News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of crowd in a small music venue dancing to the music.

Government Announces Welcome Rates Relief for Music Venues in 2020

We’re delighted at the news that grassroots music venues with a rateable value of below £51,000 will not have to pay business rates this year.

Published: 11 March 2020

Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Working in Poland

Nearly a third of Poland has been declared an LGBT+ free zone, as 100 local authorities have said they will not promote LGBT+ tolerance or acceptance. This includes funding NGOs working to promote equality.

Published: 10 March 2020

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Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

Following the cancellation of this years’ SXSW festival in Austin Texas, members invited to the Showcase are advised that unless they are in possession of a valid ‘O’ or ‘P’ work visa they should not attend.

Published: 09 March 2020

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The Future of Funding for Culture in Dorset: Have Your Say

Dorset Council are proposing significant changes to how funding is awarded to organisations in the culture, community, and voluntary sectors in the county.

Published: 06 March 2020

Photograph of man raising conductors baton.

Support the Classical Music Sector by Taking ACE’s Diversity Survey

Arts Council England (ACE) have recently launched a survey to explore diversity in the classical music sector.

Published: 05 March 2020

Photograph of a person playing guitar on an outdoor stage.

Arts Council Northern Ireland Releases Annual Funding Survey Results

Arts Council Northern Ireland recently published its findings from a survey of 102 arts and culture organisations in receipt of funding through its Annual Funding Programme.

Published: 05 March 2020

New PACT Agreement

We are delighted to have reached a three-year agreement with the Producers Alliance for Cinema & Television (PACT) which went live 1 March 2020.

Published: 05 March 2020

Discount for MU Members at Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Un-Convention Manchester is a conference for those who create and champion independent music. They are offering a 50% discount on tickets to MU members.

Published: 03 March 2020

Photograph of a placard being held up at a march, reading SOS and painted like a European flag

MU Call For Reciprocal Musicians’ Passport to Protect Musicians Working in the EU More Urgent Than Ever

Proposed immigration plans that could cover musicians have come to light and are circulating online.

Published: 21 February 2020

Fight Not Over for Edinburgh Music Service

City of Edinburgh Council has passed a budget that includes significant cuts to our instrumental music service. But the fight is not over yet.

Published: 21 February 2020

Photograph of Henry singing and playing a nord piano keyboard at the Pride In London contest

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

MU member and session pianist and vocalist Henry Newbury (winner of Pride’s Got Talent) talks about his personal experience in establishing a career as a professional musician.

Published: 20 February 2020

Photograph of various members of the Musicians' Union in Finland stood with MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

Musicians' Union of Finland Visits the MU's London HQ

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge was delighted to welcome a team from the Musicians’ Union of Finland to our London HQ this week.

Published: 20 February 2020

Photograph of people rehearsing in a band environment.

It's Heart Unions Week: Here's What We're Thankful For

It’s Heart Unions Week! A celebration of trade unions and the work they do every day giving people a voice at work and in the halls of power.

Published: 15 February 2020

Photograph of a group of children singing in a school classroom setting. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Join the Call Against City of Edinburgh Council’s Incapacitating Music Service Cuts

Members and music lovers are encouraged to sign our petition, calling on City of Edinburgh Council to let every child learn music, in the wake of the council’s proposition of significant cuts to its instrumental music service.

Published: 14 February 2020

Photo of children learning on percussion instruments in a group setting.

The MU Partners up With ‘Learn to Play Day’ for Second Year Running

Learn to Play Day is a nationwide initiative to get people of all ages and abilities playing a musical instrument and will take place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2020.

Published: 14 February 2020

Photograph of vintage style model record player, and silly animal hanging from ceiling holding a vinyl record

PPL Report Record High of £86.7m in International Collections

The MU today welcomed the news that music licensing company PPL has collected £86.7m in international monies in 2019 and achieved a growth of £15.8m on the total secured in 2018.

Published: 07 February 2020

Photograph from the back of the MU Orchestral Conference, looking across members' heads to the panel discussion. Photo credit: Shutterstock

MU Orchestral Conference Focuses on Support Needed for Sustainable Careers

The fifth annual MU Orchestral Conference was held in Manchester last week. It focused on sustainable careers – from supporting musicians’ mental and physical health to reaffirming Orchestras’ fundamental place in society.

Published: 07 February 2020

MU Nominates Keir Starmer as Leader and Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

The MU has announced its nomination of Sir Keir Starmer as Leader and former MU member Dr Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader for the upcoming Labour Party leadership elections.

Published: 06 February 2020

Concern Over Threat to Future of BBC Funding

The MU is concerned by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nicky Morgan’s confirmation that the government is considering the removal of the BBC licence fee over the long-term yesterday morning.

Published: 06 February 2020

Musicians playing in a home studio setting. Photo credit: Shutterstock

MU Signs Up to Keychange Initiative and Pledges to Work Towards Fifty-fifty Gender Representation

PRS Foundation’s Keychange initiative has now opened up to organisations within the music industry, having previously focused on music festivals and major events.

Published: 05 February 2020

Photograph of children practising string instruments in classroom setting.

Benedetti Foundation Opens Applications for Teacher Training and Student Workshop Weekend in Dundee

The Benedetti Foundation will be back in Scotland in March, with their next full Benedetti Sessions weekend taking place in Caird Hall, Dundee.

Published: 03 February 2020

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The Fight to Protect Musicians’ Rights Continues Beyond Brexit Day

The UK is out of the European Union as of Friday 31 January. But the fight to protect musicians working in the EU is far from over. More than ever, the campaign for the Musicians’ Passport needs your support.

Published: 31 January 2020

MU Express Their Delight at Council’s Rates Cut for Iconic 100 Club

The MU is delighted to learn that Westminster Council has today acted to secure the long-term future of London’s legendary 100 Club with an announcement that the venue will be offered 100% Business Rate Relief from 1 April 2020.

Published: 29 January 2020

Photograph of a sign in Westminster, pointing towards Leicester Square, Soho, Piccadilly Circus and other famous locations

Protect Busking Culture in the West End by Responding to Council’s Consultation

The MU has serious concerns over Westminster County Council'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: 27 January 2020

Photograph of musician playing electric guitar on stage with smokey background and lights of various colours.

Business Rates for Grassroots Music Venues Have Been Slashed

Following intensive lobbying from across the UK music industry, the Government have announced details of a 50% reduction in business rates for small and medium sized grassroots music venues.

Published: 27 January 2020

6 MPs on Working in the EU post-Brexit and the Musicians’ Passport

The MU is fighting for a Musicians’ Passport so that you can keep working in the EU post-Brexit. And it looks like the message is getting through.

Published: 27 January 2020

Photograph of sheet music on stand, with blurred cello student in the background

Release of Charter for Visiting Music Teachers to Help Schools Provide the Best Support

The MU has produced a Charter for Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) in joint partnership with the NEU, to set out what VMTs require from schools to do their jobs effectively.

Published: 23 January 2020

Photograph of small dog writing in a letter. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Tell Your New MP About the Musicians’ Passport

The MU is fighting for musicians’ rights to keep working in the EU post-Brexit. We’re calling for a Musicians’ Passport – and more than 40,000 people have signed the petition to show their support.

Published: 22 January 2020

Photograph of violin on its side, in shadow

ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

English National Opera (ENO) are recruiting five new string players from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background in a positive effort to ensure their Orchestra more fairly reflects our society.

Published: 20 January 2020

Registering to Vote in the Labour Party Leadership Election

MU members should be aware that they are not automatically eligible to vote in the up coming Labour Party leadership election. Members who wish to vote will need to complete the following steps.

Published: 13 January 2020

Photo of person playing a guitar. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 Open for Entries

The Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 is open for entries, with five prizes of £100 each up for grabs. The deadline for entries is 14 February 2020.

Published: 08 January 2020

US/Canada Border, Peace Arch, Washington state, USA

Possible Delays Entering the US for Iranian Nationals

Performing artists who are Iranian nationals or individuals of Iranian descent should anticipate delays entering the US.

Published: 07 January 2020

Photograph of small suitcases in an aircraft cabin stowage

Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Flybe has listened to the concerns of musicians, and following a letter sent by the MU late last year, has amended its cabin baggage terms and conditions to accommodate small instruments.

Published: 06 January 2020

Photo of baggage being loaded into a place

Change in Flybe’s Musical Instruments on Planes Policy

The MU was disappointed to learn that Flybe’s Musical Instrument Policy has recently been updated, to the detriment of musicians travelling with their instruments.

Published: 16 December 2019

Next Steps for Musicians Following the General Election

The Conservatives have won an overall majority in the general election. It’s now almost certain that we will get a Tory Brexit, which means musicians are likely to face new barriers to working in the EU post-Brexit.

Published: 13 December 2019

Tribute to Kenneth Howell, Trumpet and Flugal Horn Player

This tribute to MU member Kenneth Howell has been provided by his wife Deirdre Howell.

Published: 13 December 2019

Crowd raises their hand in a concert venue. Photo credit: Shutter stock

Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) have confirmed that MU members can claim a discount to their flagship conference in February, alongside their announcement that 2020’s conference will be going ‘panel-less’.

Published: 10 December 2019

Two people in a coffee shop both look at a mobile phone one of them is holding, exchanging numbers.

7 Things That will Help Your Networking Work Harder for You

Networking is an essential skill for working in the music industry. For some people it’s a lot of fun, for others it feels a little more like hard work.

Published: 10 December 2019

Photograph of Duncan Lamont, celebrated Scottish jazz saxophonist

Tribute to Duncan Lamont

This tribute for celebrated Scottish jazz saxophonist Duncan Lamont, has been written by his son, Duncan Lamont Jnr.

Published: 06 December 2019

Poster with illustration of two women dancing happily reading #ForTheLoveOfMusic, find out more at theMU.org/safespace

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting

A recent MU survey revealed 48% of musicians have experienced sexual harassment at work. Over 85% did not report it.

Published: 06 December 2019

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Government Announces Welcome Rates Relief for Music Venues in 2020

Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Working in Poland

Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

The Future of Funding for Culture in Dorset: Have Your Say

Support the Classical Music Sector by Taking ACE’s Diversity Survey

Arts Council Northern Ireland Releases Annual Funding Survey Results

New PACT Agreement

Discount for MU Members at Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

MU Call For Reciprocal Musicians’ Passport to Protect Musicians Working in the EU More Urgent Than Ever

Fight Not Over for Edinburgh Music Service

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

Musicians' Union of Finland Visits the MU's London HQ

It's Heart Unions Week: Here's What We're Thankful For

Join the Call Against City of Edinburgh Council’s Incapacitating Music Service Cuts

The MU Partners up With ‘Learn to Play Day’ for Second Year Running

PPL Report Record High of £86.7m in International Collections

MU Orchestral Conference Focuses on Support Needed for Sustainable Careers

MU Nominates Keir Starmer as Leader and Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

Concern Over Threat to Future of BBC Funding

MU Signs Up to Keychange Initiative and Pledges to Work Towards Fifty-fifty Gender Representation

Benedetti Foundation Opens Applications for Teacher Training and Student Workshop Weekend in Dundee

The Fight to Protect Musicians’ Rights Continues Beyond Brexit Day

MU Express Their Delight at Council’s Rates Cut for Iconic 100 Club

Protect Busking Culture in the West End by Responding to Council’s Consultation

Business Rates for Grassroots Music Venues Have Been Slashed

6 MPs on Working in the EU post-Brexit and the Musicians’ Passport

Release of Charter for Visiting Music Teachers to Help Schools Provide the Best Support

Tell Your New MP About the Musicians’ Passport

ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

Registering to Vote in the Labour Party Leadership Election

Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 Open for Entries

Possible Delays Entering the US for Iranian Nationals

Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Change in Flybe’s Musical Instruments on Planes Policy

Next Steps for Musicians Following the General Election

Tribute to Kenneth Howell, Trumpet and Flugal Horn Player

Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

7 Things That will Help Your Networking Work Harder for You

Tribute to Duncan Lamont

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting