News & Stories for Musicians

The neck of a traditional instrument often used in Afghan music, known as a Rubab

MU Signs Letter in Support of Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians

The MU was one of over 200 signatories to an open letter – published in the Sunday Times on Sunday 3 October – calling on the UK Government to explicitly prioritise musicians under the Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

Published: 05 October 2021

Photograph of Keir Starmer speaking at the Labour Conference, against a

MU EC Member Speaks to BBC News Following Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Music Education

MU Executive Committee member Andi Hopgood spoke to BBC News following Keir Starmer’s speech at the Labour Party Conference, explaining how “it’s important to think of the education of our young people as a holistic thing.”

Published: 05 October 2021

Photograph of MU Executive Committee Member Diljeet Bhachu, speaking into a microphone.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: MU Member Diljeet Bhachu’s Opening Speech to the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

This year’s STUC Black Workers’ Conference was chaired by MU Executive Committee member Diljeet Bhachu, who reflected on how challenging the previous 18-months have been for Black workers across Scotland, and the importance of solidarity across the Trade Union movement.

Published: 04 October 2021

MU Member Chairs the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

MU Executive Committee member Diljeet Bhachu is now the first MU member to chair an STUC Black Workers Conference, which ran this weekend. The conference also saw two motions – “An Inclusive Curriculum,” and “Afghan Musicians,” – submitted and moved by MU delegates.

Published: 04 October 2021

Photograph of a transit van driving down an empty road, beautiful mountain scenery is in the misty background.

MU Welcomes UK Government Announcement That “Splitter Vans” Can Be Used For European Tours

The MU is delighted by the Government announcement that “splitter vans” can be used by British musicians touring Europe. The MU has been lobbying to ensure musicians can continue to tour Europe post-Brexit using this type of vehicle.

Published: 30 September 2021

Photograph of a white car from the side, zoomed in on the wing mirror.

Driving in the EU: Number Plate Legislation Change

It has come to our attention that from Tuesday 28 September, cars displaying a GB sticker or number plate sign will need to either cover it up or remove it.

Published: 24 September 2021

Photograph of an airplane flying against a darkening sky, beams of light between the clouds.

UK Government Reinstates Quarantine Exemption in England for Performing Artists

As of Wednesday 22 September 2021, performing artists returning to England from work abroad can benefit from a quarantine exemption.

Published: 24 September 2021

Photograph of a person with red hair, wearing a pink mask and pink earphones in front of a pink background.

US Lifts Covid-19 Travel Ban

The MU has recently learnt via their friends at Tamizdat that the White House will be easing Covid-19 travel restrictions to the US.

Published: 24 September 2021

Silhouette of a person holding up their hands in a heart shape, against a stadium audience at a live music event.

New Recovery Fund Opens in Northern Ireland to Support Individuals Working in the Arts and Creative Sectors

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) and the Department for Communities (DfC), have today (Wednesday 15 September) opened a new recovery funding programme, co-designed to support individuals in the Arts and Creative sectors retain valuable skills.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a microphone against the background of yellow stage lights.

Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

Help us make the case to the Government to use the money that is left in the Cultural Recovery Fund to provide bridging loans and other investment for musicians, by answering three short questions.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a number of instruments left backstage, a well aged piano, an upright bass lying on its side, a red synth on a stand and a music stand, as well as fairy lights and wires and visible.

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have published research on “Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age”, in a timely move, given current industry debates and our campaign to defend media composers' royalties.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a bass musician standing on a busy looking stage with orange and purple light shining over them

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

The MU, The Ivors Academy and Tom Gray, Founder of the #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the Government’s response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Streaming Report, but call for firm action now to put the value of music back in the hands of music makers.

Published: 22 September 2021

Photograph of a close up of a young flute player, practicing in a classroom setting. Behind them we can see other performers and a teacher figure.

MU Urges New Education Secretary and Schools Minister to Work Together to Protect Music Education

Following the sacking of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Schools Minister Nick Gibb – and their replacement by Nadhim Zahawi and Robin Walker respectively – the MU urges the new ministers to work together to address systemic problems affecting music education in England.

Published: 17 September 2021

Stone pillar with a plac reading DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

The Musicians’ Union has written to the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries MP, highlighting ongoing challenges MU members are facing.

Published: 16 September 2021

Close up photograph of a cello's bridge and strings

MU Deputy General Secretary Attends Meeting with Scotland’s First Minister on Measures Against Covid-19

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl represented the Union at a meeting with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today.

Published: 15 September 2021

Photograph of a socially distanced audience watching a live performance from the back. We see them from behind, seated on distanced chairs with a red light.

Vaccination Certification Will Become Mandatory for Various Events in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament has approved the use of Coronavirus vaccination certificates to enter some events and higher risk venues, with the scheme coming into effect on 1 October.

Published: 10 September 2021

Photograph of a masked woman sitting outdoors, writing into a notebook and wearing headphones.

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Joint research by the MU and The Ivors Academy has revealed that 70% of musicians, songwriters and composers who are still shielding are facing financial hardship because of their continued need to shield.

Published: 10 September 2021

A South Asian person in her wheelchair takes notes by hand during a meeting.

Harbourside Management Research Highlights How Workers Fear to Disclose Disability

New research from Harbourside Management indicates music industry workers are putting their health at risk as a result of fears to disclose disability.

Published: 07 September 2021

Photograph of a paperchain of people set out on a wooden table, with a bright yellow light shining on them. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Women and Equalities Select Committee Menopause Inquiry

The Women and Equalities Select Committee have launched an inquiry into the extent and impact of menopause discrimination in the workplace.

Published: 07 September 2021

Photograph of a musician playing guitar to a laughing baby in a small baby chair.

Freelance Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take PiPA’s Survey

Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) are looking to identity the specific needs and challenges faced by freelance parents and carers in the performing arts industry.

Published: 07 September 2021

Photograph of a woman backstage, she has a concerned expression and is looking into her mob

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

New reports reveal sexual harassment and abuse remain rife in the music industry despite the #MeToo movement. We’re calling on the Government and music industry organisations to protect musicians and other workers from victimisation and harassment.

Published: 03 September 2021

Photograph of a gig audience with raised hands, and bright pink lighting shining over the crowd.

MU Welcomes Cardiff Council’s Support for Gigs in Cardiff Castle

Four nights of live music at Cardiff Castle will support musicians and grassroots music venues.

Published: 27 August 2021

Photograph of a group of young people waiting in a queue, all of them are wearing facemarks and the person at the front is looking at their mobile phone.

Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Whilst the UK Government have confirmed that they don’t plan to introduce regulations around the vaccination of employees and freelancers, a venue may ask you to adhere to certain risk mitigation measures.

Published: 26 August 2021

Photograph of a very green looking forest clearing with moss and plants.

Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

The MU continues to investigate ways in which we can reduce our impact on the climate crisis and contribute to sustainability, including divesting from fossil fuels.

Published: 26 August 2021

Photograph of a young man singing into a microphone, while another person mans the recording station, a drum kit is also visible in the background

Graduates Share Their Concerns About The Devastating Impact of Government Funding Cuts to HE Arts and Music Subjects

This summer, the MU asked musicians and other arts workers what the 50% cut to Government funding for Higher Education arts and music subjects means to them.

Published: 25 August 2021

A woman holding earphones who appears to be recording, there is a microphone, and open laptop and a notebook on the table.

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The MU has signed UN Women UK’s open letter, calling for 2021 to be the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commits to change.

Published: 24 August 2021

Photograph of a field of daffodils in Stratford, London.

Help Save Stratford Circus a Dedicated London Arts Space

Nationally recognised arts centre Stratford Circus was closed down during the pandemic lockdown, and Newham Council are now tendering for a new management to run it with no remit or funding for professional arts.

Published: 24 August 2021

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, explains how the MU political fund provides invaluable help for members.

Published: 24 August 2021

Member only Read more about The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

MU member and harpist Cecilia De Maria took to Facebook and Instagram, to spread an important message about why so many women in the music industry are scared of their work being affected by people finding out that they are pregnant.

Published: 24 August 2021

Photograph of the inside of a harpsichord instrument.

Government Opens Consultation on Extending Elephant Ivory Ban to Non-Elephant Ivory

Whilst deploring the existing elephant ivory poaching trade, the MU has stated that the ban should not be extended to instruments containing non-elephant ivory.

Published: 20 August 2021

Blurred photograph of an empty orchestral set-up on a stage, we can see empty seats, music stands and an unmanned double bass.

BBC Releases a Statement Following Recently Reported Death of Two Former Symphony Orchestra Members

It was recently reported in the press that two former members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra died from mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer) after working at the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios.

Published: 18 August 2021

Photograph of a stack of newspapers spread out, blurred so the text and images are not visible.

Did You See the News? MPs Join the Fix Streaming Call

MPs from the Labour, Conservative and Scottish National parties joined the collective call to fix streaming this summer.

Published: 13 August 2021

Photograph of a mixing desk, behind which we can see the blurred figures of musicians performing on stage under bright lighting.

Kevin Brennan on Streaming: “The System Simply Isn’t Working for Creators”

Musician and advocate of fixing streaming Kevin Brennan MP spoke to MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

Published: 13 August 2021

Photograph of a concert being held outdoors, musicians are on the stage while an audience stand with raised hands.

Members in Wales Encouraged to Take Creative Wales’ Survey

Complete this survey to help Creative Wales understand where gaps exist in their current communications strategy they are particularly interested to hear from those who may be under-represented in the industry.

Published: 12 August 2021

Photograph of a white board with music notation written on it, in a classroom setting.

Next Steps for England’s National Plan for Music Education Announced

The Government has released a summary of responses to its public consultation on music education and appointed an industry panel to guide the next National Plan for Music Education.

Published: 06 August 2021

Photograph of a double bass player performing on a stage alongside an electric guitarist with pink lights.

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

Whilst we acknowledge the introduction of a Government-backed insurance scheme for live music, we reserve further comment until we know the schemes details.

Published: 05 August 2021

Photograph of a pile of touring creates, behind a large metal fence.

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

The MU cautiously welcomes the Government’s announcement – made on Wednesday 4 August – that visa-free short-term touring is allowed in 19 member states, but it does not solve many of the problems currently facing musicians touring in the EU.

Published: 05 August 2021

Photograph of a woman working at a laptop, her back is turned to us but we can see she's focused on a number of data analysing graphs.

New Report on Diversity in the Music Industry Released by Women in CTRL

Not for profit organisation Women in CTRL has published a new report, charting the progress that’s been made since their initial “A Seat at the Table” report in 2020, noting that while female representation has increased, women are still underrepresented in the music industry.

Published: 04 August 2021

Photograph of a number of peoples legs, standing in a queue in the daylight behind a small, temporary fence.

Why A Covid Secure Passport Would be Better News for Live Music Than a “Vaccine Passport”

The MU has outlined the questions which would need to be addressed before we would be able to support a vaccine passport – including potential discrimination and data privacy – an described how a Covid Secure Passport with extended qualifying criteria could provide a better solution.

Published: 02 August 2021

Photograph of a persons hand turning the tuning peg on a guitar, in the background is wild countryside.

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

Set up during the pandemic, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) is putting the welfare of our planet in the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide, and the MU is proud to have contributed.

Published: 30 July 2021

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Popular searches

All News and Features

MU Signs Letter in Support of Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians

MU EC Member Speaks to BBC News Following Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Music Education

Looking Back, Moving Forward: MU Member Diljeet Bhachu’s Opening Speech to the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

MU Member Chairs the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

MU Welcomes UK Government Announcement That “Splitter Vans” Can Be Used For European Tours

Driving in the EU: Number Plate Legislation Change

UK Government Reinstates Quarantine Exemption in England for Performing Artists

US Lifts Covid-19 Travel Ban

New Recovery Fund Opens in Northern Ireland to Support Individuals Working in the Arts and Creative Sectors

Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

MU Urges New Education Secretary and Schools Minister to Work Together to Protect Music Education

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

MU Deputy General Secretary Attends Meeting with Scotland’s First Minister on Measures Against Covid-19

Vaccination Certification Will Become Mandatory for Various Events in Scotland

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Harbourside Management Research Highlights How Workers Fear to Disclose Disability

Women and Equalities Select Committee Menopause Inquiry

Freelance Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take PiPA’s Survey

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

MU Welcomes Cardiff Council’s Support for Gigs in Cardiff Castle

Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

Graduates Share Their Concerns About The Devastating Impact of Government Funding Cuts to HE Arts and Music Subjects

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

Help Save Stratford Circus a Dedicated London Arts Space

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

Government Opens Consultation on Extending Elephant Ivory Ban to Non-Elephant Ivory

BBC Releases a Statement Following Recently Reported Death of Two Former Symphony Orchestra Members

Did You See the News? MPs Join the Fix Streaming Call

Kevin Brennan on Streaming: “The System Simply Isn’t Working for Creators”

Members in Wales Encouraged to Take Creative Wales’ Survey

Next Steps for England’s National Plan for Music Education Announced

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

New Report on Diversity in the Music Industry Released by Women in CTRL

Why A Covid Secure Passport Would be Better News for Live Music Than a “Vaccine Passport”

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group