News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a large group of people standing outside the houses of parliament, some appear to be singing and some are holding placards reading

Competition & Markets Authority Market Study Launched in a Win For Fix Streaming

The Competition & Markets Authority has launched its market study into music and streaming services, in a historic win for the Fix Streaming and Broken Record campaigns.

Published: 09 February 2022

Close up of people from behind playing violin in an orchestra, reading from a score of sheet music

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

The MU has updated its pages regarding best practice for an inclusive recruitment process for orchestras.

Published: 08 February 2022

Woman in yellow jumper working at a laptop in afternoon light with cup of coffee in right hand

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Morrish Solicitors are the new provider for our personal injury claim service and other legal service benefits.

Published: 07 February 2022

Traffic caution sign for school against a bright background with blue sky and green trees.

Concerns Over Proposals to Suspend School Music Lessons

Ofqual boss Ian Bauckham has suggested that schools might consider emergency timetable changes in response to the Omicron surge, that would see music teachers redeployed to other subjects. We advocate strongly against this idea.

Published: 06 January 2022

Photograph of someone writing into a notebook wearing a white coat in what appears to be a medical setting

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Equality is a trade union issue, and the collective weight of the MU is the key to successfully creating safer and fairer workplaces and communities for musicians.

Published: 30 December 2021

Stage with bright lights and microphones ready for concert

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, incidences of musicians being asked to play for free are still rife. Neil Crossley examines how the MU is responding and what musicians can do.

Published: 23 December 2021

A guitarist faces out into a crowd, lit with warm purple and yellow lighting.

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

As well as voting to donate to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action, the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

Published: 16 December 2021

Photograph of a pair of hands wearing dark blue nail varnish, pressing down on an electronic keyboard

Women in Scotland's Experiences of Sexual Harassment

Take part in the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Women’s Committee’s anonymous survey, and help them build a safer and more equal world of work for all.

Published: 15 December 2021

Red guitar case on street open for donations to busker, crowd out of focus in background

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Despite the recent reintroduction of mandatory face coverings, festive performances can still continue this year, thanks to the work of Busk in London.

Published: 09 December 2021

A koala bear curls up sleepily against a tree with a background of vibrant green folliage

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

Photograph of a small globe on a desk, with a man working at a laptop in the background out of focus

Update to International Travel Restrictions

As of Tuesday 7 December, all passengers entering the UK must take a pre-departure test to travel.

Published: 09 December 2021

Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

The famous Abbey Road crossing, with zebra crossing and day light.

Recording Industry Strikes Back at ‘Empty Studios’ Assessment

Online channel slipped disk has published an assessment of the recording industry which stands in complete contrast to the recent experience of those who regularly work in London’s principal and world-famous facilities.

Published: 06 December 2021

Campaigner holds a sign which reads Fix Streaming in a crowd of musicians at Parliament Square, London.

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and Broken Record will continue the campaign to fix streaming despite Kevin Brennan MP’s Copyright (Rights And Remuneration Of Musicians) Private Members' Bill not passing today.

Published: 03 December 2021

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

A special guest blog from BSL interpreter Stephanie Raper about the importance of performance in interpreting and providing access to music for the D/deaf community.

Published: 03 December 2021

MP Esther McVey stands in Parliament Square holding a sign that reads Fix Streaming. She's surrounded by other musicians, holding instruments and banners.

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl joined Kevin Brennan MP and Esther McVey MP to deliver a letter in support of streaming reform.

Published: 02 December 2021

Touring crates being unloaded from a van with man in hat, standing in background

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

We hope that joining the independent Commission will give us more influence in creating solutions to the struggles Brexit has created for musicians.

Published: 02 December 2021

A pair of pale blue denim shoes on painted white floorboards.

Court of Appeal Rule that the Calculation of the Government’s SEISS Scheme Discriminated Against New Mothers

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed submitted an appeal about the disproportionate impact SEISS calculations have on new mothers, which has now been accepted with the caveat that the urgency of the situation justified the discrimination.

Published: 29 November 2021

An arrow painted on a tarmac road points towards a bright blur of setting sun.

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

UK Music and UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce is calling for greater transparency in the battle to boost diversity and inclusion across the music business and creative industries.

Published: 29 November 2021

A woman with grey hair sits on a sofa with two opened notebooks, looking at a laptop computer.

Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

MusicTeachers.co.uk, which partnered with the MU to offer free online listings for music teachers, has announced that its free service will end ahead of a relaunch early next year.

Published: 29 November 2021

Energetic group of demonstraitors hold instruments in Parliament Square, London.

MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

Thank you to all the MPs who attended a photocall in support of Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members’ Bill to fix streaming.

Published: 26 November 2021

A collection of protestors stand in parliament square holding signs which read

You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

MPs joined musicians and music creators in Parliament Square to show their support for Kevin Brennan MP's Private Members’ Bill.

Published: 26 November 2021

Grey skys over westminister bridge, with the houses of parliament and big ben in view in the background.

Brexit Lobbying Update

An update following the debate held in Westminster Hall on enabling visa and work permit free travel for musicians in the EU, with renewed calls from MPs for the Government to sort out remaining issues for musicians.

Published: 23 November 2021

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

Photograph of a singer holding a microphone up to their face against a purple misty background, the rest of the image is in shadow.

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

Two young adults playing their guitars in the kicthen, both are holding acoustic guitars as if they are preparing to play them.

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

Photograph of a young person playing on a rainbow coloured instrument

Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

This article is a transcript of a talk given by Chris Walters, the MU’s National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing, for the Westminster Education Forum policy conference entitled “Next Steps for Music Education in England”. This event took place online on 10 November.

Published: 12 November 2021

Silhouette of a person standing against a stage light, the light is shining through their shoulder length hair.

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021

Hands typing on a rose gold laptop, with a cup of coffee and a mobile phone in the background.

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

The report presents crucial action points highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them.

Published: 09 November 2021

A person is sat at a large recording desk, we can just see the back of their head with short cropped hair, a baseball cap, and earphones over their ears.

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

It is fair to say that the Fix Streaming campaign, run jointly by the Musicians’ Union and The Ivors Academy, and Tom Gray's Broken Record have had far greater impact in a short period of time than we thought possible when we embarked on this journey.

Published: 09 November 2021

Musicians seen standing at the front of a stage, from behind, teh camera looks out over a huge stadium sized audience.

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

On 3 December, MPs will have an opportunity to fix streaming. Be sure your voice is heard in the debate.

Published: 08 November 2021

Electric bass guitarist performs on stage, we can only see their silhoutte outlined against orange and red lights

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

The MU will be attending Sound of Belfast festival, which is running across the city 11-12 November. We will be running an introduction to the MU event, as well as hosting 1-2-1 advice sessions.

Published: 05 November 2021

Two sound engineers work from the side of the stage at what appears to be a busy festival, the stage is still empty but brightly coloured stage lights illuminate it

MPs Join Forces To Demand “Urgent Action” From PM Over EU Touring Crisis Facing Musicians And Crew

In welcome news from UK Music, a letter has been sent to PM Boris Johnson on behalf of cross-party MPs demanding “urgent action” over the crisis facing musicians and crew touring the EU. Have your say by responding to the APPG’s call for evidence.

Published: 05 November 2021

Blurred vision of a protest march seen from behind, the centre of the image is on a person with long blonde hair under a pink hat, wearing a grey coat.

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

November is TUC Young Workers Month, when the whole trade union movement comes together to celebrate, and campaign on issues affecting, young members.

Published: 05 November 2021

A guitar player in a function band, we can see the back of the neck of an electric guitar looking out over a blurred audience

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Forty-four Conservative MPs are calling for key measures to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 05 November 2021

A man is singing with energy into a microphone, against a yellow background.

We’ve Partnered up With the Ivors Academy to Offer a New Joint Membership Discounted Rate

MU members can now get a 25% discount on the Ivors Academy standard and professional memberships, and Ivors Academy members can get a 25% discount on the MU’s annual standard membership rate.

Published: 02 November 2021

Silhouette of singer on stage. Dark background, smoke, spotlights

MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

MU Member Katherine Liley gave a speech at this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference, citing her own personal experiences and those of women around her, calling for a motion on creating safe workplaces for women to be moved.

Published: 27 October 2021

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

To celebrate Black History Month, Love Music Hate Racism have hosted a special episode of their #SpeakUpThursday radio show, featuring Chardine Taylor Stone.

Published: 22 October 2021

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features

Competition & Markets Authority Market Study Launched in a Win For Fix Streaming

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Concerns Over Proposals to Suspend School Music Lessons

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

Women in Scotland's Experiences of Sexual Harassment

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Update to International Travel Restrictions

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

Recording Industry Strikes Back at ‘Empty Studios’ Assessment

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

Court of Appeal Rule that the Calculation of the Government’s SEISS Scheme Discriminated Against New Mothers

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

Brexit Lobbying Update

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

MPs Join Forces To Demand “Urgent Action” From PM Over EU Touring Crisis Facing Musicians And Crew

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

We’ve Partnered up With the Ivors Academy to Offer a New Joint Membership Discounted Rate

MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee