News & Stories for Musicians

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

In black and white we see a persons legs, holding a guitar and standing in front of a large amplifier.

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming

The new report by the Department for Culture, Digital, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee is recommending more of a focus on fair remuneration in the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) process examining music streaming.

Published: 13 January 2023

Highlights From Mayor Tracy Brabin Keynote Speech at MU Members’ Conference

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin spoke about her priorities for the region in her keynote speech at the second ever Musicians’ Union Members’ Conference.

Published: 05 January 2023

Red vintage guitar against a red background.

Remembering Joe Strummer

Professor Gregor Gall remembers British singer, musician and songwriter Joe Strummer on the twentieth anniversary of his death.

Published: 22 December 2022

Bright orange and white traffic cones stand in a line on a concrete road

Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival Liquidation Developments Spark Concern

The MU have been made aware of a large number of artists and suppliers who have still not been paid, and encourage affected members to get in contact with the MU’s Glasgow office.

Published: 20 December 2022

Alex Gascoine, a white man with grey hair and a brightly coloured mint green short is leaning against a white painted wall and smiling into the camera.

Executive Committee Chair Commits to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at MU Members’ Conference

Chair of the Musicians’ Union Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened Members’ Conference with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Published: 16 December 2022

Red post box stands in front of a brick wall in the bright sunshine.

Solidarity and the Cost of Living Crisis

The MU would like to express solidarity with other union workers who are on strike this week, including nurses, postal workers and railway staff.

Published: 16 December 2022

The London Coliseum in Covent garden, statue details on the tower lit up by the sun under a bright blue sky.

MU Demands Clarity from ENO Chief Executive Regarding Future Location

ENO’s chief executive suddenly seems to have accepted that the company will be based outside London. The MU disagrees and is seeking urgent clarification.

Published: 16 December 2022

Person sorting a large pile of papers with lots of individual colourful clips.

Home Made Agreements: Key Information

Bookings and an increase in ‘home made’ agreements were on the agenda at the latest MU’s Wales and South West England Regional Committee meeting. What does that mean for you?

Published: 16 December 2022

Arts funding cuts demo in front of the DCMS

MU Supports Latest ENO Statement on Funding Cuts

The MU agrees with English National Opera that Arts Council England needs to provide further clarity, and the Union remains committed to fighting the cuts altogether.

Published: 09 December 2022

MU officers and organisers hold up MU flags at a busy UCU rally.

MU Supports UCU at Strike Rally

MU officials joined the UCU rally on Wednesday 30 November to show our solidarity and support.

Published: 09 December 2022

Zoom into spotlights over a theatre stage, not turned on.

Subsidised Rates Increase for MU/UK Theatre

New Subsidised rates have now been agreed for members for the MU/UK theatre agreement, and will be backdated to May 2022.

Published: 02 December 2022

A guitar case lies in the street with a pool of coins on it, in the background is a mic stand, a guitar and an amp.

Busking and Street Entertainment Policy Review Survey

Members who are currently licensed under, or have been licensed under Westminster City Council’s busking and street entertainment policy are encouraged to take their survey, to help the council understand its key themes and issues.

Published: 01 December 2022

A person is pressing their hands against a radiator with an open window beside them

STUC Scotland to Hold Demo Outside of Scottish Parliament

The STUC are inviting trade union members from across Scotland to join them on Thursday 8 December for a pre-budget demonstration outside Scottish parliament in support of the People’s Plan for Action.

Published: 01 December 2022

Disability History Month: The Contribution of Lived Experience

MU Member Audrey Gray, Creative Projects Manager and CEO of Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) talks about her experience as a member of multiple EDI Networks and how lived experiences can contribute to much needed solutions.

Published: 01 December 2022

Musician protesters with Fix Streaming plackards

Competition and Markets Authority Says Low Pay From Music Streaming Not a Competition Issue

The Competition and Markets Authority has published its final report after campaigning by the Musicians’ Union, the Ivors Academy and Broken Record.

Published: 30 November 2022

A music teacher holds up a tambourine, we can see the blurred figures of a class in the background.

Future of Music Education Hubs Clarified by Arts Council England

Long awaited details have been provided of the timeline for a bidding process for new hubs, with funding for the current hubs now safe until August 2024.

Published: 24 November 2022

A small child is signing in BSL, with just their hands and arms in the focus of the camera.

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

UK Music has launched its Diversity Report 2022, including the findings of its Workforce Diversity Survey 2022 and an action plan for long-term change.

Published: 24 November 2022

french horn players during a classical concert music

Disability History Month: Being a Deaf Musician is not Easy

In our first special feature from Disabled History Month, Professional Musician and member of the MU Executive Committee and ED&I Committee, Nigel Braithwaite talks about his experiences of being a disabled musician.

Published: 21 November 2022

Laughing crowd at a fix streaming rally, violinist and camera person in view, everyone holding signs reading

Fix Streaming: MU General Secretary at DCMS Select Committee

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl appeared at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee on Tuesday to answer questions on music streaming and fair remuneration for musicians.

Published: 18 November 2022

Celebration blur of different colours and gold.

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

The MU is proud to be an official partner organisation of Black Lives in Music, who are celebrating two incredible years of advocating for Black representation in the music industry.

Published: 18 November 2022

Rab Noakes and Andi Hopgood both smile broadly into the camera, arms over each others shoulders.

Tribute to Rab Noakes

Rab Noakes was a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose long-term involvement and commitment to the Musicians’ Union began in the 1970s. He was a great musician, a committed union activist and a champion of diversity.

Published: 16 November 2022

MU Meets with Arts Council England Following Arts Funding Cuts

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has met with Arts Council England (ACE) as the union campaigns to reverse damaging funding cuts to English National Opera and others.

Published: 11 November 2022

Quiet figure sits at the end of a dock, watching a sun rise over a body of water.

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 November 2022

Members of conference smile and clap, while one delegate stands and speaks from the floor.

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Trade unions are full of jargon. One of our favourites is the word ‘motion’. But, like most bits of jargon, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Published: 10 November 2022

Musician playing a flute in an orchestral section, only the hands of the musician are visible.

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

The Musicians’ Union joins politicians, academics and civil society organisations calling on the Prime Minister to introduce a universal basic income.

Published: 09 November 2022

Two people are talking using sign language sat on a sofa.

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

The TUC is launching brand new leadership schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers.

Published: 03 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holds a red sign reading

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

Musicians’ Union member Robert Scott moved a motion on touring in the EU at the TUC’s annual Congress.

Published: 31 October 2022

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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

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming

Highlights From Mayor Tracy Brabin Keynote Speech at MU Members’ Conference

Remembering Joe Strummer

Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival Liquidation Developments Spark Concern

Executive Committee Chair Commits to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at MU Members’ Conference

Solidarity and the Cost of Living Crisis

MU Demands Clarity from ENO Chief Executive Regarding Future Location

Home Made Agreements: Key Information

MU Supports Latest ENO Statement on Funding Cuts

MU Supports UCU at Strike Rally

Subsidised Rates Increase for MU/UK Theatre

Busking and Street Entertainment Policy Review Survey

STUC Scotland to Hold Demo Outside of Scottish Parliament

Disability History Month: The Contribution of Lived Experience

Competition and Markets Authority Says Low Pay From Music Streaming Not a Competition Issue

Future of Music Education Hubs Clarified by Arts Council England

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

Disability History Month: Being a Deaf Musician is not Easy

Fix Streaming: MU General Secretary at DCMS Select Committee

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

Tribute to Rab Noakes

MU Meets with Arts Council England Following Arts Funding Cuts

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC