News & Stories for Musicians

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Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

Pink glittering sequins sewn onto fabric

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

In an article by NationalWorld revealing that the UK’s contestants have included no Black or Asian artists for the past 12 years, the MU has commented on how important it is that the media reflects our “ever-diversifying society.”

Published: 12 May 2023

MU Head of International Dave Webster speaks on stage at a networking event that's part of SXSW

The MU at SXSW 2023: Supporting Members and Making the Case for Fair Visa Fees

MU Head of International Dave Webster joined close to 160 UK bands attending this years’ South by South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, supporting and advocating for musicians.

Published: 17 April 2023

An audience raises their arms in silhouette at a live gig with purple and pink lighting

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Following a bumper year for fee recovery in 2022, MU Midlands Regional Officer Ben Benson talks us through some of the Midlands biggest wins for members, and his top tips for fee recovery in 2023.

Published: 17 April 2023

Kelli-Leigh sits on stage at the MU Members' Conference, a blue background behind her. She has one hand raised in the air as she speaks into a microphone.

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

In Kelli-Leigh’s resonant keynote speech at the MU Members’ Conference, she discussed her journey to standing up for what she believes in, and discovering others going through the same.

Published: 17 April 2023

Why I Joined The MU: Holly Carter

Pedal Steel Guitarist Holly Carter discusses the feeling of community she gets from being a member of the Musicians’ Union, the sense of coming together and supporting each other.

Published: 13 April 2023

Out of focus back of seated audience members head, watching a play on stage.

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

The Anything Doesn’t Go campaign aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in UK theatres, calling on venue management to take a more proactive approach via the new Charter.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

Naomi Pohl and Jack Apperley holding the Singers petition outside of the BBC offices.

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and conductor Jack Apperley have delivered a copy of the Save the BBC Singers petition to BBC Director General Tim Davie.

Published: 28 March 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

Tall green glass building with the letters BBC spelt out on the front, Portland Place in London

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Following intense discussions with the MU, a petition reaching over 120,000 signatures, and musicians and supporters rallying against the proposed job cuts, the announcement comes as very welcome news.

Published: 24 March 2023

The Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, standing out in the sunshine

Scotland Lobbying Update: The Need for Ongoing and Sustainable Investment

A brief update on recent lobbying activity in Scotland from MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell, who has been discussing arts funding, instrumental music provision and the wellbeing economy amongst other issues.

Published: 16 March 2023

Theatre sign written in stained glass on a theatre front in the West End

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

Now that the percentage of female players in the West End has reached a record high of 27%, we’re reflecting on how vital it is that every union member working in the West End feels represented on the Committee.

Published: 14 March 2023

Three teenage students at a drum lesson.

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Assessing how peri music teachers are coping with education cuts, the cost of living crisis and the ongoing erosion of music provision in schools.

Published: 13 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers performing in a concert

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

Musicians and supporters are rallying behind BBC Singers and Orchestras affected by proposed job cuts – taking action, sharing on social media, and keeping the issue in the press.

Published: 10 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers gather at Madia Vale

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – here's what the union is doing and how you can show your support.

Published: 10 March 2023

Multiple instruments including a microphone, an acoustic guitar and a drum, laid out on a grey surface.

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts.

Published: 23 February 2023

A crowd of people making up the Workers Group who attended the meeting, with Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster center.

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting.

Published: 20 February 2023

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster stand together in front of row of flags of member states attending the ILO.

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

The ILO (International Labour Organisation) brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set Labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all.

Published: 15 February 2023

Hands on a clarinet in an informal setting, blurred background

Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists

Following a shift to gender-neutral award categories, replacing separate best male and best female artist awards, the MU responds to this year’s all-male BRITs Best Artist shortlist.

Published: 09 February 2023

An orchestra podium against a background of pink and purple light

National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report

The report describes and evaluates the work of the world’s first disabled-led youth orchestra – essential reading for music educators looking to develop their understanding of inclusive music-making.

Published: 08 February 2023

Red plastic chairs in a circle on a white and grey background

Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications

The development programme aims to give the confidence and key skills needed to influence union structures, and has just opened to applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic workers in Wales.

Published: 08 February 2023

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

The new partnership will see a new series of LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops and the two organisations working together to create more resources for LGBTQ+ musicians and artists.

Published: 31 January 2023

Picture of a wooden recorder against a bright pink background.

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

A demo will be taking place on Tuesday 31 January against planned cuts that will see pupils in Primary 6 and 7, and in S1-S3 no longer having access to music lessons.

Published: 27 January 2023

MU flags visible as part of a larger trade union march moving through a busy street in London.

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Take part in marches and events on 1 February to protest against the Government’s anti-strike laws.

Published: 27 January 2023

John Shortell speaking at the MU members conference, seen from the perspective of multiple cameras and a sound mixing desk.

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

What is our collective role in building equality, diversity and inclusion and why is it a trade union issue? The MU’s John Shortell explains.

Published: 25 January 2023

Person walking through a bright and busy airport wheeling a suitcase.

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers

21 Trade Unions including the MU, UNISON, the RMT and the PCS union have condemned the Government’s attempts to ‘pit’ workers against each other, and are calling for urgent action to end the exploitation of migrant workers, including undocumented people.

Published: 25 January 2023

A flute left lying flat across a piece of blurred out sheet music.

Nevis Ensemble Cease Trading Due to Severe Funding Challenges

Members engaged with the Nevis Ensemble either as freelancers or ‘Fellows’ are encouraged to contact the MU’s Orchestras Department for advice and support.

Published: 24 January 2023

Abstract close up of a cello bridge, throwing an interesting shaped shadow on a sunny lit floor.

Midlothian Council Propose Drastic Cuts to Instrumental Music Service

The MU are urging members affected to contact their regional office, following the hugely concerning news that Midlothian Council plans to reduce their instrumental music service by 60%.

Published: 24 January 2023

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

Published: 23 January 2023

White earphones resting on top of a white computer keyboard.

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings

Following on from his recent appearance on BBC Newsnight to discuss what advances in AI could mean for musicians, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear further outlines the protections needed for musicians in the face of new technology.

Published: 20 January 2023

What the NEU and EIS Strikes Mean for MU Members

Following ballots, two of the MU’s sister unions have announced strike action. The MU stands in solidarity with both unions’ members.

Published: 19 January 2023

Phil Kear speaking at the MU Orchestra Conference

MU Assistant General Secretary Discusses Concerns About AI and Songwriting on BBC Newsnight

What could AI mean for your rights as a musician, and what could it mean for audiences? MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear appeared on BBC Newsnight to discuss the topic.

Published: 18 January 2023

Dome of the London Coliseum, English National Opera and Theatre against the blue sky

ENO Receives National Lottery Funding for the Next Year

English National Opera will receive £11.46m National Lottery funding for 2023-24.

Published: 17 January 2023

MU Orchestras AGM Focuses on Improving Pay, Conditions and Arts Funding

MU members came together at Trades Union Congress headquarters for the union’s Orchestras Annual General Meeting.

Published: 17 January 2023

MU Secures New Agreement With The Bridge Theatre

The MU have secured a new agreement with the Bridge Theatre, and are happy to welcome another new opportunity for members under an MU-negotiated agreement.

Published: 17 January 2023

Country duo Gasoline & Matches performing on stage

The Musicians’ Guide to the Birmingham Music Scene

Birmingham has a rich musical legacy and a wide range of resources for musicians of all genres. Here, West Midlands musicians give their personal recommendations.

Published: 14 January 2023

New TUC General Secretary Launches Campaign to Protect the Right to Strike

The Trades Union Congress will fight new anti-strike legislation every step of the way supported by member unions including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 13 January 2023

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against

A Bill coming back to Parliament next week puts legislation on workers’ rights and copyright at risk.

Published: 13 January 2023

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Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

The MU at SXSW 2023: Supporting Members and Making the Case for Fair Visa Fees

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

Why I Joined The MU: Holly Carter

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Scotland Lobbying Update: The Need for Ongoing and Sustainable Investment

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists

National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report

Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers

Nevis Ensemble Cease Trading Due to Severe Funding Challenges

Midlothian Council Propose Drastic Cuts to Instrumental Music Service

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings

What the NEU and EIS Strikes Mean for MU Members

MU Assistant General Secretary Discusses Concerns About AI and Songwriting on BBC Newsnight

ENO Receives National Lottery Funding for the Next Year

MU Orchestras AGM Focuses on Improving Pay, Conditions and Arts Funding

MU Secures New Agreement With The Bridge Theatre

The Musicians’ Guide to the Birmingham Music Scene

New TUC General Secretary Launches Campaign to Protect the Right to Strike

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against