News & Stories for Musicians

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

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

Published: 23 January 2023

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

Speaker panel discussions at the MU Members' Conference 2022

Celebrating Culturally Diverse Organisations in the Arts Council England National Portfolio

We need more arts funding, not less, to make sure that a career as a musician is available and accessible to everyone.

Published: 14 December 2022

A clear shot of a microphone against a blurred background that implies there are a lot of chairs set out for audience members.

Bursary Available For a Disabled Woman MU Member to Access Leadership Development Programme

A full bursary will be available for the transformational leadership development programme, the Music Leaders Network, and we will be running an online drop in information session on Wednesday 11 January.

Published: 12 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

Circle of pink plastic chairs against a solid block pink background

Free Places on Coaching and Mentoring for Creatives Course for MU Members in Wales

CULT Cymru’s Leadership and Management endorsed coaching and mentoring course is open again for applications, usually £300 to attend, the course is free to MU members (less £50 deposit).

Published: 07 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

A small child is signing in BSL, with just their hands and arms in the focus of the camera.

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

UK Music has launched its Diversity Report 2022, including the findings of its Workforce Diversity Survey 2022 and an action plan for long-term change.

Published: 24 November 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

Young Black musician scrolling on their phone in a library

Protecting Yourself Online Following Recent Changes at Twitter

Recent events at Twitter have led to changes that may leave users more exposed to harm on the platform.

Published: 17 November 2022

Quiet figure sits at the end of a dock, watching a sun rise over a body of water.

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 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

Two people are talking using sign language sat on a sofa.

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

The TUC is launching brand new leadership schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers.

Published: 03 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

Banner for the MU Members' Conference 2022, picture of a young violinist performing in the background with a yellow banner reading

Meet the Members Leading Conversations at the MU Members’ Conference 2022

Our members are always at the heart of what we do, and in this feature we highlight some of those leading the conversation on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues and how they impact musicians.

Published: 06 October 2022

Portrait of keynote speaker Kelli-Leigh with yellow graphic: Kelli-Leigh at MU Members' Conference 2022.

Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

The MU is proud to welcome Kelli-Leigh to our Members' Conference as a keynote speaker on day two to talk about how she fights for equality in the music industry.

Published: 29 September 2022

DJ Paulette wearing a T-shirt saying 'I am Black History'

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

DJ Paulette will be closing day one of the MU Members’ Conference 2022 in Leeds with an exclusive set for delegates.

Published: 23 September 2022

Mayor Tracy Brabin smiling, with graphic: Mayor Tracy Brabin at MU Members' Conference 2022

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union is delighted to welcome West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin as a keynote speaker on day one of Members’ Conference.

Published: 20 September 2022

Birmingham Central library in Centenary Square Birmingham, UK with Commonwealth Games sign.

New Video from TUC on Innovative Commonwealth Games MOU

The video highlights the success of the landmark pledge which ensured diversity, fair pay and support for creative sector workers during the Birmingham Games.

Published: 07 September 2022

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

Stephen Brown MU Midlands Regional Organiser; Louise Braithwaite MU vice-Chair Midlands Regional Committee; Rob Johnston TUC Policy and Campaigns Officer. All smiling holding a copy of the MoU.

MU Signs Agreement with Commonwealth Games to Ensure Fair Pay For Artists

The landmark agreement has been signed by Commonwealth Games organisers and cultural sector unions, including the MU, to ensure diversity, fair pay and support for creative sector workers during the Games.

Published: 25 July 2022

Man using calculator to count money savings and living costs. Calculator with coins and notebook on wooden table.

MU Supports New Disability Poverty Campaign Group

The new coalition calls for a thorough reassessment of social security support for disabled people, and members are encouraged to write to their MP using the Action Network Tool below.

Published: 21 July 2022

Close up of a mix of children stacking hands, representing inclusion and teamwork.

Trinity College London Launches First Ever Fully-Inclusive Music Qualifications in Association with Sounds of Intent

Available from September 2022, the qualifications will be open to any UK school or other organisation that works with learners with special educational needs, additional support needs or disabilities.

Published: 12 July 2022

A young person is sat in a bright library setting wearing red headphones and looking intently at a computer screen.

Universities Cut Arts Courses

The MU is saddened to see large-scale cuts to arts courses at two universities following ongoing Government funding cuts and anti-arts rhetoric.

Published: 14 June 2022

A band plays on a stage silhouetted against the a bright blue background.

Open Letter Questioning Funding Cut to PRS Foundation Published

Following PRS for Music’s decision to cut funding for the PRS Foundation from 2024, a petition has been launched. Now an open letter from 50 grassroots music organisations has been published.

Published: 06 June 2022

The tall corner of a building on Parliament Square with a street sign on it reading

Accessibility Information for the 18 June ‘Demand Better’ March and Rally

Join trade union members from across the UK in London on 18 June to demand better. There is information available about public toilets, wheelchair accessible stations, shortened march routes and more.

Published: 30 May 2022

A teacher sits at the front of the classroom, gesturing forwards in a deliberate way. A music stand is in front of him, and a drum kit is also in shot.

Scottish Charity Transforms Music Education with New Learning Software

Drake Music Scotland is set to transform music education in Scotland with the launch of innovative new software called Figurenotes, which aims to help learners read music quickly and learn to play instruments straight away.

Published: 24 May 2022

Bright blue sky with a white sign post showing three arrows saying help, guidance, support and advice in different directions.

Acas Updates its Disability Guidance

Public body Acas has updated its disability guidance to provide clear advice on how to support disabled people at work.

Published: 16 May 2022

Becoming a More Accessible Studio: How One Business Owner Is Igniting Change Within the Industry

Hear the five tips for making your recording studio more accessible, and what we can all learn from helping to remove barriers for musicians. This is a repost from the Crown Lane Studio manager John Merriman's blog.

Published: 11 May 2022

Panoramic view of Manchester, Media City, including offices and bridge over the river/quay.

MU Member Nominated at National Diversity Awards

North of England member Claire Mooney has been nominated for a Lifetime Achiever Award at the National Diversity Awards.

Published: 04 May 2022

Close up of a corner of Sheffield City Hall, a big white stone building.

Professional Development Opportunities in Yorkshire with PiPA

Parents in Performing Arts (PiPA) is offering a series of professional development placements and opportunities at renowned performing arts organisations for marginalised parents or carers based in Yorkshire.

Published: 25 April 2022

The hands of small children playing on a singular djembe drum

Free Events for Mental Health Month With Young Classical Artists Trust

The Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) are offering individual coaching, meditation classes and a workshop on managing your mind. This comes alongside a selection of events being produced over April by YCAT in partnership between the MU, Help Musicians, and BAPAM.

Published: 12 April 2022

A Black woman sits and looks into a mirror while placing her hearing aid into her right ear. The woman is wearing black and her hair is pulled back by a scarf.

Attitude is Everything Launch Just Ask Campaign to Support Promoters to Welcome Disabled Artists

The MU welcomes the Just Ask campaign, and encourages conversations between promoters and disabled musicians to talk about their access needs and normalise the use of access riders.

Published: 07 April 2022

A spilled cardboard cup of popcorn lies next to a laptop computer.

National Open Youth Orchestra Virtually Premiere ‘What Fear We Then?’

On 28 January National Open Youth Orchestra virtually premiered a film of ‘What Fear We Then?’ by Alexander Campkin, co-commissioned with Bournemouth Symphony.

Published: 31 March 2022

Man standing with back to the camera facing a seated out of focus conference crowd. He is wearing a grey top and has his hands spread as if he is explaining something.

Reforming Access to Work Motion Passed at TUC Disabled Workers Conference

The MU proposed Motion, moved by member Nigel Braithwaite, aims to improve the Access to Work scheme for more disabled job seekers.

Published: 24 March 2022

four students walking down the stairs of the college

Take Part in the Consultation on Government’s Plans for Higher Education Music and Arts in England

New Government plans to limit access to higher education music and the arts in England. We've put together a guide to the consultation's questions and key points to raise.

Published: 22 March 2022

Three young musicians performing on a stage at BBC Introducing, synth, keyboard and microphones are present.

Defending the BBC

Musicians’ Union General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing the BBC, and why union members must come together to fight for our public broadcaster’s future once again.

Published: 14 March 2022

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

The final stage of the process to elect the next MU General Secretary, the postal ballot, opens on Monday 14 February. Further information about the ballot and the process so far are provided below.

Published: 10 February 2022

Close up of people from behind playing violin in an orchestra, reading from a score of sheet music

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

The MU has updated its pages regarding best practice for an inclusive recruitment process for orchestras.

Published: 08 February 2022

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