News & Stories for Musicians

Coronavirus Presses Mute Button on Music Industry

Our latest Covid-19 impact poll reveals that 34% of musicians are considering abandoning their career in music, while 37% are not sure.

Published: 22 September 2020

Photograph showing three chairs and a music stand in front of an empty concert hall.

New Statistics Showing Pandemics Effect on Musicians Gain Media Coverage

News sources such as The Guardian and BBC Breakfast have reported on our findings that show one-third of professional British musicians are considering giving up their careers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 22 September 2020

Photograph of a trumpet left resting on a window sill. The window behind the trumpet is closed.

New Covid-19 Restrictions: Key Points for Musicians

Further Covid-19 restrictions for England and Scotland have been announced today with details for Wales and Northern Ireland to come in the next few days.

Published: 22 September 2020

Trumpet player in a red t-shirt performing to an audience who are blurred in the background. Just the hands of the player are visable.

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

New guidance from the Scottish Government means that singers, and brass and woodwind players, can rehearse in groups, provided certain conditions are met.

Published: 18 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 a keyboard player and drummer performing in what appears to be a small venue, or a bar.

ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

In an update to our story on ATG calling for singers, musicians and other performers to work for free at their venue – the theatre organisation has now confirmed that musicians will be paid for their performances.

Published: 17 September 2020

Q&A From #AskTheMU Streaming Special Now Available to Read Online

We hosted a special Q&A with MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on Wednesday 16 September, and it’s now available to read online.

Published: 17 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

Photograph of an acoustic guitar on a stand, a face mask is also hanging off the stand, parallel with the guitar.

Further Guidance on the New Restrictions

We’ve produced some further guidance following the Government’s new restrictions – however we are continuing to seek further information from DCMS on how this will impact on our members’ work.

Published: 16 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

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Jess Partridge, founder and editor of new music group In Stereo, provides invaluable advice for musicians applying for Arts Council England (ACE) Project Grant.

Published: 14 September 2020

Photograph of an adult and child practising on a percussive instrument. The image shows only their hands and the skin of the drum.

Application Feedback and Guidance for ACE National Lottery Project Grants

We’re offering advice from an independent funding advisor on Arts Council England (ACE) National Lottery Project Grant applications, on top of our two recent webinars and a new article with detailed guidance on app

Published: 14 September 2020

Photograph of a film composer working at a computer with a musical keyboard under the other hand.

Sensoria Online Scoring Contest Announced

The SensoriaPro Scoring Contest is a unique opportunity for composers to create music to a film trailer/clip and receive feedback from a panel of industry experts.

Published: 14 September 2020

Photograph of a man sat with a child, playing ukulele in what appears to be a home setting with white walls and a house plant.

Members’ Discount on Morrish Solicitors’ Family Law Services

Morrish Solicitors are offering union members and their families in England and Wales a 15% discount on their family law services.

Published: 11 September 2020

Photograph of Louise, wearing a dark, professional looking shirt and smiling whilst holding a wind instrument. The background is white, bright and sunny.

Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Member and orchestral, theatre and chamber musician Louise Braithwaite discusses the effect of coronavirus and misinformation on wind players, and the wider industry.

Published: 10 September 2020

Photograph of a musician playing a flute in a concert like setting, blurred in the background is a score on a stand and a number of other scores behind.

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

The MU has been seeking to clarify the new rules for England in the past 24 hours. We’ve had confirmation that indoor performances in Covid-19 secure venues will be able to continue, but are awaiting further information.

Published: 10 September 2020

Small wooden blocks stacked in a tower, each one with a symbol representing different aspects of healthcare.

Updated: Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo

What artists need to know about the suspension of the new public charge rules and maintenance of visa status.

Published: 10 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

Photograph of a woman holding a violin in what appears to be an orchestral setting, other stringed instruments can be seen in the blurred background along with a music stand.

Scotland Announces Six Person Restriction

The Scottish Government has announced that gatherings will be limited to a maximum of six people from two households from Monday.

Published: 10 September 2020

Set up for an outdoor concert, there are lights and a microphone is set up with tables and chairs in the background.

New Rules for Social Gatherings in England Announced

We are awaiting further details on what the Government’s new restrictions on social gatherings could mean for musicians in England.

Published: 09 September 2020

Photograph of a musician standing at a train station with a cello

Take This Survey on Developing a Railcard for Musicians

Complete this brief survey to help campaign group Music Declares Emergency in their campaign to create a musician's railcard and encourage sustainable touring.

Published: 09 September 2020

Join the MU and Ivors Academy for an #AskTheMU Fix Streaming Special

The MU is delighted to host a special #FixStreaming edition of its #AskTheMU Twitter Q&A with MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies.

Published: 08 September 2020

Text over image: Be sure your voice is heard. Take our Covid-19 survey to help us help musicians

The Government Must Do More – Help Us Make the Case

Despite constant pressure from the MU, the Government’s response to the issues that the coronavirus pandemic is causing for our members remains woefully inadequate.

Published: 03 September 2020

Making Online Music Education Accessible and Inclusive

Joy Stacey of Drake Music summarises the key findings from Drake Music’s research in to how we can make online music education accessible and inclusive.

Published: 02 September 2020

Government Allows Full Resumption of School Music Provision in England

Visiting music teachers may return to schools, and ensemble rehearsals and performances can resume as long as health and safety measures are in place.

Published: 02 September 2020

a female singer performing in front of the transparent protective gig screen

Member Discount for Covid-19 'Gig Screens'

MU members can now get a 10% discount on 'gig screens' designed for live events.

Published: 02 September 2020

Riverside of the Clyde at Pacific Quay. The Clyde Auditorium, SSE Hydro concert venue

Funding For the Arts Sector Announced for Scotland

The Scottish Government have announced a £59m funding package for the culture and heritage sector to protect jobs and support the industry in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Published: 02 September 2020

US Visa Fee Increase as of October

New ruling from US Department of Homeland Security imposes steep increase to O and P visa filing fees.

Published: 02 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 saxophonist performing outdoors in a park setting.

Further Clarification for Performances and Rehearsals of Non-Professional Musicians in England

The Government has updated their Covid-19 guidance for those working in the performing arts, which clarifies that non-professional musicians can perform and rehearse in Covid-secure venues in England.

Published: 28 August 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

Photograph of a guitarist and saxophonist performing to an outdoor audience.

Scottish Government Publish New Guidance for Venues and Performing Arts

The guidance is intended to assist the performing arts and venues sector in Scotland on safe re-opening during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 25 August 2020

Woman talking in a microphone, she appears to be recording something for a talk broadcast.

New Report Shows Women Underrepresented on UK Radio

Women are underrepresented in UK radio according to a new report that reveals 81% of songs in the Top 100 Radio Airplay chart feature men.

Published: 24 August 2020

A person walking towards the direction on an arrow on pavement

Over 100 Organisations Including the MU Call for SEISS Extension

A joint letter is calling for Government to extend support for freelancers in the performing arts and entertainment industries after October.

Published: 20 August 2020

Young woman dancing at a festival, back view

Socially Distanced Theatre and Live Music Could Return to Scotland in September

Some outdoor live events in Scotland will be able to return with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene measures and restricted numbers from Monday 24 August.

Published: 20 August 2020

A man producing electronic music in home studio

Historic Governance Changes at PRS for Music

The MU is delighted that important changes to the governance of PRS for Music have been voted through by its members.

Published: 19 August 2020

'This is not a hobby, it's our profession' #WorkNotPlayMU

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic

The Musicians’ Union has received new reports of venues and events asking musicians to work for free. This is not acceptable.

Published: 19 August 2020

Teenage Pupil Playing Drums In Music Lesson

A-Level Results to be Based on Teacher Assessed Grades

We are pleased that the governments across all four nations of the UK will now be basing their A-level grades on teacher assessed grades.

Published: 18 August 2020

Second Round of Self Employment Income Support Scheme Open

The second round of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is now open for claims from freelancers across the UK.

Published: 17 August 2020

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Coronavirus Presses Mute Button on Music Industry

New Statistics Showing Pandemics Effect on Musicians Gain Media Coverage

New Covid-19 Restrictions: Key Points for Musicians

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

Brexit – where are we now?

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

ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

Q&A From #AskTheMU Streaming Special Now Available to Read Online

Looking to Reopen on a Larger Scale, a Lobbying Update

Further Guidance on the New Restrictions

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

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Application Feedback and Guidance for ACE National Lottery Project Grants

Sensoria Online Scoring Contest Announced

Members’ Discount on Morrish Solicitors’ Family Law Services

Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

Updated: Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo

Resources for World Suicide Prevention Day

Scotland Announces Six Person Restriction

New Rules for Social Gatherings in England Announced

Take This Survey on Developing a Railcard for Musicians

Join the MU and Ivors Academy for an #AskTheMU Fix Streaming Special

The Government Must Do More – Help Us Make the Case

Making Online Music Education Accessible and Inclusive

Government Allows Full Resumption of School Music Provision in England

Member Discount for Covid-19 'Gig Screens'

Funding For the Arts Sector Announced for Scotland

US Visa Fee Increase as of October

Examining the Values We Perform: Rule, Britannia!

Further Clarification for Performances and Rehearsals of Non-Professional Musicians in England

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

Scottish Government Publish New Guidance for Venues and Performing Arts

New Report Shows Women Underrepresented on UK Radio

Over 100 Organisations Including the MU Call for SEISS Extension

Socially Distanced Theatre and Live Music Could Return to Scotland in September

Historic Governance Changes at PRS for Music

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic

A-Level Results to be Based on Teacher Assessed Grades

Second Round of Self Employment Income Support Scheme Open