News & Stories for Musicians

Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Multi-genre drummer Amanda Dal tells us about how becoming a member of the MU helped her to skirt dodgy gig deals early in her career, and inspired her to get active and make a difference.

Published: 08 July 2019

Houses of Parliament at night, viewed from bridge

Growing Concern Over the Government’s Hostile Environment Policies Effect on Musicians

The MU is concerned at the growing impact of the Government’s hostile environment policies which are jeopardising musicians’ opportunities to work.

Published: 04 July 2019

An assortment of protesters waving flags

Call for Action to Protect Musicians Jeopardised by Hostile Environment Policies

The MU is concerned at the growing impact of the Government’s hostile environment policies which are jeopardising musicians’ opportunities to work.

Published: 04 July 2019

Photo of Millicent Stephenson holding a saxophone, with banner reading

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

Multi award winning saxophonist, Millicent Stephenson, tells us how joining the MU helped her develop her passion for music into a full-time career.

Published: 01 July 2019

Feminine presenting person playing a drum kit

QMU Becomes First Scottish Venue to Sign the Keychange 50/50 Pledge

The Queen Margaret Union (QMU), a students’ union at the University of Glasgow, has become the first live venue in Scotland to sign the Keychange 50/50 pledge – committing to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in their performers by 2022.

Published: 28 June 2019

Lone woman holds hand with open palm in front of her face

Support the Campaign to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work

The MU has joined forces with the TUC and an alliance of trade unions and women’s rights organisations to prevent sexual harassment at work.

Published: 26 June 2019

Member Discount on Practice Room Rentals at Schott Music London

Schott Music London has recently we opened two new practice rooms – alongside three already available for hire – to be rented out to teachers, students and music hobbyists alike.

Published: 21 June 2019

Andy Payne and his band The Heretic Order

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Drummer and teacher Andy Payne tells us about how advice from the MU has proved invaluable when making career choices.

Published: 21 June 2019

Children of The Windrush Generation Make Music

Millicent Stephenson explores the impact of the Windrush Generation on both her personal musical development, and on the development of music in the UK as a whole.

Published: 18 June 2019

Change to National Lottery Community Fund Application Process

National Lottery Community Fund applications have been made easier. Organisations can now submit their idea through a website form, structured around six main questions.

Published: 13 June 2019

Photograph of Megan O'Neill sitting in front of an amplifier with a guitar

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Irish born singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill tells us about the support she's received so far through membership of the MU.

Published: 13 June 2019

Call for Stewards at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath

The Women Chainmakers’ festival will be held 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday 6 July in Mary Macarthur Gardens, Cradley Heath, B64 5AB. The MU is looking for volunteers to steward or help on the stall on the day.

Published: 13 June 2019

Photo of Lester Clayton the band, with Lester Clayton on the far right.

Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

When an MU member found his band in a tricky situation, legal support from the MU took a weight off his shoulders.

Published: 12 June 2019

Photo from the Women's march in 2018, person holding large sign reading

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexual harassment in music

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexism, sexual harassment and abuse in the music industry following a Newsbeat investigation into the harassment experienced by fans.

Published: 11 June 2019

Photo of Ady Hall and Lee McCarthy in studio, with graphic text reading

Ady Hall: "The MU Has Got Your Back"

Music producer Ady Hall tells us about how the MU’s parental grant gave him peace of mind when he needed it.

Published: 10 June 2019

Aerial shot of the Stables venue in rural, green environment.

Action Needed to Protect Music Venue The Stables Under Renewed Threat

Members are urged to write to the Council, after developers seek to by-pass the protective measures put in place by Milton Keynes Council to save established music venue the Stables.

Published: 07 June 2019

The Senedd or National Assembly Building in Cardiff

Welsh Government Shifts Position on Brexit

The MU welcomes the news that the Welsh Government has officially announced that it will now primarily argue for the UK to stay in the EU.

Published: 06 June 2019

Photograph of singer outlined against stage lights

UK Music Industry Unites to Support Artists and Businesses Impacted by the Collapse of PledgeMusic

The MU has united with music trade organisations and charities in a bid to support UK artists and businesses impacted by the collapse of PledgeMusic – launching an impact assessment survey to help all those financially affected.

Published: 05 June 2019

Photograph of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen

Members of Musicians’ Unions Around the World Share Their Experiences at FIM Conference

The International Federation of Musicians (FIM) recently hosted a conference in Copenhagen to discuss the issues that freelance musicians face and how trade unions can better organise and provide relevant services and benefits to freelancers.

Published: 04 June 2019

Photo of Sally Rea Morris, with caption reading reading

Sally Rea Morris: "The MU Have Felt Like a Much-needed Support System"

Country singer-songwriter Sally Rea Morris tells us how becoming a member of the MU made taking the leap into being a full time, self-employed musician a little less scary.

Published: 03 June 2019

Image of colourful houses on a hill in Bristol

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation

Bristol @ Night, an advisory group on the night time economy for Bristol Council, is calling on musicians to assist them in their consultation into Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) in Bristol by completing a short survey.

Published: 31 May 2019

Photograph of Bournemouth pier at sunset

Call for Inclusive Music Education at the Trades Union Congress Disabled Workers Conference

Musicians’ Union (MU) delegates called for inclusive music education for all children at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Disabled Workers Conference.

Published: 31 May 2019

Musicians’ Union Calls for General Election

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is calling for a General Election to follow the resignation of the Prime Minister.

Published: 24 May 2019

New Report from TUC Reveals That Nearly 7 in 10 LGBT People Say They Have Been Sexually Harassed at Work

Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people report being sexually harassed at work, according to new research published by the TUC on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia today.

Published: 17 May 2019

Petition to Stop the Busking Bans in Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are proposing to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order which means that buskers could be subjected to a fine of up to £1000.

Published: 17 May 2019

Photograph close up of Microphone on neutral background

Applications Encouraged to BBC Scotland Debate Night

BBC Scotland’s new discussion programme, hosted by Stephen Jardine, is looking for members to be part of the audience and put their questions to the people in power.

Published: 17 May 2019

Liver Building in Liverpool against blue sky

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Partnership

A new partnership between BAPAM and Liverpool Philharmonic is now providing free Performing Arts Medicine Clinics at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Published: 13 May 2019

Arts Council England Announces £1.5 Million Budget to Support Grassroots Live Music

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes Arts Council England’s (ACE) announcement of a new ring-fenced budget to support projects hosting and promoting live music in grassroots venues.

Published: 10 May 2019

Pledge Music to go into Administration

Music crowdfunding website Pledge Music, which registers over 45,000 musicians, has announced it will be going into administration

Published: 09 May 2019

Next Stage Survey Reveals 2 In 3 Musicians Have Compromised Health and Wellbeing to Perform Live

Attitude is Everything’s Next Stage survey, supported by the Musicians’ Union, reveals 2 in 3 musicians have had to compromise their health and wellbeing to perform live.

Published: 09 May 2019

Poster of different musicians playing under

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is supporting Make Music Day – an event which aims to turn the country into a stage and offer a full spectrum of performers the opportunity to display their musical skills.

Published: 08 May 2019

The MU at Birmingham Pride

The MU joined Birmingham Pride march on 25 May 2019.

Published: 30 April 2019

Portrait photograph of band members Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, with text

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

Scottish duo The Eves, Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie , talk through their reasons for joining the Musicians’ Union (MU) and why it’s benefited them.

Published: 30 April 2019

Photograph of different trade union banners being held aloft

May Day Marches in the North of England

Members are encouraged to join a May Day March, where trade unionists and the labour movement will come together to celebrate efforts to improve workers’ rights.

Published: 30 April 2019

Primary aged children take part in a classroom ukulele lesson.

Crowd Funding Appeal for Judicial Review of Music Tuition Fees in Scottish State Schools

A crowd funding appeal is underway to raise £15,000 to pay the legal fees for the necessary first steps in a potential judicial review of the lawfulness of fees for musical instrument tuition in Scotland's state schools.

Published: 25 April 2019

Banner at the People's Vote March reading

Sign the Petition For a People’s Vote

Campaign group Labour for a Public Vote is calling on everyone who supports a People’s Vote to sign their petition for a confirmatory vote on Brexit.

Published: 25 April 2019

UK Music Launches 2019 Survey for Music Creators

UK Music has launched its annual music industry survey, and the Musicians’ Union is encouraging members to take part.

Published: 25 April 2019

Lineup of percussive instruments for classroom use

Breaking the Class Ceiling in Music Education

MPs and Peers looked at access to music and the challenges emerging artists face in the second session of the ‘Breaking the Class Ceiling’ inquiry.

Published: 23 April 2019

New Performing Arts Medicine Clinic at the Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast

BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) are opening a new free clinic for performing arts professionals and students in Northern Ireland.

Published: 18 April 2019

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

The Musicians’ Union is delighted that the TUC Black Workers Conference voted to support music education in schools and end discrimination against drill artists.

Published: 17 April 2019

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Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Growing Concern Over the Government’s Hostile Environment Policies Effect on Musicians

Call for Action to Protect Musicians Jeopardised by Hostile Environment Policies

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

QMU Becomes First Scottish Venue to Sign the Keychange 50/50 Pledge

Support the Campaign to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work

Member Discount on Practice Room Rentals at Schott Music London

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Children of The Windrush Generation Make Music

Change to National Lottery Community Fund Application Process

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Call for Stewards at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath

Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexual harassment in music

Ady Hall: "The MU Has Got Your Back"

Action Needed to Protect Music Venue The Stables Under Renewed Threat

Welsh Government Shifts Position on Brexit

UK Music Industry Unites to Support Artists and Businesses Impacted by the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Members of Musicians’ Unions Around the World Share Their Experiences at FIM Conference

Sally Rea Morris: "The MU Have Felt Like a Much-needed Support System"

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation

Call for Inclusive Music Education at the Trades Union Congress Disabled Workers Conference

Musicians’ Union Calls for General Election

New Report from TUC Reveals That Nearly 7 in 10 LGBT People Say They Have Been Sexually Harassed at Work

Petition to Stop the Busking Bans in Kensington and Chelsea

Applications Encouraged to BBC Scotland Debate Night

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Partnership

Arts Council England Announces £1.5 Million Budget to Support Grassroots Live Music

Pledge Music to go into Administration

Next Stage Survey Reveals 2 In 3 Musicians Have Compromised Health and Wellbeing to Perform Live

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

The MU at Birmingham Pride

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

May Day Marches in the North of England

Crowd Funding Appeal for Judicial Review of Music Tuition Fees in Scottish State Schools

Sign the Petition For a People’s Vote

UK Music Launches 2019 Survey for Music Creators

Breaking the Class Ceiling in Music Education

New Performing Arts Medicine Clinic at the Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists