News & Stories for Musicians

The four MU delegates at TUC Women's conference, stood together smiling.

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Four MU delegates attended this year’s TUC Women’s Conference, where Union motions on the responsible use of AI, and better pay in relation to pregnancy and parenting were both passed.

Published: 27 March 2025

Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience of Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.

Published: 25 March 2025

A middle aged woman standing with a selection of music instruments.

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

The Musicians' Union is partnering with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) to host a webinar and panel on the menopause and how it can affect people working in the live music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

In a special blog to mark World Hearing Day 2025, audiologist Matthew Allsop shares practical tips on how musicians can protect their ears, as well as the latest updates in hearing protection technology.

Published: 03 March 2025

Close up of hand turning the volume button on an amp.

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Read MU member and bass player Gary Toogood’s experience of using the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, and the difference between off the shelf ear plugs and custom ear protection.

Published: 27 February 2025

silhouette of raised hands in the crowd at an outdoor music festival, lit by orange and yellow spotlights.

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

The UnMute roster, which was developed with help from the MU, is a new initiative designed to empower disabled musicians and improve access to live performance opportunities. Applications are now open.

Published: 24 February 2025

Utako Toyama singing and playing piano to a crowd, in front of a red curtain and flowers.

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Utako is a multi-award-winning composer and MU member who promotes diversity, equality, and world peace through her music. In this guest blog, she discusses why visibility and allyship is important not just in the music industry, but for society as a whole.

Published: 17 February 2025

Musician Kat Browning holding a clarinet and smiling.

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Katmuss, the resident bass clarinettist for Folk Clarinet Quartet, The Tradinettes, shares their experience of dealing with mental health issues and rediscovering a sense of community through the MU and its LGBT+ network.

Published: 10 February 2025

Close up of young, Black male musician, singing into a microphone on a stage.

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

A survey by Black Lives In Music, the Musicians’ Union, UK Music, LIVE, and the Mayor of London, has been launched to investigate reported race inequality, bias and over-policing of music events in London. 

Published: 07 February 2025

Official poster from the TUC. A cartoon image of a man with a crutch and arm in a sling, surrounded by hearts with crosses in, representing a bandage. Text at the bottom reads “Safe Sick Pay”.

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on union members to take part in a day of action on Friday 7 February to campaign for an increase in statutory sick pay.

Published: 06 February 2025

Female violin player performing under a spotlight on a dark stage.

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

Last week MU General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, gave powerful evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee as part of the ongoing Misogyny in Music enquiry.

Published: 03 February 2025

A diverse group of people, dressed smart/casual, smiling and networking.

MU Music Educators’ CPD Day: Save the Date

Members who teach are invited to save the date of 28 April, which will be our next one-day conference, to be held in Glasgow at the Studio.

Published: 28 January 2025

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

Award winning musician, composer and MU member, Arowah, shares how starting a meditation practice in Zen Buddhism transformed their music practice, and how self-compassion helps them navigate the challenges of working in the music industry.

Published: 28 January 2025

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

'Self-image in movement' is the theme for January's MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how the simple act of body scanning can help improve your self-image.

Published: 15 January 2025

Two young women playing Highland Bagpipes in front of stone wall.

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

National Piping Centre research reveals fundamental challenges facing women in piping and drumming.

Published: 13 December 2024

Close up of burning tea lights against a dark background.

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

The MU supports the Miscarriage Association's Leave for Every Loss campaign, which today called for a vital change in the law so that women and their partners who experience a pre-24 week pregnancy loss have the legal right to take bereavement leave from work.

Published: 12 December 2024

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

Blue. pink and white transgender flag, being waved at a parade.

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Transgender Awareness Week takes place 13 - 19 November and is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. To mark this we’ve put together a guide where you can check out MU resources, revisit related stories from the past year, and view upcoming events.

Published: 13 November 2024

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

Hand stopping wooden dominos from falling, a proactive concept.

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Worker Protection Act 2024, which comes into force on 26 October, introduces a new Preventative Duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers and employees.

Published: 17 October 2024

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

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Tonic Music Announces Exclusive Online Peer Support Group for Parents and Carers

MU members who are parents and/or carers can now join a six-week group for mental health support and career guidance.

Published: 30 September 2024

A women sat on a beach at sunset smiling while listening to headphones.

BAPAM’s Free Health Clinics for Musicians and Industry Professionals Now Open Around the UK

With BAPAM’s Glasgow clinic returning in October, we’re reminding members that the health charity for the performing arts now runs clinics UK-wide in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gateshead, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Published: 27 September 2024

A blue butterfly sat on a violin, representing positive change in the orchestral industry.

A Statement from the MU and the Association of British Orchestras on Culture Change in Classical Music

The MU and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future.

Published: 16 September 2024

Two musicians playing keyboard and guitar together.

Helping Musicians in Need: the Royal Society of Musicians

Since it was founded in 1738, the Royal Society of Musicians has been helping musicians who are unable to work due to physical or mental ill health.

Published: 27 August 2024

Wooden meeple figures in varying colours, concept of diversity and equality in society.

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

We actively oppose all forms of racism and Islamophobia, and we are here for all our Global Majority and Muslim members affected by recent events. Any members with concerns regarding safety in fulfilling engagements are advised to contact their regional office for advice.

Published: 08 August 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

Yellow headphones on yellow background. Listening concept.

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Member Heidi Fardell has been a one-to-one instrumental tutor for over 20 years. Drawing on her own experiences, she shares why music lessons can often invite conversations on health and wellbeing, and how to listen and recognise when students may need signposting to additional support.

Published: 04 July 2024

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 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

View from the back of the room of all hands raised in a support of our motion at the LGBT+ Conference.

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

The MU sent a delegation to this year’s STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference in May, where our motion on tackling transphobia, ensuring culturally relevant mental health provisions and improvements to the Equality Act passed unanimously.

Published: 17 June 2024

Silhouettes of crowd in front of a small festival stage in blue light.

Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has endorsed the MU’s Access Rider to its membership and will be holding a session to explain what access riders are, why we need them, and why festivals should adopt them as a standard part of all contracting.

Published: 03 June 2024

Stacked gold coins and plants on a step, growing with each incline against a sunlight background. Investment and saving money concept.

The Dos and Don’ts of Pensions for Self-Employed Musicians

Over 90% of MU members are self-employed but most will not have any personal pension. Here’s how self-employed musicians can find affordable, flexible and ethical pensions to suit them.

Published: 17 May 2024

Four panel members sitting on stage with microphones in front of a live audience.

Fair Play on Tour: Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing as a Live Musician

The MU hosted a panel at The Exchange in Bristol to discuss health and wellbeing for live musicians.

Published: 17 May 2024

MU members and staff at one of last years Pride marches, waving MU flags and banners during the event.

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2024

The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Friday 17 May, is “No One Gets Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”.

Published: 16 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

View of the Victorian Brighton Pier and the Brighton wheel at sunset.

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

The MU stands in solidarity with members and non-members who are boycotting this year’s Great Escape Festival due to sponsorship concerns, and reiterate the importance of getting in touch with your regional office should you need support and/or advice.

Published: 03 May 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

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Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

MU Music Educators’ CPD Day: Save the Date

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

Women in Piping and Drumming Report Reveals Culture of Sexism in Sector

Miscarriage Association Launches Campaign Calling for Bereavement Leave Reform

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

Tonic Music Announces Exclusive Online Peer Support Group for Parents and Carers

BAPAM’s Free Health Clinics for Musicians and Industry Professionals Now Open Around the UK

A Statement from the MU and the Association of British Orchestras on Culture Change in Classical Music

Helping Musicians in Need: the Royal Society of Musicians

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

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

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme

The Dos and Don’ts of Pensions for Self-Employed Musicians

Fair Play on Tour: Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing as a Live Musician

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2024

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

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

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