News & Stories for Musicians

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

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

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

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

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

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

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

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

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

Samantha Lubin: Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Highlights From the MU at Tolpuddle Festival 2024

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

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

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

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”