black British Music and activism.

Published: 20 October 2023

White hand fan on yellow background, top view, concept of hot flush and the menopause.

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

To mark World Menopause Day on Wednesday 18 October, Angela Gascoine, PA to the MU’s Assistant General Secretaries, shares her blog on the role of Menopause Champions at the Union, as well as a list of resources for other organisations and individuals.

Published: 17 October 2023

Light shines through the glass ceiling dome, with lines that spiral out in a hub like fashion

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Find out more about the history of the MU Education Reps, and the essential part they’ve been playing since the role was created in 2013. In this feature MU Education Section Committee member Maxim Rowlands talks us through the story as it aligns with his own personal journey.

Published: 10 October 2023

The panel left to right Rose Delcour-Min, Alex Niven, DJ Paulette and Paul Smith.

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Panel Highlights From Generator Live Conference 2023

The MU’s panel at this year’s Generator Live Conference discussed the challenges and barriers faced by working class musicians, and explored how we can ensure that those from different socio-economic backgrounds can access a career in the music industry.

Published: 06 October 2023

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All News and Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

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

Why Arts Funding is Essential

Members’ Voice: My Journey as a Blind Drummer, Sound Engineer and Educator

MU Members Move Motions for Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

Members' Voice: "I Became Much More Aware of the Full Length and Breadth of What the Union Was Doing"

MU Responds to BPI’s Latest Offer for Session Musicians

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

Fix Streaming: Government Announces Equitable Remuneration Working Group Dominated by Labels

Members’ Voice: The Barriers to Music Education for Those With a Visual Impairment

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Members’ Voice: “You Can Help Shape the Profession of Music For Years to Come”

The Damage Caused by a Decade of Arts Funding Cuts

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

James Taylor: The Hammond Organ Player and Composer Carving a Creative Niche Over a Four Decade Career

Members’ Voice: Why I’d Love to See the MU Education Committee Become Even More Diverse

Industry Insights: How to Sequence a Music Album

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

It’s About Playing For the Song: A Look Into the Career of Session Bassist Steve Pearce

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

You Don’t Need to Navigate Your Career Alone: A Report on the Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM

Fair Play on Tour 2023: Celebrating a Decade of the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

How to Conjure an Estimate: Jill Streater on the Who, What and Why of Being a Music Copyist

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Panel Highlights From Generator Live Conference 2023