News & Stories for Musicians

Kelli-Leigh sits on stage at the MU Members' Conference, a blue background behind her. She has one hand raised in the air as she speaks into a microphone.

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

In Kelli-Leigh’s resonant keynote speech at the MU Members’ Conference, she discussed her journey to standing up for what she believes in, and discovering others going through the same.

Published: 17 April 2023

A Feldenkrais demonstration taking place, where the arm of a model skeleton is held up in the same pose as the arm of a demonstrating participant

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

The MU have been running Feldenkrais sessions for members over Zoom for a few years now, and in this article MU Member Michelle Saacks talks about her own Feldenkrais journey – from finding herself in a more functioning body, to the impact it’s had on her teaching.

Published: 14 April 2023

Why I Joined The MU: Holly Carter

Pedal Steel Guitarist Holly Carter discusses the feeling of community she gets from being a member of the Musicians’ Union, the sense of coming together and supporting each other.

Published: 13 April 2023

A photo of Clive Deamer playing on a Gretsch drum kit in front of purple and blue stage lighting.

Instinctive Innovator: A Session Musician’s Career Story

Clive Deamer always knew he was going to be a drummer, and his skills as a spectacular polyrhythmist able to blend traditional skill with contemporary style have seen him work with acts from Radiohead to Tom Jones. This profile explores his story.

Published: 13 April 2023

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Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

The Brodsky Quartet stood on stage in a line, holding their instruments.

Four The Love Of Music: The Brodsky Quartet

Journalist Ariane Todes celebrates the The Brodsky Quartet - beloved of the classical, pop and artistic world alike - which is celebrating its 50th year with a set of brave new projects.

Published: 31 March 2023

Close up of a women's hand playing piano.

Karen Marshall: Women’s History Month, Female Composers and Me

MU member and music educator Karen Marshall tells us about her educational book Her Story which celebrates the piano music of 29 lost, but inspiring female composers.

Published: 29 March 2023

Microphone in radio studio and red 'on air' sign.

How to Get Your Music Played on the Radio

Getting your music played on national radio has never been easy and it’s getting even tougher. Here’s how to improve your chances.

Published: 28 March 2023

Black and white photo of female conductor from behind with hands raised.

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

In this guest blog, Her Ensemble member, orchestral and chamber musician Christine Anderson shares her experiences and thoughts on women and diversity within the classical music industry.

Published: 23 March 2023

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon

One decade on from the launch of Patreon, the MU focuses on how to get the best out of this popular membership subscription platform.

Published: 21 March 2023

Close up of single microphone on stage in front of out of focus crowd.

How to Overcome Performance Anxiety

With over 70% of UK musicians suffering from anxiety in their public-facing work, leading UK performance and speaking coach Jimmy Cannon talks about root causes, quick fixes and long-term solutions to the issue.

Published: 20 March 2023

shadow of a musician on stage with microphones

Depping Out: an Essential Guide for Function Band Musicians

Practical and legal implications to consider when depping out gigs as a function band.

Published: 17 March 2023

Black and white image of Jon Hart on stage from behind facing crowd.

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, award-winning acoustic artist and MU member Jon Hart shares his experiences of breaking through conformity, and explains how although career success may come and go, music as true self-representation is always a constant.

Published: 16 March 2023

Three teenage students at a drum lesson.

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Assessing how peri music teachers are coping with education cuts, the cost of living crisis and the ongoing erosion of music provision in schools.

Published: 13 March 2023

Musician and composer Anna Neale who has long red hair and is wearing a green dress looks into the distance in a grassy field.

I Wouldn’t Be Without It: Anna Neale on ADHD and Autism

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 13-19 March 2023, MU Member Anna Neale discusses her personal experience of the brilliance and burnout of ADHD and Autism.

Published: 13 March 2023

A circle of people seated, two men and two women, the man in the center has a clipboard, representing a discussion or support meeting.

Adam Ficek’s Reflections On The Complexity Of Being a Musician Who Teaches

Last year the MU partnered with Tonic Rider and Help Musicians to provide a Peer Support Group for music teachers. The group was facilitated by musician and psychotherapist Adam Ficek who explains here the benefits of connecting with our peers.

Published: 06 March 2023

Silicone orange ear plugs with string on white background.

Why I used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

MU Education Section Committee member Sam Murray shares how they used their membership to access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection.

Published: 28 February 2023

Shelves stacked with paper achieve files.

“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census

Today’s Musicians’ Census is not the first time the MU has attempted to capture a comprehensive picture of musical life across the UK and here, University Archivist Karl Magee looks back 75 years to the very first.

Published: 28 February 2023

The Importance of Hearing Damage Prevention in Musicians’ Work

Hearing health is probably the most precious tool musicians have, but many of us are taking it for granted.

Published: 18 February 2023

Hands on a clarinet in an informal setting, blurred background

Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists

Following a shift to gender-neutral award categories, replacing separate best male and best female artist awards, the MU responds to this year’s all-male BRITs Best Artist shortlist.

Published: 09 February 2023

What Expenses Can Musicians Claim on Tax?

Keeping a record of what you have spent and what you can claim can be arduous, but it can save you money in the long run.

Published: 31 January 2023

John Shortell speaking at the MU members conference, seen from the perspective of multiple cameras and a sound mixing desk.

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

What is our collective role in building equality, diversity and inclusion and why is it a trade union issue? The MU’s John Shortell explains.

Published: 25 January 2023

White earphones resting on top of a white computer keyboard.

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings

Following on from his recent appearance on BBC Newsnight to discuss what advances in AI could mean for musicians, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear further outlines the protections needed for musicians in the face of new technology.

Published: 20 January 2023

Country duo Gasoline & Matches performing on stage

The Musicians’ Guide to the Birmingham Music Scene

Birmingham has a rich musical legacy and a wide range of resources for musicians of all genres. Here, West Midlands musicians give their personal recommendations.

Published: 14 January 2023

How Function Bands are Faring Three Years after Covid Struck

With parties, weddings and corporate events cancelled during Covid, work for function bands vanished overnight. Three years on, four leading acts reveal how they have been faring.

Published: 05 January 2023

8 Ways to Combat Creative Block

Even the most prolific songwriters and composers have moments when inspiration fails to materialise. But there are techniques you can use to avert hitting creative brick walls.

Published: 17 December 2022

Alex Gascoine, a white man with grey hair and a brightly coloured mint green short is leaning against a white painted wall and smiling into the camera.

Executive Committee Chair Commits to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at MU Members’ Conference

Chair of the Musicians’ Union Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened Members’ Conference with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Published: 16 December 2022

Person sorting a large pile of papers with lots of individual colourful clips.

Home Made Agreements: Key Information

Bookings and an increase in ‘home made’ agreements were on the agenda at the latest MU’s Wales and South West England Regional Committee meeting. What does that mean for you?

Published: 16 December 2022

piano lesson conducted online with laptop and iphone on tripod

YouTube Tutorials: How They Can Benefit You and Your Business

YouTube is a valuable tool for enhancing music teaching, adding revenue and expanding your global reach. Here, three musicians discuss how the platform works for them.

Published: 13 December 2022

Stage Patter: How to Talk to Your Audience

Talking to an audience between songs is a much-overlooked skill and one that most musicians have to work at, but it can bring a whole new dimension to your set.

Published: 08 December 2022

emzae, with blonde hair and a multicoloured blur in the background

DHM: As My World Changed, Music Remained a Constant

emzae, one of the Attitude is Everything’s Next Stages artists, shares her story of being a chronically ill full-time musician, and the platform that being a musician has provided for her.

Published: 08 December 2022

Mika Sellens lit in purple lights in recording studio

Music Production: Getting Creative in the Recording Studio

Music production is pivotal to recording great music. Here, three music producers reveal their creative approaches and their dos and don’ts in the recording studio.

Published: 02 December 2022

Disability History Month: The Contribution of Lived Experience

MU Member Audrey Gray, Creative Projects Manager and CEO of Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) talks about her experience as a member of multiple EDI Networks and how lived experiences can contribute to much needed solutions.

Published: 01 December 2022

french horn players during a classical concert music

Disability History Month: Being a Deaf Musician is not Easy

In our first special feature from Disabled History Month, Professional Musician and member of the MU Executive Committee and ED&I Committee, Nigel Braithwaite talks about his experiences of being a disabled musician.

Published: 21 November 2022

Members of conference smile and clap, while one delegate stands and speaks from the floor.

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Trade unions are full of jargon. One of our favourites is the word ‘motion’. But, like most bits of jargon, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Published: 10 November 2022

Musicians and Mental Health First Aid Training: Why do it?

World Mental Health Day takes place 10 October and to mark this, MU member Louise Braithwaite talks about her MU supported mental health first aid training and how we should all try listening for that little bit longer.

Published: 30 September 2022

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Musician and MU Executive Committee Vice Chair Andi Hopgood explores common mental health challenges facing musicians ahead of a Members’ Conference panel on how the music industry is supporting musicians to stay mentally healthy.

Published: 15 September 2022

Person teaching another to play acoustic guitar, close up of instrument on both of their knees.

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

It’s that time of year again, the start of a brand new school year. In preparation, we’ve put together a top ten resource checklist, reminding all of our music educators what the MU’s Education Department may be able to help you with.

Published: 31 August 2022

Musicians, Yoga and its Unexpected Benefit

Creator of the Musicians’ Yoga Essentials course and MU member Veronika Klírová shares her yoga journey and how its helped her career as a musician.

Published: 25 August 2022

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