News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a collection of young adults in a classroom setting, the photo focuses on one young woman facing seriously forward, with other students blured in the background.

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

In this blog, MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Government’s proposed HE funding cuts in England, that “MU members are at their most passionate when there is a risk to colleagues or the future workforce,” and how we must do everything to fight back.

Published: 11 May 2021

A photograph which zooms in on a professional recording microphone, blurred in the background is a woman about to put earphones on and her open laptop computer.

Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, charity Black Minds Matter UK explains the importance of culturally specific interventions for musicians who also experience racism.

Published: 10 May 2021

Photograph of three young musicians sat on sofas. One has a laptop and microphone, one a guitar, and one is writing on a notepad.

HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

What the Government’s proposed higher education (HE) cuts could mean for students and course providers – from affecting the financial viability of courses to cutting access for less privileged students and disproportionately affecting disabled people.

Published: 07 May 2021

A young musician is working on a keyboard with a microphone, speakers and computer set up in front of them. There is warm but dark lighting.

The Copyright Directive

In this feature Mark Sutherland discusses the European Copyright Directive in detail, and looks at the vital actions that must take place to protect UK music industry in the post-Brexit environment.

Published: 26 April 2021

Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

For professional musicians, buying and selling musical instruments can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Neil Crossley examines the options and assesses how to ensure you get the best outcome with the minimum hassle.

Published: 20 April 2021

Photograph of an orchestra set out in a socially distanced way, we can see all the musicians sat out across the stage in distanced positions, whilst a conductor gestures from the front.

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

In this longer-read feature, find out more about how UK orchestras have been faring through the pandemic – including taking on remote recording projects, working in creative new directions, and putting health and safety first in the move back to work.

Published: 06 April 2021

Photograph of a young girl wearing ear protectors at a concert. The background is blurred but we can see multiple people and string lights.

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

It’s World Autism Day on 2 April! To celebrate we asked Autism consultant and Heart N Soul creative associate Robyn Rocket to write a blog for us with a few pointers on how we can consider inclusion for Autistic musicians and listeners when the world opens again post-Covid.

Published: 01 April 2021

Photograph of an online teaching set up, a mobile phone camera and a laptop camera are recording a person playing on a keyboard.

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Work Online

A year since the pandemic struck, we assess how teaching music online became a “new normal” in this longer-read feature.

Published: 01 April 2021

Photograph of a person holding up a trans pride flag (blue, pink and white) which is floating out behind them against a bright blue sky.

MU Reconfirms Our Commitment Towards Trans Equality on Trans Day of Visibility

Wednesday 31 March is Trans Day of Visibility, and we are marking this by showing a round-up of previously published blogs – as well as upcoming events and petitions to support.

Published: 31 March 2021

Photograph of Bishi Bhattachaya, she is wearing a brightly coloured top and gold head piece, and is looking directly into the camera with one arm raised.

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

For Women’s History Month, singer-songwriter Bishi Bhattachaya talks us through how the pandemic has exposed major issues of inequality within the music industry, and calls for concrete action and investment.

Published: 30 March 2021

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Saxophone Maintenance and Repair

Jazz saxophonist Derek Nash provides instrument repair advice and reveals the unlikely objects he never goes on tour without – from wine corks to humble rubber bands.

Published: 25 March 2021

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oboe instruments lying on a wooden floor

Maintaining Woodwind Instruments

Louise Braithwaite explains how to maintain her complex woodwind instruments.

Published: 25 March 2021

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How to Maintain Acoustic Guitars on a Tour

Guitarist-composer Antonio Forcione shares his tips on how to protect and maintain Spanish and classical guitars when touring the globe.

Published: 25 March 2021

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Touring with a Double Bass

Transporting a double bass can be a challenge. Here’s an innovative music gear idea from Americana and roots bassist Mark Lewis.

Published: 25 March 2021

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A photograph of both Rosie and Beth. Rosie is leaning on Beth's shoulder with her elbow and laughing in her direction, Beth is grinning broadly at the camera.

How I Met My Peer Hero: A ‘How to Hype’ Guide for Women in the Music Industry

In this blog, created in celebration of Women’s History Month, musicians Beth and Rosie discuss the value of their own friendship, and how women can continue to act as “Peer Heros” to each other.

Published: 23 March 2021

Photograph of earphones and a microphone lieing on a sun soaked wooden desk.

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

All music creators need digital aggregators to get their music online – but which one to choose? An invaluable new MU resource is helping members to decide.

Published: 19 March 2021

A photograph of Kelli-Leigh, she's sitting on a sofa in a bright, plant filled room, looking into the space behind the camera thoughtfully.

Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

In a specially commissioned blog for Women’s History Month – acclaimed singer, songwriter and MU member Kelli-Leigh discusses her own experiences and asks the music industry, “Can you open up doors to talent that may have been closed to them previously?”

Published: 08 March 2021

Portrait photograph of Lord Holmes, he wears a blue suit against a plain grey background and a serious expression.

Work Arrangements for UK Musicians in the EU: The Show Must Go On

In this blog, originally posted on Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE’s website and reposted here with his kind permission, he discusses how music is an important part of all of us – and a massive cultural export for the UK which must be protected.

Published: 25 January 2021

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How Musicians Can Help Tackle the E-Waste Mountain

E-waste is now a major environmental issue, and one that musicians can no longer ignore. Can using recycled electronics and vintage kit help change things?

Published: 22 January 2021

The Philharmonia Orchestra performing to a crowd

Why More Game Soundtracks Should be Recorded in the UK

Despite the popularity of game soundtracks, few are recorded in the UK. MU Assistant Secretary General Phil Kear looks at the MU's efforts to change that.

Published: 03 January 2021

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Artificial Intelligence tools have become increasingly prevalent in the creation of recorded and live music in recent years. Will Simpson assesses whether AI is the musician's friend or foe.

Published: 03 January 2021

Working to Protect the Rights and Royalties of Composers

Composers need to be aware of rights grabs. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl reflects on how the Musicians’ Union and its members can fight back.

Published: 26 December 2020

Assessing the Future of Classical Music in the Covid-19 Climate

As some orchestral musicians make a tentative return to work, Andrew Stewart examines the challenges facing the classical music sector.

Published: 25 December 2020

Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Pioneer with a Mission to Introduce Tabla to the Next Generation of Musicians

How instrumentalist, composer and educator Kuljit Bhamra overcame disability to create a rich and diverse music career.

Published: 24 December 2020

How Disabled Musicians Dealt with the Challenges of the Covid Crisis

From heightened isolation to deeply-held prejudices, disabled musicians have experienced profound challenges during the pandemic. But ingenuity, strong mutual support and online access have helped many to prevail, as Neil Churchman explains.

Published: 15 December 2020

Photograph of the author, Maya Kashif. She is standing in front of a body of water, holding her cello.

From the Corner, Eating a Banana, a Freelancer’s View on Invisible Illness

Freelance cellist Maya Kashif uses this year's Disability History Month, “to highlight, in the spirit of awareness, that the internal struggles somebody such as myself may be dealing with should be known about and supported.”

Published: 02 December 2020

Photograph of an American Bald Eagle who has landed on a branch, and is looking out over a woodland of trees.

US Visas – The Biden Years

MU National Organiser Live Performance, Dave Webster, discusses what the future may look like for UK musicians planning on performing in the US under the Biden Administration.

Published: 01 December 2020

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar, the heavy blue light means we can't clearly see the performer.

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Government has updated and published its guidance on working safely during Coronavirus in the Performing Arts – and we have updated our guidance on how this relates to musicians accordingly.

Published: 01 December 2020

Photograph of a number of music stands set up with scores on them, although the background is blurred out and we can't see specific notes on the scores.

Diversity and Inclusion Work at RSL

Norton York – RSL Awards Founder and Chairman – talks about how working with the MU helped focus RSL’s efforts on diversity and inclusion.

Published: 30 November 2020

Kojo Samuel in his studio, smiling, sitting next to a guitar and a Korg MS2000 synth

How Becoming a Music Director Took Kojo Samuel to Glasto

From the Sugababes to Stormzy... Music director Kojo Samuel gives us an insight into what the MD job actually entails and how he started working with the stars.

Published: 29 November 2020

Jess Gillam with her saxophone on the beach

Jess Gillam: Bringing the Saxophone to the Forefront of Classical Music

Saxophonist Jess Gillam has been hailed by classical music critics since her scintillating performance at the Proms.

Published: 29 November 2020

Life in the LSO: First Violin Maxine Kwok-Adams on Her Orchestral Career

With her dynamic style and vibrant Twitter feed Maxine Kwok-Adams defies expectations of what an orchestral musician should be. Here she discusses her dream job with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO).

Published: 28 November 2020

Matthew Halsall: Musician, Bandleader and Manchester Label Founder

Gifted trumpeter, bandleader and founder of Gondwana Records: how Manchester-based Matthew Halsall is at the heart of UK jazz.

Published: 27 November 2020

Drill rappers Skengdo x AM (Terrell Doyley and Joshua Malinga)

Why Are Drill Rappers Criminalised for Making Music?

Drill music has been demonised in the press, but silencing young, predominantly black musicians is discriminatory and won't stop gang violence.

Published: 27 November 2020

Emily Barker with a guitar standing against a bigtree

Emily Barker: a Singer-Songwriter Who Spans Country, Folk and Blues

From haunting theme tunes to groove-smitten Americana, Aussie-born Emily Barker is a prolific singer-songwriter.

Published: 26 November 2020

Photograph of a woman performing on a guitar and singing, with a webcam set up and recording a live stream of her.

Make Misogyny History

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the role misogyny plays and creating safe workplaces for women.

Published: 25 November 2020

The Levaré Quartet: a String Quartet Thriving on Diversity in Post-Brexit Britain

Diversity and spontaneity define the music of the Levaré Quartet, an international ensemble formed by students at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Published: 23 November 2020

Black and white photograph of a conductors hands, holding a baton over the music stand at the head of an orchestra. The musicians in the background are blurred.

Disability History Month: Music Making and the Fates of Disabled People

Conductor and composer Ben Lunn discusses how we need to celebrate “the disabled musicians and artists who exist,” whilst, “making sure disabled people can live in dignity and safety and are able to pursue whatever profession they desire to.”

Published: 17 November 2020

Photograph of MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge stood on a podium, he appears to be mid speech, talking into a microphone.

A Message From MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge explains how, due to our unprecedented times and the Union’s need for stability and continuity, he will be standing again for election to the position of General Secretary for a further term at the beginning of 2022.

Published: 16 November 2020

Photograph of a variety of microphones, each one a different style of vintage, set out in a row on a table. The background is a shiny blue.

Defining Your Own Vocal Identity

This article briefly examines the issues giving rise to gender identity in a voice, and headlines the approaches open to trans*+ musicians in defining their own vocal identity.

Published: 11 November 2020

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All News and Features

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

The Copyright Directive

Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Work Online

MU Reconfirms Our Commitment Towards Trans Equality on Trans Day of Visibility

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

Saxophone Maintenance and Repair

Maintaining Woodwind Instruments

How to Maintain Acoustic Guitars on a Tour

Touring with a Double Bass

How I Met My Peer Hero: A ‘How to Hype’ Guide for Women in the Music Industry

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

Work Arrangements for UK Musicians in the EU: The Show Must Go On

How Musicians Can Help Tackle the E-Waste Mountain

Why More Game Soundtracks Should be Recorded in the UK

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Working to Protect the Rights and Royalties of Composers

Assessing the Future of Classical Music in the Covid-19 Climate

Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Pioneer with a Mission to Introduce Tabla to the Next Generation of Musicians

How Disabled Musicians Dealt with the Challenges of the Covid Crisis

From the Corner, Eating a Banana, a Freelancer’s View on Invisible Illness

US Visas – The Biden Years

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

Diversity and Inclusion Work at RSL

How Becoming a Music Director Took Kojo Samuel to Glasto

Jess Gillam: Bringing the Saxophone to the Forefront of Classical Music

Life in the LSO: First Violin Maxine Kwok-Adams on Her Orchestral Career

Matthew Halsall: Musician, Bandleader and Manchester Label Founder

Why Are Drill Rappers Criminalised for Making Music?

Emily Barker: a Singer-Songwriter Who Spans Country, Folk and Blues

Make Misogyny History

The Levaré Quartet: a String Quartet Thriving on Diversity in Post-Brexit Britain

Disability History Month: Music Making and the Fates of Disabled People

A Message From MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

Defining Your Own Vocal Identity