News & Stories for Musicians

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Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

We are now looking for members who wish to stand for our Executive Committee (EC) starting in 2025. Find out what being on the EC involves and if you're eligible to stand.

Published: 27 August 2024

Young female teacher sat with a pupil in a music room where he plays an electronic keyboard.

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

We welcome news of this new grant for specific Music Hub organisations, which comes after sustained advocacy from the MU, working alongside Music Mark and the ISM.

Published: 20 August 2024

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Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 20 August 2024

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

Creative unions, including the MU, have written to the new First Minister of Wales expressing deep concern regarding the current and future state of the arts in Wales, calling for more cultural funding across the Country.

Published: 08 August 2024

Touring crates lined up outside on a cobbled street.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Although over half of surveyed musicians told us that touring the EU was no longer financially viable for them, we have been working with the new Labour Government to address the concerns raised, and are hopeful that the barriers can be addressed.

Published: 30 July 2024

Naomi Pohl and other trade union leaders outside government buildings in London.

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

This week we met with members of Labour’s new Government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss key MU topics.

Published: 25 July 2024

View of Big Ben and the houses of parliament in London,.

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

The King’s Speech, which marks the state opening of parliament, took place on Wednesday 17 and set out many promising pieces of legislation that the Labour Party intend to implement.

Published: 18 July 2024

Five people wearing matching t-shirts and standing in front of a big projector screen.

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

The MU’s motion protecting LGBT+ musicians was passed unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024.

Published: 17 July 2024

Sir Kier Starmer Labour leader giving his first speech after winning the general election and becoming prime minister on 5 July.

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

Having been so heavily involved in forming Labour policy and the manifesto, we look forward to working with the new Government to implement meaningful change for the country and for musicians.

Published: 11 July 2024

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

More leading figures from music and the arts sign the Union’s open letter in support of Young RWCMD, as the Senedd Petitions Committee call for urgent action to protect the programme.

Published: 04 July 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

Protesters calling for the freedom of Toomaj Salehi with flags and posters.

Sign the Petition to Free Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi From Prison

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has had his death sentence overturned, but still remains in prison. Sign the petition to call for his immediate release.

Published: 27 June 2024

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What to Ask MP Candidates Campaigning for the General Election

Make sure your local candidates for MP know the issues that matter to you – and to all musicians across the UK.

Published: 24 June 2024

People gathering in Durham to march at the Miners' Gala.

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024

MU members are invited to march at Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday 13 July - the world's biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit and working class life.

Published: 21 June 2024

Silhouette of two sound engineers, in front of empty stage at a mixing desk.

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holding a poster saying 'Labour's New Deal for Working People' at last year's Labour Party Conference.

Labour Party Election Manifesto Makes Clear Policy Commitments to Musicians

The MU welcomes the Labour Party commitments to supporting music and musicians in their manifesto for the General Election on Thursday 4 July.

Published: 14 June 2024

MU delegates and visitors standing outside of the Congress Centre in London for TUC Black Workers' Conference 2024.

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

Our motion for the TUC to support Art Not Evidence and promote the restricted use of creative expression in court was passed at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference.

Published: 14 June 2024

A protest in Birmingham against city council cuts, with protesters waving flags and holding banners.

Brum, Rise Up! Join the MU to Campaign Against Birmingham City Council Cuts

MU Midlands members are urged to join us outside Birmingham City Council House on Tuesday 18 June to demand a reversal of the cuts to the city's vital services, libraries and arts sector.

Published: 11 June 2024

Two MU members attending the Disabled Workers Conference 2024, standing in front of a digital screen wearing lanyards.

MU Motion on Benefits Reform Passed Unanimously at TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference 2024

The MU’s motion to reform the benefits system to better serve disabled musicians passed unanimously at last week’s TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference.

Published: 30 May 2024

Chris Walters speaking to the cross-party committee of MPs on music teaching.

MU Addresses Education Select Committee on Music Education

Chris Walters, MU National Organiser for Education, spoke to the cross-party committee of MPs about funding for music education and music teachers’ pay and conditions.

Published: 30 May 2024

A laptop screen with a Spotify window open.

MU Calls for Major Changes to Fix Streaming at Second Creator Remuneration Group Meeting

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl represented musicians and music creators at the second meeting of the Creator Remuneration Group. The meeting focused on getting a better deal from music streaming for featured artists.

Published: 30 May 2024

Empty stage with drum kit, cast in green light in a small music venue.

MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues

We welcome the recommendations made to Government in the report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS), and are hopeful that we can use this opportunity to start to repair the grassroots live scene for all involved.

Published: 14 May 2024

A young man in a wheel chair writing in his journal and working on his computer.

What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?

Catch up with musician Balraj Samrai, Labour MP John McDonnell and others on why unions should support a universal basic income (UBI), plus find out how you can be part of the movement too.

Published: 13 May 2024

Sheet music on music stands in empty modern classroom.

Arts Apocalypse: 14 Organisations Spotlight Decimation of Arts Education in Schools

14 organisations are raising the alarm on the arts education apocalypse in our schools and colleges.

Published: 12 May 2024

Female musician busking, playing acoustic guitar and singing outdoors in the street.

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has contacted Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities, to express our concerns about the Government’s response to the Misogyny in Music Enquiry.

Published: 07 May 2024

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MU Responds to Recommendations Made in APPG's Inquiry on AI in Music Report

We thank the APPG for undertaking this important inquiry and while we are hopeful Government will accept its recommendations, we suggest it also introduce some additional measures to truly protect the future careers and rights of our members.

Published: 01 May 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

Electric keyboard and microphone in foreground, with small choir group out of focus in the background.

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

Major music sector organisations, networks and individuals are calling for ‘voice’ to be added to the eligible instruments, so that choirs can claim Orchestra Tax Relief.

Published: 24 April 2024

Hand turns a wooden cube and changes an unequal sign to an equal sign between symbols of men and women, on an orange background.

MU Deeply Disappointed as Government Fails to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

Today the UK Government has responded to the Misogyny in Music Report and rejected recommendations that would help protect and support women in the music industry from harassment and discrimination, despite hearing strong evidence from women, experts and organisations in the sector.

Published: 19 April 2024

Young female Black musician, wearing headphones sat in front of a keyboard in a recording studio.

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

The survey will inform government legislation, the work of the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and the wider music industry. It will also be used to support BLiM’s forthcoming Anti Racist Code of Conduct. Members are encouraged to share their experiences.

Published: 19 April 2024

Exterior of Caird Hall in the city centre of Dundee, Scotland.

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

This week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress with MU Delegates Christine Cooper and Ben Lunn, who discussed the importance of music education, community arts in Scotland and establishing a Music Expo Office for the country. All three of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 18 April 2024

Naomi Pohl standing outside of Westminster with three other members of the Council of Music Makers.

Fix Streaming Campaign in Westminster for First Creator Remuneration Group Meeting

The Musicians’ Union and Council of Music Makers called for a better deal for musicians and music creators at the first meeting of the Creator Remuneration Group.

Published: 18 April 2024

Exterior of the Birmingham and Midland Institute building.

MU Midlands Members Urged to Attend Public Meeting to Fight Birmingham City Council Cuts

If you live or work in Birmingham as a musician, we urge you to join us on Saturday 27 April for Brum Rise Up to have your say in the campaign to resist the cultural cuts.

Published: 16 April 2024

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

A group of protestors with their fists raised up in the air in protest.

MU Offers Support and Advice on Boycotting Events

The MU is here to offer guidance to any member wishing to boycott an event, as well as provide support to musicians who have been targeted due to their political activism.

Published: 28 March 2024

Magnifying glass over a light bulb icon on a wooden block, with yellow background.

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

In this special feature, some of the key departments at the Musicians’ Union respond to Labour’s new report on supporting the creative industries, explaining how these plans may affect our members and their careers.

Published: 19 March 2024

Audience hands in the air in front of a stage, representing community and positive wellbeing.

Why Arts Funding is Essential

From boosting the economy to enriching the lives of marginalised communities across the UK, we explore how the arts lie at the very heart of our physical, social and cultural wellbeing.

Published: 19 March 2024

Keir Starmer speaking at the Labour Creatives Conference against a red background.

Access to the Arts is the Only Way to Harness its Economic Potential Says Labour Leader Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer has set out Labour Party plans to improve access to the arts for all, and to unlock the huge potential of the UK's creative industries.

Published: 14 March 2024

Close up of two people sat with acoustic guitars representing music lessons.

MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has pledged to make the arts accessible to every child in Britain and to reverse a Conservative education policy that has decimated the uptake of arts subjects in state schools.

Published: 12 March 2024

Back view of conductor directing a symphony orchestra on stage.

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras

After sustained lobbying from the MU, UK Music and other unions, the Chancellor today announced a permanent increase in the rate of tax relief for orchestras and theatres.

Published: 06 March 2024

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Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Sign the Petition to Free Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi From Prison

What to Ask MP Candidates Campaigning for the General Election

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

Labour Party Election Manifesto Makes Clear Policy Commitments to Musicians

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

Brum, Rise Up! Join the MU to Campaign Against Birmingham City Council Cuts

MU Motion on Benefits Reform Passed Unanimously at TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference 2024

MU Addresses Education Select Committee on Music Education

MU Calls for Major Changes to Fix Streaming at Second Creator Remuneration Group Meeting

MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues

What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?

Arts Apocalypse: 14 Organisations Spotlight Decimation of Arts Education in Schools

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

MU Responds to Recommendations Made in APPG's Inquiry on AI in Music Report

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

MU Deeply Disappointed as Government Fails to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

Fix Streaming Campaign in Westminster for First Creator Remuneration Group Meeting

MU Midlands Members Urged to Attend Public Meeting to Fight Birmingham City Council Cuts

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

MU Offers Support and Advice on Boycotting Events

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

Why Arts Funding is Essential

Access to the Arts is the Only Way to Harness its Economic Potential Says Labour Leader Keir Starmer

MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras