News & Stories for Musicians

An orchestra rehearsal with young people playing various instruments, two have adaptive instruments.

MU Marks Disability History Month 2025

Celebrate UK Disability History Month 2025 with this curated round-up of news and resources for disabled musicians and anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge and allyship. Discover funding tips, networking opportunities, MU support and more.

Published: 05 December 2025

Young adult women with red hair in a recording studio, looking at a laptop while playing keyboard.

Youth Music Report Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Young Creatives in the Music Industry

Youth Music’s 'Just the Way It Is?' report, developed with the MU, highlights the safety issues, discrimination and exploitation still affecting young people in music and offers clear recommendations for change.

Published: 04 December 2025

Boating Lake at Highfields Park - a public area in the grounds of the University of Nottingham.

MU Sends Open Letter to University of Nottingham on Music Course Cuts

Music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham while the university’s council decides whether to terminate the courses permanently. Read our open letter to the University's Vice Chancellor.

Published: 25 November 2025

A group of buskers standing on the steps of Westminster Council holding campaign placards.

London Buskers Secure Campaign Support at Westminster Council Meeting

Buskers went to Westminster Council to speak to their representatives about new viable, accessible pitches for the festive season and beyond.

Published: 24 November 2025

Exterior shot of the research building at Nottingham University.

University of Nottingham to Suspend Music Courses

A consultation to close music at Nottingham is the latest in a string of proposed university music closures.

Published: 06 November 2025

A group of young workers raising their fists in solidarity on a march and holding signs for fair work.

Take Part in Young Workers’ Month this November

Celebrate the impact of young members and build trade union representation where you are this TUC Young Workers’ Month.

Published: 06 November 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

Busker Luke Silva backs the campaign for new viable and accessible busking pitches in Westminster in his latest video.

Published: 05 November 2025

Empowering the Young Music Worker: Lessons from Trade Union Patrols

Musician, interdisciplinary artist and music educator from North East England Marianne Sice shares what she learned on a Summer Patrol with the TUC and LO-Norway.

Published: 05 November 2025

Out of focus interior of a venue, lights over an empty stage set for a panel, in front of a crowd.

The MU at Resonate Music Conference Glasgow

Returning on 13 November, the MU will host a panel discussion on the state of fair work in the creative industries, as well as one-to-one advice sessions for members attending.

Published: 04 November 2025

Five wooden blocks with the outline of people apart from one which is a weighing scales, representing fair work.

Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

29 organisations across Scotland have become the first to endorse a new Fair Work for Freelancers checklist, developed by trade unions representing the creative sector alongside the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

Published: 31 October 2025

A pair of hands playing a piano with a sheet of music paper to compose.

MU and Ivors Academy Launch Fair Score Survey for Composers

Take part in our Fair Score survey for composers and help us build a clear picture of commissioning practices - and be in with a chance of winning a £100 gift voucher.

Published: 09 October 2025

Naomi Pohl speaking on stage at a Labour Party Conference 2025.

MU General Secretary Addresses Artificial Intelligence and Music Streaming at Labour Party Conference

There’s money in music but it doesn’t go to musicians, Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl tells Labour Party Conference 2025.

Published: 30 September 2025

Professional singers rehearsing on stage holding sheet music.

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

These new appointments mark a significant step in strengthening support for both BBC Singers and freelance choral musicians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Published: 25 September 2025

Wood cube with the figure of a person on, hands outstretched holding scales in each one which are evenly balanced.

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to keep key rights in the Employment Rights Bill.

Published: 14 August 2025

Close up exterior of the venue with steps to the entrance with a big sign saying 'Rock City - established in 1980'.

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

We’re asking MU members to support a petition highlighting the exploitation of workers at the world-famous venue Rock City in Nottingham.

Published: 18 June 2025

Cupped hands holding the light of a rainbow.

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

The MU stands in solidarity with our trans members following the Supreme Court ruling about the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 June 2025

Mother holding a young baby while she's working on a laptop.

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

An alliance of trade unions and charities is calling on the Business and Trade Secretary for bold reforms to better support new mothers, parents, and families.

Published: 11 June 2025

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar against a window.

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

Published: 04 June 2025

Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

This webinar, exclusive for MU members, uses recent campaigning at Welsh National Opera as a case study to explore how empowering orchestral musicians in the workplace can drive change — serving as a practical introduction to workplace activism in the sector.

Published: 30 April 2025

Member only Read more about Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

A full conference room with a screen in the middle of the back wall that says

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

An aerial view of Birmingham in the West Midlands.

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

TUC Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have come together to sign a partnership deal with creative industries trade unions, securing fair pay and working conditions for creative workers employed through the combined authority.

Published: 10 April 2025

Xenia, Hayley, Fiona and Joy together at Conference.

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Four MU delegates attended this year’s TUC Women’s Conference, where Union motions on the responsible use of AI, and better pay in relation to pregnancy and parenting were both passed.

Published: 27 March 2025

A female music teacher sitting at a piano with a young girl teaching her how to play.

Advice for Music Teachers on the Central Digital Platform and Procurement Act 2023

The MU has been approached by a number of musicians who teach in schools, concerned about the introduction of the government’s Central Digital Platform. MU Education Official, David Barnard, has reviewed the legislation in consultation with a solicitor and has produced a summary for members.

Published: 25 February 2025

silhouette of raised hands in the crowd at an outdoor music festival, lit by orange and yellow spotlights.

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

The UnMute roster, which was developed with help from the MU, is a new initiative designed to empower disabled musicians and improve access to live performance opportunities. Applications are now open.

Published: 24 February 2025

A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

Official poster from the TUC. A cartoon image of a man with a crutch and arm in a sling, surrounded by hearts with crosses in, representing a bandage. Text at the bottom reads “Safe Sick Pay”.

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on union members to take part in a day of action on Friday 7 February to campaign for an increase in statutory sick pay.

Published: 06 February 2025

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

This week Labour-affiliated unions, including the Musicians’ Union, met Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss workers’ rights.

Published: 06 February 2025

Exterior of Cardiff University's Grade II listed main building.

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

Cardiff University has recently announced proposals to close its School of Music. The MU will be supporting members in relation to the relevant consultations, and those affected are urged to get in touch with the regional office as soon as possible.

Published: 06 February 2025

Female violin player performing under a spotlight on a dark stage.

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

Last week MU General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, gave powerful evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee as part of the ongoing Misogyny in Music enquiry.

Published: 03 February 2025

Two young women playing Highland Bagpipes in front of stone wall.

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

National Piping Centre research reveals fundamental challenges facing women in piping and drumming.

Published: 13 December 2024

Close up of burning tea lights against a dark background.

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

The MU supports the Miscarriage Association's Leave for Every Loss campaign, which today called for a vital change in the law so that women and their partners who experience a pre-24 week pregnancy loss have the legal right to take bereavement leave from work.

Published: 12 December 2024

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

Hand stopping wooden dominos from falling, a proactive concept.

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Worker Protection Act 2024, which comes into force on 26 October, introduces a new Preventative Duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers and employees.

Published: 17 October 2024

Samantha Lubin: Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Samantha Lubin reflects on the pride she feels helping others and making a difference, and how being an MU Education Rep aligns with who she is.

Published: 02 September 2024

Wooden meeple figures in varying colours, concept of diversity and equality in society.

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

We actively oppose all forms of racism and Islamophobia, and we are here for all our Global Majority and Muslim members affected by recent events. Any members with concerns regarding safety in fulfilling engagements are advised to contact their regional office for advice.

Published: 08 August 2024

Wooden figures in a circle to represent equality.

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

TUC Midlands has released a statement against the racist riots taking place across the UK.

Published: 08 August 2024

Hands typing on a computer keyboard using an AI program.

MU Signs Letter from Creators’ Rights Alliance to AI Tech Companies

Along with 20 other organisations, the MU has signed a letter from the Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) to AI tech companies about the use of creators’ work to develop AI systems.

Published: 07 August 2024

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MU Marks Disability History Month 2025

Youth Music Report Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Young Creatives in the Music Industry

MU Sends Open Letter to University of Nottingham on Music Course Cuts

London Buskers Secure Campaign Support at Westminster Council Meeting

University of Nottingham to Suspend Music Courses

Take Part in Young Workers’ Month this November

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

Empowering the Young Music Worker: Lessons from Trade Union Patrols

The MU at Resonate Music Conference Glasgow

Scotland’s Creative Sector Backs New Fair Work for Freelancers Checklist

MU and Ivors Academy Launch Fair Score Survey for Composers

MU General Secretary Addresses Artificial Intelligence and Music Streaming at Labour Party Conference

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Advice for Music Teachers on the Central Digital Platform and Procurement Act 2023

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Samantha Lubin: Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

MU Signs Letter from Creators’ Rights Alliance to AI Tech Companies

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling