News & Stories for Musicians

Woman applies hand sanitizer to a child wearing a facemask and a rainbow coloured t-shirt.

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

We fully support We Shall Not Be Removed’s seven inclusive principles, and Art Council England’s statement on inclusive recovery – and wish to state our continued commitment to supporting members and lobbying the Government for better support and clearer guidance.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

New guidance written by MU member and composer Ben Lunn with the team at sound contains information on the day-to-day challenges facing neurodivergent composers.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of sun shining through a window on to a peaceful blank table.

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released ground-breaking research into the impact of long covid on workers.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of the corner between Downing Street and Whitehall, focusing on the two street signs.

Next Kill The Bill Day of Action to Take Place on 29 May

A series of organised protests will be taking place across the UK, calling for the Government to reconsider their Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, increasing discrimination and undermining democracy.

Published: 26 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of music stands and chairs in a music learning setting.

Who Will HE Funding Cuts Disproportionately Affect?

An explanation of how cuts to HE Funding for music and arts subjects in England are likely to have a disproportionate effect on disabled, Black, Asian and minority ethnic students and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Published: 13 May 2021

Two students working in a classroom setting, one leans across the desk to write on the other's work with a pencil.

Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Music For Youth will be holding three mentoring workshops for MU members based in London, the North of England, and East & South East England who are interested in finding out more about mentoring roles.

Published: 12 May 2021

Photograph of a young persons hands on an electric piano keyboard, the background is busy and lit in purple lights - there is a blurred band playing.

Call-Out for Experienced Mentors in the Music Industry

Following the success of their 2020 mentoring program, we.grow, shesaid.so and keychange have launched a call-out for senior music industry professionals and artists to volunteer as mentors for the Keychange participants.

Published: 27 April 2021

A young woman with Downs sydrome is leaning against a pillar at an underground station, listening to music.

We've Launched a Disabled Musicians Membership

We launched our new Disabled Musicians Membership this week, with the intention of recruiting, retaining and helping to level the playing field for disabled musicians.

Published: 16 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 a musician recording themselves playing on a piano with a webcam on video mode zoomed in on their hands.

MU Releases New Recording and Home Studios Advice

We’ve released two workbooks on "How to Set Up Your Home Studio Session," and "How to Set Up Your Home Studio Space," for members only, following the workshops we partnered with The F-List to produce for Women’s History Month.

Published: 29 March 2021

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Free Expert Industry Advice Session to be Run by the Featured Artists Coalition

The webinars will be part of the Music Explosion Spring Special 2021 presented by Midi Music, and will take place online on the evening of Wednesday 24 March.

Published: 22 March 2021

Photo of a retro looking large microphone with bright lights shining around it.

MU Members Invited to TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Join young members across the trade union movement for two days of inspirational speakers, discussions, and workshops at TUC Young Workers’ Conference.

Published: 19 March 2021

Photograph of a well lit London street at night, standing empty.

Reclaim the Streets

In the wake of news about the disappearance of Sarah Everard in London and the subsequent arrest of a police officer, many women are sharing their own experiences of walking alone at night and the steps they take to make themselves feel safe.

Published: 12 March 2021

We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Concerned at the UK Government’s intentions to review the human rights framework and judicial review, we have come together with numerous organisations, charities and trades unions to present a joint statement.

Published: 17 February 2021

Close up of a performer at a festival, we can only see the foot of the performer in converse shoes, near a row of pedals - the rest of the photo looks out to an audience stood outdoors.

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

Leading music publisher Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) has announced the appointment of a group of external advisors to work with the company, with a particular focus on initiatives around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Published: 04 February 2021

Photograph of an accessible entrance sign attached to a brick wall outside a building.

Creating Your Own Access Rider

We recently held an event on “creating your own access rider,” in this article we set out the key learnings for the event – both from artists with personal experience of using access riders, and organisations who work on improving access.

Published: 18 January 2021

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 a London skyline on a misty, early morning. The sun has just risen in the sky and the light is quite yellow.

Chairman of UK Music Diversity Taskforce Reviews Last 12 Months

A recent blog by Ammo Talwar – chairman of the UK Music diversity taskforce – published on Punch’s website, is recommended reading for unpacking diversity in the music industry over the last 12 months.

Published: 10 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 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

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

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UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

Campaigning and lobbying group UK Music – of which the MU is a part – has released the results of its 2020 Workforce Diversity Survey, alongside a clear road map for change.

Published: 29 October 2020

Photograph of a flute resting on a score, yellow lighting is shining down on everything.

ABRSM Takes Action to Diversify their Syllabi

ABRSM have updated their Diversity and Inclusion programme to commit to a number of actions, including transforming their syllabus and commissioning new composers – following an open letter from the MU calling for action.

Published: 28 October 2020

Photograph of an audience at what appears to be a music concert. The stage is blurred, and there are bright lights shining out across a crowd who stand with raised arms.

Guide to Creating Your Own Access Rider Released

Arts commissioning program, We Are Unlimited, have released a valuable document on creating a rider to communicate all of your access needs in one place.

Published: 01 October 2020

Photograph of a collection of musicians silhouetted against the sun rise.

The Hub to Hold Free Day of Events to Support Mental Health

Creative consultancy, The Hub, are marking World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October, by holding a day of free online events.

Published: 01 October 2020

Photograph of an old piano, focusing on the keyboard. The instrument looks aged and well used.

Online Event Examining the History of Racism in British Music Open to All

The event, which will involve a screening of 'The RE:IMI UK Music Industry And Racism' video and presentations by music industry organisation representatives, will run online on Monday 28 September.

Published: 25 September 2020

Photograph of a large gathering of people at a protest, one hand is holding up a miniature placard which reads

Brexit – where are we now?

Brexit is back on the agenda in Parliament this week as the Government brought in new legislation, in the form of the Internal Market Bill. What does this mean for you? MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez takes a look.

Published: 18 September 2020

Photograph of a father and son sat close to one another, playing with a ukulele

Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take Survey on Family Life During Covid-19

Campaigning organisation Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) are investigating the impact of Covid-19 on people with parenting and caring responsibilities – help them gather more information by completing this brief survey.

Published: 18 September 2020

Photograph of an audience, sat looking over on to a stage.

Looking to Reopen on a Larger Scale, a Lobbying Update

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how the MU is backing Government explorations into lessening social distancing for the live sector, and a moonshot audience-testing plan.

Published: 17 September 2020

Organisations Join Up to Promote Seven Inclusive Principles for Disabled People in Arts & Culture

Several campaigning cultural organisations have joined together to create a new guide for the arts and entertainment sectors to support disability inclusion.

Published: 15 September 2020

Piano player wearing a black suit seen from behind, piano player is sat at a piano.

Resources for World Suicide Prevention Day

Thursday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day. Many useful resources have been shared on twitter, and below is a round-up that some members may find useful.

Published: 10 September 2020

Examining the Values We Perform: Rule, Britannia!

Linton Stephens, Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, discusses “Rule, Britannia”, how traditions must be examined, and what it means to align with British values.

Published: 01 September 2020

Photograph of a smiling woman, holding her reed instrument and looking through a detached part of it with one eye.

SEISS and Me: One Members Experience of Covid-19 Scheme Inequality

Member and orchestral, theatre and chamber musician Louise Braithwaite discusses her experience of claiming the SEISS grant and the inequalities contained by the Government’s Covid schemes.

Published: 28 August 2020

Graphic image with a black and white photograph of a woman singing into a microphone, bisected by two coloured squares and the text

Growing Pressure on the Government, Platforms and Major Labels to Fix Streaming Now

There have now been over 15,000 signatures on our petition – which we’re running with the Ivors Academy – calling on the Government to help us #FixStreaming and keep music alive.

Published: 13 August 2020

Silence is Not an Option: UK Music Industry Unites Against Racism and Intolerance

We’ve signed an open letter urging the music industry to speak out and eradicate racism, along with over 700 artists, managers, producers and companies.

Published: 03 August 2020

Photograph of a young child standing in front of a chalk board, learning the violin.

We’re Calling on the ABRSM to Diversify Their Syllabi

We've sent a letter on behalf of over 70 organisations, musicians, music teachers and academics to ABRSM, demanding they take meaningful and measurable action to diversify their syllabi.

Published: 03 August 2020

Photograph of a young group of musicians hanging out and rehearsing.

Final Set of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Released

Young Guns Network (YGN), have added five more articles to their commission mission series – aiming to inspire, educate and interest young people aged 18-30 in music.

Published: 28 July 2020

We’ve Joined the 48-Hour Boycott Against Twitter’s Inaction

We’ve joined the 48-hour Twitter “walkout,” against Twitter’s inaction this weekend, following a series of tweets inciting violence against Jewish people, posted by grime artist Wiley.

Published: 27 July 2020

Our Letter to the Prime Minister in Support of NEU’s Anti-Racism Recommendations

We’ve sent a letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson in support of the National Education Union’s (NEU) five recommendations for urgent action to tackle racism.

Published: 22 July 2020

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Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

Next Kill The Bill Day of Action to Take Place on 29 May

Who Will HE Funding Cuts Disproportionately Affect?

Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Call-Out for Experienced Mentors in the Music Industry

We've Launched a Disabled Musicians Membership

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

MU Releases New Recording and Home Studios Advice

Free Expert Industry Advice Session to be Run by the Featured Artists Coalition

MU Members Invited to TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Reclaim the Streets

We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

Creating Your Own Access Rider

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

Chairman of UK Music Diversity Taskforce Reviews Last 12 Months

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

Make Misogyny History

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

UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

ABRSM Takes Action to Diversify their Syllabi

Guide to Creating Your Own Access Rider Released

The Hub to Hold Free Day of Events to Support Mental Health

Online Event Examining the History of Racism in British Music Open to All

Brexit – where are we now?

Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take Survey on Family Life During Covid-19

Looking to Reopen on a Larger Scale, a Lobbying Update

Organisations Join Up to Promote Seven Inclusive Principles for Disabled People in Arts & Culture

Resources for World Suicide Prevention Day

Examining the Values We Perform: Rule, Britannia!

SEISS and Me: One Members Experience of Covid-19 Scheme Inequality

Growing Pressure on the Government, Platforms and Major Labels to Fix Streaming Now

Silence is Not an Option: UK Music Industry Unites Against Racism and Intolerance

We’re Calling on the ABRSM to Diversify Their Syllabi

Final Set of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Released

We’ve Joined the 48-Hour Boycott Against Twitter’s Inaction

Our Letter to the Prime Minister in Support of NEU’s Anti-Racism Recommendations