News & Stories for Musicians

Two people sitting in the car moving to live music facing the sun

Scottish Government Gives Green Light For Live Drive-in Events

The Scottish government have given the go ahead for live events to be held as drive-in entertainment from Wednesday 22 July.

Published: 21 July 2020

Third Round of PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund Opens to Support Black Musicians

This targeted round of funding recognises the Black music community is disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, and is open for applications from UK-based Black music creators from 16 July to 10 August.

Published: 21 July 2020

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Special Covid-19 Episodes of Elevate Podcast Released

Elevate Music and Help Musicians have teamed up to create three special episodes of the Elevate Music Podcast, exploring life for musicians during the pandemic.

Published: 21 July 2020

New Series of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Published

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: 21 July 2020

Photograph of a couple of guitars set back stage in an indoor venue

Indoor Performances May Return in England From 1 August

On Friday 17 July, the Prime Minister announced that indoor live performances (with social distancing) should be able to resume in England from Saturday 1 August.

Published: 20 July 2020

Photograph of the Manchester skyline at sunset

Deep Sadness as Key Manchester Venues Close Doors

Key Manchester venues Deaf Institute and Gorilla have announced their permanent closure, due to financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 17 July 2020

Two adults having a discussion in sign-language

Drake Music Hosts Conversation on Making Online Music Education Accessible

Drake Music is a national arts charity working in music, disability and technology – they’ve publishing findings from their most recent working group meeting on online accessibility.

Published: 16 July 2020

Photograph of a red MP3 player from the early '00s with headphones.

MP3 Turns 25 Years Old This Week

14 July marked 25 years since the file format was officially given its name. This week, music industry figures including our own Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl, reflect on the file that changed the music industry.

Published: 16 July 2020

Photograph of a musician in a facemask, holding a guitar and looking fed up.

Music Students Needed for Research Into Covid-19 and Practice Motivation

Music students are invited to take part in Trinity Laban's cross-arts research, which is investigating the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on virtual learning and teaching experiences.

Published: 16 July 2020

a female student and teacher playing piano

New Advice for Teachers Returning to Workplaces

In light of the new Government guidance meaning teachers can begin face to face lessons again in England, we’ve published new advice on returning to work as a teacher.

Published: 14 July 2020

Black female singer wearing headphones is performing and recording a song in a music studio.

The MU is Supporting the Campaign to #MakeWomenVisible

We’ve joined 65+ organisations who are calling on the Government to #MakeWomenVisible as lockdown is lifted.

Published: 14 July 2020

Movement in contact improvisation at Feldenkrais workshop

Changing Habits Through Your Feldenkrais Practice

Emma Alter, tutor for our regular (now Zoom based) Feldenkrais classes, discusses, how we can get up close and curious with our habits, and discover more about how we work.

Published: 14 July 2020

Photograph of a young man sat at a piano

New Series of Articles to Inspire Young People in the Music Industry Released

Ten new articles have been published by the Young Guns Network (YGN), aiming to inspire, educate and interest young people aged 18-30 in music.

Published: 13 July 2020

The Government Endorses Industry-Led Guidance for Music Production

Music production guidance is now available to enable professional music production to restart with confidence and clarity.

Published: 10 July 2020

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Richard Steggall has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in response to the recent announcements regarding the guidance on playing wind and brass instruments.

Published: 10 July 2020

Musician is playing a guitar on stage outdoors

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

Outdoor live performance in front of audiences permitted in England under new Government performing arts guidance.

Published: 10 July 2020

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-Two

In part-two of Sam’s blog on monetising livestreamed performances, he talks with Artistic Director Kenneth Killeen about what the future may look like for venues, performers, and monetized livestreamed performances.

Published: 09 July 2020

Female violinist playing at a garden wedding

Playing at Weddings: Hold the Macerena

MU National Organiser for Live Performance, Dave Webster, discusses how it does now seem possible for some live music to take place at weddings in England only – however it’s unlikely that anyone will be doing The Macerena any time soon.

Published: 09 July 2020

Stands for music note standing in the church

Advice for Organists in Places of Worship

New guidance from the Government means that organists can now practice in places of workship, as long as the right measures are in place.

Published: 09 July 2020

Photograph of the house of parliament, with the sun rising in the background

MPs Join the MU to Beg the Chancellor Not to Ignore the Excluded

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how, after a busy week in parliament, the big news is the Government's announcement of a £1.57bn package of financial support for the arts sector.

Published: 09 July 2020

Input Needed on Fair Pay for Performers Campaign

The PayPerformers campaign are looking for participants for their survey, help inform their work with your anonymous contribution.

Published: 09 July 2020

Government Announces that in England Live Performances can Take Place Outside

From the weekend of 11 July, live performances can take place outside in England.

Published: 09 July 2020

Photograph of female identifying musician playing acoustic guitar on an outdoor stage, green trees in the background

We’ve Now Allocated Over £1m to Musicians Facing Hardship

Valuable PPL contributions have assisted our crucial payments to artists facing hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 08 July 2020

Man hanging out with a cup of coffee and his laptop

Free Group Coaching from RE:SET

We’re supporting RE:SET, a new virtual action learning programme for artists and creative freelancers, developed by creative agitators the hub.

Published: 08 July 2020

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-One

In part-one of musician and lecturer Sam Leak’s blog on monetising live performances he discusses paywalls, ticketing and how to keep your audience engaged.

Published: 07 July 2020

Summer of Live Festival in Aid of Our Coronavirus Hardship Fund for Musicians

We’re joining forces with the British Underground to present a Summer of Live Online event on Saturday 18 July, hosted by the award-winning Greg Russell and featuring the talents of John Smith, Lady Nade and Chloe Foy.

Published: 07 July 2020

musician with a guitar on the stage with the backlight

Concerns on New Arts Package Raised in Parliament

The Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Jo Stevens MP, asked an urgent question to the Minister for Culture, Caroline Dinenage MP, in parliament today on the subject of the arts package announced this week by the Government.

Published: 07 July 2020

Photograph of an empty backstage, set up for a music performance to go live

£1.57bn Cultural Fund Announced by the Government

The announcement brings welcome reassurance for live music venues and theatres, but must be followed by financial support for creative workers.

Published: 06 July 2020

The Usher Hall, a concert hall in Edinburgh

Vital Performing Arts Venue Funding Announced for Scotland

A £10 million fund to support Scotland’s performing arts venues has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

Published: 03 July 2020

We’re Calling on Local Authorities to Support Open Air Music Performance

We’re calling on the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government and local authorities to encourage the generation of local culture through live music, whilst respecting safe distancing in keeping with the latest government guidelines.

Published: 03 July 2020

Photo of music audience crowd, hands raised towards off-shot performer

Let The Music Play Campaign Calls for Vital Financial Support from the Government

Today UK Music, an umbrella organisation of which the MU is a part, has launched a campaign highlighting the huge challenges the music industry is currently facing and possible solutions.

Published: 02 July 2020

Understanding Your Value as a Musician: Making The Most of Working From Home

Musician Sherika Sherard talks to us about her lockdown experience, from her last day of busking, to slowly finding her rhythm from home and the things that she’s learnt along the way.

Published: 02 July 2020

£4m Lifeline for the Arts Sector in Northern Ireland Announced

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín announced a major £4 million lifeline for the arts sector in Northern Ireland, as part of the Executive’s June Monitoring round.

Published: 02 July 2020

Member Discount for Level Three Education and Training Online Course

London College of Arts & Media are offering MU members a discount of over 75% on their Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

Published: 02 July 2020

Talking Classical Podcast Discusses Racism

Double Bassist Leon Bosch discusses his personal experiences of racism in classical music in a recent episode of Talking Classical, which you can listen back to online.

Published: 02 July 2020

View of Big Ben from Westminister Bridge

Our Call for Financial Support Referenced in PMQs

Bambos Charalambous MP asked the Prime Minister to heed calls from the MU to provide financial support and ensure the survival of the arts sector.

Published: 01 July 2020

Recording Studio Guidance Published by Scottish Government

The Scottish Government has published new guidance for the creative industries, in particular for providers and users of creative studios in Scotland, for safer working during the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 01 July 2020

Photograph of musician performing on stage.

Take Action and Call for Vital Financial Support

Ask your MP to support a sector specific financial support package to protect our vital cultural assets – and the musicians who work in them.

Published: 01 July 2020

Photograph of a young percussion student sat behind a drum kit.

Members’ PLI Valid from 4 July for Face to Face Teaching

We’ve had confirmation that the Public Liability Insurance which our members are covered by will be valid for face to face teaching in England from 4 July.

Published: 01 July 2020

Orchestras Begin Tentative Start on the Comeback Trail

Following the Culture Secretary’s vague lockdown easement plan, we discuss how important it is that every attempt must be made to mitigate risk, the tentative first steps that some Orchestras have been taking, and the collective determination of musicians to be heard.

Published: 30 June 2020

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Scottish Government Gives Green Light For Live Drive-in Events

Third Round of PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund Opens to Support Black Musicians

Special Covid-19 Episodes of Elevate Podcast Released

New Series of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Published

Indoor Performances May Return in England From 1 August

Deep Sadness as Key Manchester Venues Close Doors

Drake Music Hosts Conversation on Making Online Music Education Accessible

MP3 Turns 25 Years Old This Week

Music Students Needed for Research Into Covid-19 and Practice Motivation

New Advice for Teachers Returning to Workplaces

The MU is Supporting the Campaign to #MakeWomenVisible

Changing Habits Through Your Feldenkrais Practice

New Series of Articles to Inspire Young People in the Music Industry Released

The Government Endorses Industry-Led Guidance for Music Production

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-Two

Playing at Weddings: Hold the Macerena

Advice for Organists in Places of Worship

MPs Join the MU to Beg the Chancellor Not to Ignore the Excluded

Input Needed on Fair Pay for Performers Campaign

Government Announces that in England Live Performances can Take Place Outside

We’ve Now Allocated Over £1m to Musicians Facing Hardship

Free Group Coaching from RE:SET

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-One

Summer of Live Festival in Aid of Our Coronavirus Hardship Fund for Musicians

Concerns on New Arts Package Raised in Parliament

£1.57bn Cultural Fund Announced by the Government

Vital Performing Arts Venue Funding Announced for Scotland

We’re Calling on Local Authorities to Support Open Air Music Performance

Let The Music Play Campaign Calls for Vital Financial Support from the Government

Understanding Your Value as a Musician: Making The Most of Working From Home

£4m Lifeline for the Arts Sector in Northern Ireland Announced

Member Discount for Level Three Education and Training Online Course

Talking Classical Podcast Discusses Racism

Our Call for Financial Support Referenced in PMQs

Recording Studio Guidance Published by Scottish Government

Take Action and Call for Vital Financial Support

Members’ PLI Valid from 4 July for Face to Face Teaching

Orchestras Begin Tentative Start on the Comeback Trail