News & Stories for Musicians

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Calling On The PM to Put The Value of Music Back “In The Hands of Music Makers”

An extraordinary roll call of music’s great and good call on the Prime Minister to reform the music industry by fixing streaming.

Published: 19 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 the band Gnoss, they are four men standing in front of a brick wall. Hands in their pockets, they are smiling at the camera.

Scottish Band Gnoss: “Membership Has Made Us Feel More Connected to Our Industry”

Young, Glasgow-based band Gnoss, discusses how membership of the MU has both given them invaluable tools on their journey, and helped them feel that they have someone in their corner.

Published: 15 April 2021

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Brexit Testimonies: “I Desperately Need Some Resolution to This Problem”

Together with the ISM, we have compiled testimonies from a number of musicians, detailing the immediate impact of Brexit – here is one such account from the violinist Catherine Manson.

Published: 15 April 2021

Photograph of a brass band ensemble, we can only see the feet of the closest musicians, with other musicians holding brass instruments slightly blurred in the background.

Brexit: 5 Minutes of Your Time to Help Us Keep The Pressure Up On The Government

Take the short, anonymous survey that we are running with the ISM and make sure that the Government doesn’t forget about the problems that Brexit is causing for touring musicians.

Published: 15 April 2021

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12-Week Music Business Programme for Women and Marginalised Genders Opens to Applications For Free Spaces

Brighter Sound and Digital Advantage are running a free 12-week development programme for women and marginalised genders looking to launch and grow their own businesses within the music industry!

Published: 13 April 2021

Young child wearing a mask is sat at a piano, turning round to face the camera he raises one thumb in a positive gesture.

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

Following updated advice and further clarification from the devolved governments of the UK, we have updated our advice for musicians who teach in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

Published: 09 April 2021

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Brexit Guidance Video Released Following Panel Event

We’ve released a recording of our panel event, “What’s the deal?” which focused on process, lobbying, sales/merchandise rules and more for musicians working in the EU.

Published: 09 April 2021

White painted chairs set out with socially distanced amount of space between them, outdoors.

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

The Government has now confirmed a number of changes and extra details for musicians in its previously published Spring Roadmap for England – and we have updated our guidance accordingly.

Published: 09 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

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FEU Closes Live Training Programme But Digital Access to Training Continues

After more than a decade, the Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU) has closed its live training programme – following the Government’s decision to pull all unionlearn funding. However, their digital learning online centre will remain online.

Published: 01 April 2021

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We’ve Updated Our Brexit Flow Chart With More Information

We have updated the MU – 'Flowchart Guide to Working In Europe', created to give members a better understanding of the hoops they have to jump through when planning a tour or shows in the EU.

Published: 01 April 2021

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Let us Know What Kind of Training Opportunities You Want From the MU

We’re planning to launch a comprehensive package of webinars for members preparing to return to their careers – but we want to hear from you first, so that we can provide the most appropriate support possible.

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

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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

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LGBT+ History Month Panel: Activism and Allyship

The MU and Pride in Music partnered to mark this year’s LGBT+ History Month with a panel discussion about activism and allyship.

Published: 30 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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Ask Your Metro Mayor Candidate to Sign the Creative Workforce Pledge

Join the call for candidates for England’s upcoming Metro Mayor elections in England to sign the Creative Workforce Pledge, and commit to making sure the creative and cultural life of our regions thrive well into the future.

Published: 30 March 2021

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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

A woman working at home is leaning over her laptop, she is concentrating but smiling slightly with a large pair of earphones around her neck.

Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

The Ivors Academy and the MU have launched a new campaign, Composers Against Buyouts, to oppose unethical business practices that damage media composers’ rights, earnings and careers.

Published: 29 March 2021

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New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

According to a survey for UN Women UK, four-fifths of young women in the UK have been subjected to sexual harassment, ringing true with our research showing how endemic harassment is in the music industry.

Published: 26 March 2021

Sun sets over the port of Dover with a beautiful orange, yellow and pink sky - there are white cliffs and lorries parked everywhere.

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave evidence to MPs and said the Government was working “flat out” to find a solution to mobility issues around visas, work permits and moving goods between the UK and EU.

Published: 25 March 2021

Photograph of Parliament square in the sunshine, the photograph looks across the square towards the houses of parliament and the grass is green.

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC), of which the MU is a member, has signed an open letter calling for reconsideration of the “policing bill”, co-ordinated by Liberty and Friends of the Earth and co-signed by 244 other organisations.

Published: 25 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

Member only Read more about Saxophone Maintenance and Repair

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Maintaining Woodwind Instruments

Louise Braithwaite explains how to maintain her complex woodwind instruments.

Published: 25 March 2021

Member only Read more about Maintaining Woodwind Instruments

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

Member only Read more about How to Maintain Acoustic Guitars on a Tour

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

Member only Read more about Touring with a Double Bass

Photograph of white chairs in an outdoor setting, set out with socially distanced space around each one.

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021

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

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DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

In our summary of the latest Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hearing into the economics of music streaming, read about the main conclusions drawn and our hopes for the future.

Published: 23 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

Silhouette of a mother and daughter stood against a bright light.

Call for a Violence Against Women & Girls Stategy in Northern Ireland

Members are encouraged to sign Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland’s petition calling for a Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy in Northern Ireland, which is quickly amassing signiaturies on Change dot org.

Published: 22 March 2021

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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

We’re Marking UN Anti-Racism Day 2021 With a Video on Anti-Racism

Saturday 20 March is UN Anti-Racism Day, and the TUC and Stand up to Racism’s national day of action. Find out more about what we’re doing to mark it.

Published: 19 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 German red train running in hazy dusky light through a field of yellowy green grass.

UK Music Makers Call on Government for Urgent European Touring Transition Fund

The call comes following concerns that Brexit border bureaucracy is killing the export of UK music through increased costs and processes, putting the world-class standing of UK music at risk.

Published: 18 March 2021

Photograph of a man sat listening to music through headphones which are connected to his mobile phone, he is smiling and happy looking.

We Welcome Spotify’s Drive for Clarity in Streaming Finances

Together with The Ivors Academy, today we welcomed the launch of Spotify’s new website, Loud & Clear, which aims to introduce new transparency and data about the music streaming economy.

Published: 18 March 2021

Photograph of the BBC Portland Place building, a large grey building with art decco features. The sky above is a bright blue.

MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

The MU responded today to the announcement by the BBC that the corporation is set to move a selection of its key departments and staff away from London with the aim of making it more inclusive of the entire UK.

Published: 18 March 2021

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Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

The Government has agreed in the House of Lords to ask police forces to treat misogyny as a hate crime from the autumn.

Published: 18 March 2021

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Calling On The PM to Put The Value of Music Back “In The Hands of Music Makers”

We've Launched a Disabled Musicians Membership

Scottish Band Gnoss: “Membership Has Made Us Feel More Connected to Our Industry”

Brexit Testimonies: “I Desperately Need Some Resolution to This Problem”

Brexit: 5 Minutes of Your Time to Help Us Keep The Pressure Up On The Government

12-Week Music Business Programme for Women and Marginalised Genders Opens to Applications For Free Spaces

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

Brexit Guidance Video Released Following Panel Event

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

FEU Closes Live Training Programme But Digital Access to Training Continues

We’ve Updated Our Brexit Flow Chart With More Information

Let us Know What Kind of Training Opportunities You Want From the MU

How Music Teachers are Adapting to Work Online

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

LGBT+ History Month Panel: Activism and Allyship

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

Ask Your Metro Mayor Candidate to Sign the Creative Workforce Pledge

MU Releases New Recording and Home Studios Advice

Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

Saxophone Maintenance and Repair

Maintaining Woodwind Instruments

How to Maintain Acoustic Guitars on a Tour

Touring with a Double Bass

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

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

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

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

Call for a Violence Against Women & Girls Stategy in Northern Ireland

MU Members Invited to TUC Young Workers’ Conference

We’re Marking UN Anti-Racism Day 2021 With a Video on Anti-Racism

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

UK Music Makers Call on Government for Urgent European Touring Transition Fund

We Welcome Spotify’s Drive for Clarity in Streaming Finances

MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime