News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a drum kit, a person sits behind the drum kit, we can just see their legs, arms and the drum sticks frozen in action.

Leak Confirms that Government Rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians

We’re angry and alarmed to learn the news that the UK Government rejected an EU offer of visa-free touring by British musicians.

Published: 10 January 2021

Three of the familiar, blue plastic European Health Insurance Cards stacked against a pale blue background

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

We’ve received welcome news that the EHIC will not be scrapped as previously thought, but phased out and replaced with the GHIC.

Published: 07 January 2021

Photograph of a keyboard, with a webcam set up over the keys. It appears to be a live stream.

An Urgent Letter to the Chancellor

This week’s lobbying update discusses our letter to Rishi Sunak, requesting that he urgently looks at the situation for musicians.

Published: 06 January 2021

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar on stage, the light shining through is a bright pale blue.

MU Welcomes Recommendations on Live Music in Wales

A new Senedd Committee report into live music in Wales reveals the problems facing musicians and venues, with recommendations to support, strengthen, and grow the sector.

Published: 05 January 2021

Jazz saxophonist performing outdoors at a music festival.

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

An evidence session held today as part of the DCMS’ select committee festivals inquiry raised issues such as how the Cultural Recovery Fund does not benefit musicians, Brexit concerns, and the need for a Covid-proof insurance scheme.

Published: 05 January 2021

Photograph a vintage looking recording studio.

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Members in Glasgow and surrounding areas are encouraged to sign this petition calling on Glasgow City Council to include music studios in the 100% Covid council tax relief awarded to retail, leisure and hospitality.

Published: 04 January 2021

Photograph of a busker, their head isn't visible but they are wearing blue jeans and holding a plugged in electric guitar. In the background an open guitar case has money collected in it.

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

The MU has serious concerns over Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 04 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

Photograph of an empty school classroom, the sun is rising through the windows with a red and orange glow

Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Advice for members around school reopenings, following the NEU's position on schools not currently being a safe working environment.

Published: 02 January 2021

Photograph of assorted instrument lining up to be played in a classroom.

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

How the Government’s announcement about tiers in England and school openings may affect musicians.

Published: 30 December 2020

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament

There continues to be no clarity for musicians in the Brexit deal, which has now been voted on in parliament and passed.

Published: 30 December 2020

Photograph of two very small placards held up at a march, they read

Brexit Deal Contains No Detail for Musicians

The Government has now agreed a Brexit deal with Europe and will bring it back to Parliament on Wednesday for MPs to vote on.

Published: 28 December 2020

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

Photograph of a singer, who we can not clearly see, silhouetted against bright stage lights on a smokey stage.

Songwriting Virtuosos Launch Masterclass for Creatives Impacted by the Pandemic

Songwriting virtuosos Boo Hewerdine and Findlay Napier have announced the launch of a series of songwriting workshops aimed at creative people in Scotland whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 23 December 2020

Photograph of a small boy playing around with a xylophone

Feldenkrais and Practice: Creativity and Play

In this Feldenkrais and Practise blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how we learn through play.

Published: 23 December 2020

Photograph of a musician performing at an outdoor event. We can only seem them and the neck of their guitar from behind. The sun is setting and the evening lighting is turning on.

Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

Are you applying – or thinking about applying – for Arts Council England music funding? If so, you may want to catch up with a replay of our webinar.

Published: 23 December 2020

Member only Read more about Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

Photograph of an empty Hastings Pier, with a stormy sky in the background.

New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

As our many of our members across London and south-east and east of England fall under the Government’s new tier four level restrictions, we’ve drawn up guidance on how these rules may affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

Photograph of a small boy playing the keyboard at home.

Wales Moves to Alert Level Four

An overview of how the Welsh Government’s alert level 4 restrictions, which have applied since midnight on 19 December, might affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

Photograph of a violin in a travel case.

Brexit Details for Touring Musicians Unlikely Before End of Transition Period

Even if a Brexit deal is agreed before the transition period ends on Thursday 31 December, it is likely to only give basic essentials, with the potential for further detail.

Published: 21 December 2020

Photograph of two colourful suitcases against a bright yellow background.

Flowchart Guide to Working in the EU from 1 January 2021 Published

Members can now consult the flowchart we have compiled, to help with the increased administration that will be involved when working in Europe from 1 January.

Published: 21 December 2020

Photograph of what appears to be an empty theatre pit set up for musicians, with a drum, double bass and electronic keyboard set out.

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

Together with Equity and Bectu, the MU is calling on the government to exempt theatre productions from the Tier 3 regulations and to allow them to open to socially distanced audiences.

Published: 18 December 2020

MU Letter to Treasury: The Government Must Invest in Musicians

We’re using your responses to the latest MU Covid-19 Impact Poll to let the Government know that they must invest in musicians.

Published: 17 December 2020

Photograph of an audience members hands, creating a heart shape with their fingers and held up in silhouette against purple stage lights.

Second Phase of Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Funding Programme Opens

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (NI) Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme has opened up for a second wave of funding applications, as of Thursday 17 December.

Published: 17 December 2020

A photograph of a retro looking radio against a grey background.

Recorded Background Music Now Permitted in Scottish Hospitality Venues

The Scottish Government have changed their Coronavirus restriction rules to allow recorded background music to be played at hospitality venues throughout out the five tiers.

Published: 16 December 2020

Photograph of a retro television set in front of a turquoise background, showing fuzz on the screen.

BBC Studios / MU joint statement: It Takes Two

We’ve released a joint statement with the BBC, following the recent unfortunate situation that resulted in Amaraterra not appearing on It Takes Two.

Published: 15 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

Child learning the keyboard, facing a computer where an online lesson is taking place.

Music Teaching in Wales to Move Online

The Welsh Government has announced that all instrumental and vocal teaching should move online from 14 December if possible.

Published: 11 December 2020

Photograph of a small child sat wearing a facemask in front of a piano keyboard.

Private Teachers in Scotland Resume Face-to-Face in Levels 0-3

Updated guidance from the Scottish Government means that private teachers can resume face-to-face teaching in levels 0-3.

Published: 11 December 2020

Photograph of a flute players hands, holding a flute with the sheet music set out behind.

New Bradford Music Network Launched

Following consultations with the music sector throughout the summer, Bradford Council has launched a new Music Network for Bradford, supported by Bradford Producing Hub and Music Local.

Published: 10 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 a band performing on a small stage, we can see a guitarist and someone blurred but at a keyboard.

Cultural Unions Submit Freedom of Information Request to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street

Midlands cultural sector trade unions have called upon West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, to declare what discussions he has had with the DCMS Minister, Oliver Dowden, in order to protect our vital local cultural sector.

Published: 09 December 2020

Photograph of hands holding a mobile phone which is displaying a view on the MU's new website's homepage. The person is wearing yellow trousers which are visible in the background.

The New MU Website is Live

Based on extensive user research, the new website aims to provide, connect, inform and empower members during the fightback from Covid-19.

Published: 08 December 2020

Graphic image includes three brightly coloured squares, one with the text

Poll Reveals Shockingly Inadequate Earnings From Streaming

8 out of 10 music creators earn less than £200 a year from streaming, finds survey ahead of songwriters and artists giving evidence to a Select Committee of MPs.

Published: 07 December 2020

For “Allowing People to Live as Working Artists,” Fix Streaming Now

Artists, creators and performers Tom Gray, Nadine Shah, Guy Garvey and Ed O’Brien call on MPs to fix streaming.

Published: 07 December 2020

Countdown to Fix Streaming and Keep Music Alive!

The countdown is on to have your say in the music streaming inquiry as the deadline approaches.

Published: 07 December 2020

More Creators and Musicians Called to Give Evidence in Person at Music Streaming Inquiry

Fiona Bevan, Soweto Kinch, and Nile Rodgers will be giving evidence to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the economics of music streaming.

Published: 04 December 2020

Photograph of two very different generations playing a piano, the hand of what appears to be an elderly person, and the hands of a child on a piano keyboard.

Help Prove Musicians are Still Falling Through the Gaps

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez explains why your evidence is more vital than ever in making sure that no musician is left behind.

Published: 04 December 2020

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Leak Confirms that Government Rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

An Urgent Letter to the Chancellor

MU Welcomes Recommendations on Live Music in Wales

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

Why More Game Soundtracks Should be Recorded in the UK

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament

Brexit Deal Contains No Detail for Musicians

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

Songwriting Virtuosos Launch Masterclass for Creatives Impacted by the Pandemic

Feldenkrais and Practice: Creativity and Play

Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

Wales Moves to Alert Level Four

Brexit Details for Touring Musicians Unlikely Before End of Transition Period

Flowchart Guide to Working in the EU from 1 January 2021 Published

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

MU Letter to Treasury: The Government Must Invest in Musicians

Second Phase of Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Funding Programme Opens

Recorded Background Music Now Permitted in Scottish Hospitality Venues

BBC Studios / MU joint statement: It Takes Two

How Disabled Musicians Dealt with the Challenges of the Covid Crisis

Music Teaching in Wales to Move Online

Private Teachers in Scotland Resume Face-to-Face in Levels 0-3

New Bradford Music Network Launched

Chairman of UK Music Diversity Taskforce Reviews Last 12 Months

Cultural Unions Submit Freedom of Information Request to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street

The New MU Website is Live

Poll Reveals Shockingly Inadequate Earnings From Streaming

For “Allowing People to Live as Working Artists,” Fix Streaming Now

Countdown to Fix Streaming and Keep Music Alive!

More Creators and Musicians Called to Give Evidence in Person at Music Streaming Inquiry

Help Prove Musicians are Still Falling Through the Gaps