News & Stories for Musicians

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Decolonising the Music Curriculum

David Duncan, Publications Officer at London College of Music Examinations (LCM), explores how exam boards can play a role in shaping a more positive future by ensuring greater diversity in their syllabuses.

Published: 01 October 2019

A photograph of the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

International Momentum for Meaningful Change at the World Forum on Music

In this blog post, MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back from the International Music Council’s World Forum on Music. She explains the five rights for children, adults and musical artists, and how international momentum can help achieve meaningful change.

Published: 01 October 2019

Close up photograph of hands on a keyboard.

Opera North Seeks BAME Artists for Resonance Residencies

Opera North are seeking applications from music-makers and composers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds living in the north of England for their third programme of Resonance residencies, supported by PRS Foundation.

Published: 01 October 2019

Drawn image of six women's hands reading #SolidarityNotSilence

Crowdfunder for Solidarity Not Silence

The more we fight sexual harassment in the music industry, the more examples we see of survivors silenced by threats of legal action against them.

Published: 30 September 2019

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MU Delighted at Supreme Court Ruling

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has expressed delight at today’s Supreme Court decision that has ruled that Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament is not only unlawful, but also void.

Published: 25 September 2019

New series of ‘How to Release Your Music and Get Paid’ Workshops to be Held Across the North of England

PRS for Music and the MU are holding a series of events across the North of England entitled 'How To Release Your Music and Get Paid'.

Published: 24 September 2019

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MU Supports Radical Green Policy at Labour Party Conference

The MU has today supported a motion calling for the Labour Party to adopt a Green New Deal to tackle the climate crisis. The motion passed despite some opposition from the larger unions.

Published: 24 September 2019

MU Backs Remain Position at Labour Party Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) backed a remain position in the Brexit debate at Labour Party Conference.

Published: 23 September 2019

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

The MU is supporting and sponsoring this third edition of the Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word award by the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) and Culture Matters.

Published: 19 September 2019

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Sound City Ipswich Discounted Tickets for Members

Sound City Ipswich are pleased to announce an exclusive discount offer for MU members on Sound City Ipswich festival tickets.

Published: 18 September 2019

TUC Congress Supports the Inclusion of Freelancers in TUC Policy

TUC Congress delegates from across the movement showed their support for freelancers, voting for the inclusion of freelance workers in TUC policy.

Published: 11 September 2019

Survey Shows Serious Impact of ULEZ on MU Members

A survey of MU members who live or work in London was conducted in July. There were 869 responses, which is enough to give a picture of the impact the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) currently has, and the further impact its expansion will have.

Published: 10 September 2019

Photo of young girl writing music notes on a chalk board

Back to School: Five Resources for Teachers to Keep You at the Top of the Class

It’s the beginning of the academic new year, and a good time to run through a few of the resources for teachers that the MU offers. Use this handy checklist to make sure you’re getting the most out of your membership.

Published: 10 September 2019

Photograph of protesters at the People's Vote march holding signs

TUC Congress Backs MU Motion on Revoking Article 50

Delegates at TUC Congress vote to support a People’s Vote with remain as an option, calling on the TUC to campaign against the damaging right-wing agenda behind Brexit.

Published: 09 September 2019

Photograph of person playing double bass against a dark background. Credit: Shutterstock

Help Musicians Re-opens £10,000 Fund for Promising Emerging Jazz Performers

Music charity Help Musicians has opened the 2019 application process for its £10,000 jazz fund, the renowned Peter Whittingham Jazz Award.

Published: 06 September 2019

Photograph of miniature placard at a march reading

Attempt to Stop a ‘No Deal’ Brexit Supported by the MU

Staying in the European Union is still the best option for musicians. The MU supports Parliament’s attempts to stop a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, and calls for a People’s Vote.

Published: 04 September 2019

Photo of bows for sale hanging in a shop. Photo credit: Shutterstock

CITES Votes in Favour of Allowing Exemption for Musical Instruments made with Rosewood

At the latest meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – which was held in Geneva – attendees voted in favour of allowing exemptions for musical instruments made with rosewood.

Published: 03 September 2019

Musicians with a guitar singing on stage

Help Musicians UK Survey Looks at Mental Health Support

Help Musicians UK is reviewing their mental health and wellbeing support services for musicians.

Published: 28 August 2019

MU/UK Theatre agreement

Following the agreement being implemented in 2018 for a 3 year period.

Published: 28 August 2019

Kensington & Chelsea Busking Ban Update

The Musicians’ Union continues to campaign with Keep Streets Live against the recent decision made by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban buskers from performing in some of London’s most iconic locations.

Published: 28 August 2019

Burston Rally and Festival

The Musicians’ Union will be in attendance at this years Burston Strike School Rally in Norfolk on Sunday 1 September.

Published: 27 August 2019

Horace Trubridge, Alison McGovern MP, Naomi Pohl and Isabelle Gutierrez at Labour Party Conference 2018

Invite Your MP to Talk to the MU this Party Conference Season

Is your MP from the Labour or Conservative party? Invite them to talk to us this party conference season, as we go to Labour and Conservative party conferences to talk about the big issues affecting musicians.

Published: 21 August 2019

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

Scott Bowley tells us about signing a record deal with his band 13XL, and how the MU supported him through the process.

Published: 20 August 2019

Members of the alternative folk group 9Bach

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

When MU members Martin and alternative folk group 9Bach needed help negotiating a contract, they used the MU’s Contract Advisory Service to make sure they could navigate the negotiation and get a fair deal.

Published: 13 August 2019

PledgeMusic Liquidation Update

As a result of the winding up order made against Pledgemusic.com Limited in the High Court of Justice on 31 July 2019, the Official Receiver has become liquidator of the company.

Published: 07 August 2019

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Edinburgh International Festival August 2019: An Opportunity for Trade Unionists

The Edinburgh International Festival is running a series of discussions aimed at promoting dialogue between community activists, citizens and arts professionals.

Published: 02 August 2019

PRS for Music Launches Consultation on Live Classical Music Licenses

PRS for Music has launched a public consultation into the terms of its Tariff LC (Live Classical), which is used to license the use of music at classical music concerts and recitals.

Published: 01 August 2019

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Music industry organisations have put together a new resource pack for all musicians affected by the collapse of PledgeMusic.

Published: 01 August 2019

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Help save our funding!

The MU (along with other entertainment trade unions under the FEU) currently benefits from government funding for training for members. But this is now under threat!

Published: 31 July 2019

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

MU members have raised concerns regarding a promoter's view that bands should not highlight their diverse make up, and that doing so is a form of tokenism that will prevent them from being booked.

Published: 30 July 2019

Elevate Music podcast graphic with a person singing

New Podcast Looks at Musicians Health and Wellbeing

Help Musicians UK’s podcast series, Elevate Music, looks at health and wellbeing issues affecting musicians.

Published: 30 July 2019

conference room filled with members , Dave Webster leading the discussion

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge today introduced the Union’s first ever Members' Conference – which saw members and officials from across the regions, as well as the Union’s Executive Committee (EC), coming together to discuss essential decisions for the future of the MU.

Published: 24 July 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

Coach Tickets from London to Tolpuddle Festival

Equity have opened up their planned coach travel from London to Tolpuddle Festival to all members of entertainment unions – offering a £25 return journey to the Dorset festival.

Published: 21 July 2019

Government Announces Consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Government is gathering evidence on whether current laws on protecting people from sexual harassment in the workplace are effective.

Published: 19 July 2019

Adult hands raised to give answers in a classroom setting

How to Have Your Say in the Government Consultation on Sexual Harassment

We need the government to strengthen the law to prevent sexual harassment at work before it happens. And we need protections that recognise the fact that freelancers must have an equal level of protection to those in fixed employment.

Published: 19 July 2019

Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

The MU is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban busking in certain areas and enforce these bans through Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO).

Published: 18 July 2019

Speaker stands at the front of a room, with a screen behind reading

LGBTQ+ in Music: Where is the Representation?

This blog is created from the speech that MU member Olive gave at the TUC LGBT+ conference last week – moving a motion on the need for a broad and balanced LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum to ensure LGBTQ+ representation in music.

Published: 11 July 2019

Call for Information After Military Tattoo Advertises Month Long Engagement for Musicians with no Fee Available

It has recently been brought to the MU’s attention that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) has advertised for experienced musicians of what would appear to be a professional standard to apply to form a new stage band.

Published: 10 July 2019

Woman holding her back, exhibiting symptoms of pain

Scottish Members Asked to Complete Survey on Musculoskeletal Injury

Chartered Physiotherapist and BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) practitioner Maria J Lopez is inviting all musicians living within Scotland to complete a short questionnaire on current musculoskeletal injury rates.

Published: 09 July 2019

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All News and Features

Decolonising the Music Curriculum

International Momentum for Meaningful Change at the World Forum on Music

Opera North Seeks BAME Artists for Resonance Residencies

Crowdfunder for Solidarity Not Silence

MU Delighted at Supreme Court Ruling

New series of ‘How to Release Your Music and Get Paid’ Workshops to be Held Across the North of England

MU Supports Radical Green Policy at Labour Party Conference

MU Backs Remain Position at Labour Party Conference

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

Sound City Ipswich Discounted Tickets for Members

TUC Congress Supports the Inclusion of Freelancers in TUC Policy

Survey Shows Serious Impact of ULEZ on MU Members

Back to School: Five Resources for Teachers to Keep You at the Top of the Class

TUC Congress Backs MU Motion on Revoking Article 50

Help Musicians Re-opens £10,000 Fund for Promising Emerging Jazz Performers

Attempt to Stop a ‘No Deal’ Brexit Supported by the MU

CITES Votes in Favour of Allowing Exemption for Musical Instruments made with Rosewood

Help Musicians UK Survey Looks at Mental Health Support

MU/UK Theatre agreement

Kensington & Chelsea Busking Ban Update

Burston Rally and Festival

Invite Your MP to Talk to the MU this Party Conference Season

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

PledgeMusic Liquidation Update

Edinburgh International Festival August 2019: An Opportunity for Trade Unionists

PRS for Music Launches Consultation on Live Classical Music Licenses

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Help save our funding!

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

New Podcast Looks at Musicians Health and Wellbeing

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

Coach Tickets from London to Tolpuddle Festival

Government Announces Consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

How to Have Your Say in the Government Consultation on Sexual Harassment

Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

LGBTQ+ in Music: Where is the Representation?

Call for Information After Military Tattoo Advertises Month Long Engagement for Musicians with no Fee Available

Scottish Members Asked to Complete Survey on Musculoskeletal Injury