News & Stories for Musicians

Tribute to Levine Andrade

Outstanding violist, violinist, conductor and founding member of the Arditti Quartet.

Published: 16 April 2019

May Day Marches Across Scotland and Northern Ireland

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: 16 April 2019

Concern About Recent Protests Over Schools Teaching About Same-Sex Relationships

The MU is concerned at the recent protests in Birmingham regarding schools teaching about same-sex relationships, LGBTQ+ rights and topics covered in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 April 2019

Help Musicians UK Opens Round Two of its 360-degree Fund for Music Creators Do It Differently

Musicians’ Union members may be interested in this pivotal fund for independent music creators, which offers a support package across creative, well-being and business.

Published: 12 April 2019

Brexit Extended for up to Six Months

Following talks between European Union leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May, Brexit has been extended for up to six months.

Published: 11 April 2019

Highlights From the TUC Young Workers Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) was delighted to take a delegation to the TUC Young Workers’ Conference 2019.

Published: 05 April 2019

Shaping the Future, Paving the Way: Manifesto For Change (Part 1)

A manifesto of change produced by participants of the MU Women in Music conference 2019.

Published: 05 April 2019

Children learning trumpet and clarinet in classroom setting

New Musicians' Union Research Reveals Perilous State of Music Education and Calls on Government to Let Every Child Learn Music

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has launched State of Play, a comprehensive report into the state of music education, following extensive research led by Dr Jonathan Savage (Manchester Metropolitan University) and David Barnard (MU Music Education Official).

Published: 02 April 2019

Empty classroom with chairs and music stands.

New Report Makes Urgent Recommendations for Future of Music Education

New Musicians’ Union (MU) research reveals the perilous state of music education in England, caused by chaotic education policies that have created a postcode lottery in provision.

Published: 02 April 2019

Naomi Pohl Recognised on the shesaid.so Alternative Power 100 Music List

We are delighted that Musicians’ Union (MU) Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl is recognised on the shesaid.so Alternative Power 100 Music List. This year’s theme is community, a value at the heart of the trade union movement.

Published: 02 April 2019

Brexit Deal Voted Down in Parliament for the Third Time

Theresa May’s Brexit deal has today been voted down by the House of Commons. The UK now has until 12 April 2019 to set out its next steps. Any delay beyond 12 April will be dependent on approval from the EU.

Published: 29 March 2019

MU/UK Theatre Rate increases from 1 April 2019

The following rate increases will apply from 1 April 2019 for musicians working under the Musicians’ Union’s (MU) agreement with UK Theatre.

Published: 29 March 2019

Musicians’ Union (MU) launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists

New Musicians’ Union Live Advice

The MU launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists.

Published: 28 March 2019

Release of New Report on Music Education in Scotland Highlights Concerns

The new research project pulls together findings and recommendations for music education in Scotland.

Published: 28 March 2019

Monthly Feldenkrais classes starting from May 2019

The Musicians’ Union (MU) will be holding a series of workshops exploring how your habits of movement can constrain your potential – both on and off the stage.

Published: 28 March 2019

Members’ Discount Available on Music Education Toolkit ‘Music Tutor’s Hero’

‘Music Tutor’s Hero’ aims to help self-employed music teachers deliver interactive lessons for pupils and parents whilst enhancing their teaching business.

Published: 28 March 2019

Three event participants sit under a slide reading

Home of Metal Symposium and Workshop: Call for Papers and Workshop Participants

Home of Metal is a celebration of the music that was born in Birmingham. It’s exhibitions and events seek to join the dots between music, social history, visual art and fan cultures to produce a new perspective on Heavy Metal.

Published: 28 March 2019

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Copyright Directive Success

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted that the European Parliament has passed the final Copyright Directive text.

Published: 26 March 2019

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Brexit Delay

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has welcomed the European Union’s (EU) offer to postpone Brexit beyond 29 March. We had real concerns that parliament would not come to an agreement in time to avoid a No Deal scenario.

Published: 21 March 2019

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

The MU and the ABO have created a joint Manifesto for British Orchestras and are collectively inviting orchestras to sign up.

Published: 21 March 2019

Report Released Recommending that Government Must Act Now to Protect Music

A new report from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee says the Government must act now to protect music. The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to see the inquiry take on board our concerns about working in the European Union (EU) post-Brexit.

Published: 20 March 2019

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Social Mobility

The Performers’ Alliance All Party Parliamentary Group is looking into social mobility in the creative sector, including music.

Published: 19 March 2019

Call for Members Working as Traditional Musicians in Scotland to Complete Survey

The Traditional Music Forum has launched a survey which aims to capture the economic realities for traditional and folk musicians in Scotland today.

Published: 18 March 2019

Musicians in the Midlands Encouraged to Take Part in Arts Council England Research Survey

Arts Council England (ACE) are running a survey to identify and assess the challenges, opportunities and funding needs within the Midlands’ music scene, enabling them to target future support effectively.

Published: 18 March 2019

Win a Goodie Bag by Completing a SkillCheck Quiz with Unionlearn

SkillCheck is a tool created by unionlearn for the use of unions to help deliver learning in the workplace.

Published: 18 March 2019

Musicians’ Union Support for the People’s Vote March

The Musicians' Union (MU) will have a presence at the People’s Vote march in London on 23 March, and has t-shirts and placards available for members who plan to attend.

Published: 15 March 2019

A Tribute to John Edney

A tribute to John Edney, 30 August 1935 – 23 January 2019. Compiled from tributes by Nigel Douglas, Steve Dagg and John Smith.

Published: 14 March 2019

Mentoring Scheme for Female MU Members Launched

The MU and shesaid.so have combined forces to support women in the industry by matching fellow musicians together, to help one another grow and succeed in their careers.

Published: 13 March 2019

Musicians’ Union to Attend Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to be attending Trades Union Congress (TUC) Women’s Conference once again this Women’s History Month.

Published: 07 March 2019

Young Guns Network Talks Sponsorship and Finding Funding

Young Guns Network’s latest panel looked at sponsorship and how you can find funding for new releases, events and other music industry projects.

Published: 06 March 2019

Labour Party Backs a Second Referendum

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes Jeremy Corbyn’s announcement that the Labour Party backs a second referendum, in line with Labour policy decided by members and affiliate trade unions at Labour Party Conference in September.

Published: 28 February 2019

Cross-party Support Gathered for UK Music’s Call on Chancellor to Help Music Venues with Business Rate Rebate

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes news of cross-party support from senior MPs following UK Music’s call for grassroots music venues to be eligible to apply for business rates discounts.

Published: 27 February 2019

New Research Highlights Growing Gender Gap in Pop Music

New research from the BBC is putting the spotlight on the gender gap in the pop music. Musicians’ Union (MU) National Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell spoke to BBC Radio Scotland about the challenges women in pop face.

Published: 21 February 2019

Tentative Agreement Reached on the EU's Copyright Framework

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes the news that European decision-makers have reached a tentative agreement to bring the EU’s copyright framework into the 21st century.

Published: 15 February 2019

A selection of percussion being used in a children's music lesson

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

This HeartUnions Week, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on you to take a stand against zero-hours contracts.

Published: 11 February 2019

UK Council of Music Makers’ Urgent Call for Negotiators to Proceed With the Copyright Directive

The Copyright Directive is under immediate threat from lobbying. The UK Council of Music Makers, of which the MU is a member, is urgently calling on negotiators to proceed with the Copyright Directive.

Published: 08 February 2019

Petition for UK Ivory Bill Exemption to Protect the Trade and Value of Antique Bows

There are concerns that the UK Ivory Bill, which is due to come into force later in 2019, will cause significant issues for owners of antique bows. A petition is in circulation, calling for a new exemption to be added.

Published: 07 February 2019

Scottish Trades Union Congress Opens Survey on Mental Health in the Workplace for #TimeToTalk Day

The survey aims to look at the root causes of mental ill health in work, how to challenge these, and wider societal issues around mental health.

Published: 07 February 2019

Transmission Fund From Help Musicians UK Opens for Applications

The Transmission Fund provides grants of £500 - £1,500 to fund opportunities that focus on developing your artistic practice and furthering your professional development at a crucial point in your career.

Published: 06 February 2019

Protest to Be Held by Local School Students Against Midlothian Council’s Decision to Axe Instrument Tuition

A musical flash mob will be gathering on Tuesday 12 February outside the council chambers in Dalkeith, to protest Midlothian Council’s recently announced plan to axe music tuition in its schools.

Published: 05 February 2019

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All News and Features

Tribute to Levine Andrade

May Day Marches Across Scotland and Northern Ireland

Concern About Recent Protests Over Schools Teaching About Same-Sex Relationships

Help Musicians UK Opens Round Two of its 360-degree Fund for Music Creators Do It Differently

Brexit Extended for up to Six Months

Highlights From the TUC Young Workers Conference

Shaping the Future, Paving the Way: Manifesto For Change (Part 1)

New Musicians' Union Research Reveals Perilous State of Music Education and Calls on Government to Let Every Child Learn Music

New Report Makes Urgent Recommendations for Future of Music Education

Naomi Pohl Recognised on the shesaid.so Alternative Power 100 Music List

Brexit Deal Voted Down in Parliament for the Third Time

MU/UK Theatre Rate increases from 1 April 2019

New Musicians’ Union Live Advice

Release of New Report on Music Education in Scotland Highlights Concerns

Monthly Feldenkrais classes starting from May 2019

Members’ Discount Available on Music Education Toolkit ‘Music Tutor’s Hero’

Home of Metal Symposium and Workshop: Call for Papers and Workshop Participants

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Copyright Directive Success

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Brexit Delay

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

Report Released Recommending that Government Must Act Now to Protect Music

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Social Mobility

Call for Members Working as Traditional Musicians in Scotland to Complete Survey

Musicians in the Midlands Encouraged to Take Part in Arts Council England Research Survey

Win a Goodie Bag by Completing a SkillCheck Quiz with Unionlearn

Musicians’ Union Support for the People’s Vote March

A Tribute to John Edney

Mentoring Scheme for Female MU Members Launched

Musicians’ Union to Attend Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference

Young Guns Network Talks Sponsorship and Finding Funding

Labour Party Backs a Second Referendum

Cross-party Support Gathered for UK Music’s Call on Chancellor to Help Music Venues with Business Rate Rebate

New Research Highlights Growing Gender Gap in Pop Music

Tentative Agreement Reached on the EU's Copyright Framework

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

UK Council of Music Makers’ Urgent Call for Negotiators to Proceed With the Copyright Directive

Petition for UK Ivory Bill Exemption to Protect the Trade and Value of Antique Bows

Scottish Trades Union Congress Opens Survey on Mental Health in the Workplace for #TimeToTalk Day

Transmission Fund From Help Musicians UK Opens for Applications

Protest to Be Held by Local School Students Against Midlothian Council’s Decision to Axe Instrument Tuition