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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

Empty illuminated stage with drumkit, guitar and microphones..

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

This April marks Musicians’ Mental Health Month and the MU has partnered with YCAT, BAPAM and Tonic Rider to focus on the important issue of performance anxiety, alongside the launch of new member resources.

Published: 02 April 2024

Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Music artists and producers affected by tinnitus share their stories. Learn more about what preventative steps can be taken and how other musicians manage this hearing condition.

Published: 20 February 2024

Volume dial against a glittery green background.

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Professional musicians are four times more likely to incur hearing damage in the workplace and one of the most distressing noise-induced conditions is hyperacusis. Here, two MU members speak of their experiences of coping with this condition.

Published: 12 February 2024

Inclusion and discrimination concept. Lines of wooden figurines as a barrier in front of different coloured figurines.

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

New findings from the Musicians’ Census show that LGBTQ+ musicians are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and sexual harassment, particularly for trans musicians, having a more widespread impact on their careers and ability to work.

Published: 07 February 2024

Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar alone in the dark.

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

The report, which was based on an inquiry into what misogynistic attitudes existed in the music industry and why, concluded that much work is still needed to tackle discrimination and the harassment and sexual abuse of women.

Published: 30 January 2024

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was the first Black musician to win BBC’s Young Musician award in 2016, and is currently facing racist abuse for speaking out about the ongoing inclusion of Rule Britannia in the BBC Proms.

Published: 25 January 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist on stage. He performs to the crowd against smoke and bright lights.

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

The campaign believes that art, and particularly rap music, should be protected as a fundamental form of freedom of expression, and should not be used to unfairly implicate individuals in criminal charges.

Published: 04 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Red wooden doll figure surrounded in circle by other doll figures on a white background. Harassment and bully concept.

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Members are encouraged to engage with the free, online module which is aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those working in the creative industries.

Published: 07 December 2023

Male musician sat in front of a keyboard and microphone deep in thought and concentration.

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Further report findings from the first ever UK Musicians’ Census show that almost a third of professional musicians in the UK are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, due to factors such as low pay, career barriers and witnessing or experiencing discrimination.

Published: 24 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Young Black female musician singing into a studio mic with pop shield in a recording studio.

12 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive, According to the Musicians' Census

Our Musicians from the Global Majority Insight Report reveals multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more diverse and inclusive.

Published: 13 November 2023

New Musicians’ Census Report Outlines the Level of Racism and Discrimination Still in Music Industry

The Musicians from the Global Majority Insight Report demonstrates that discrimination is still an unfortunate reality for musicians from the Global Majority, with 85% saying they had witnessed or experienced some form of discrimination.

Published: 13 November 2023

Close up of a hand holding a Trans Pride flag during a walk or march.

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

This year Trans Awareness Week takes place 13 to 19 November. Here we share some of the latest news and resources to help us all foster a more inclusive and supportive space for Trans and gender non-conforming people.

Published: 13 November 2023

Many hands overlapping together in a circle, representing partnership and teamwork.

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman will be speaking at the event on Monday 27 November, which brings industry professionals together to discuss pay and jobs in the arts and culture sector. Members are invited to attend, either in person or online.

Published: 08 November 2023

Woman’s fist against a bright yellow background. Women's equality and rights concept.

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

The Worker Protection Bill has passed its final stage in the House of Commons which means it will become law before the end of the year.

Published: 08 November 2023

Interior of the National Rail Ticket office in St Pancras, London.

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Government has withdrawn all plans to close rail ticket offices, following the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch objecting to the proposals in their entirety. Thank you to all MU members who responded to the consultation.

Published: 08 November 2023

Close up of two pairs of hands, sat opposite each other, holding cups of coffee on table.

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

MU member Heather Simmons is a Methodist Church Musician’s Chaplain, providing support for all musicians, across all faiths or none. Here she shares her knowledge of how musicians in need could get support from a Music Chaplain.

Published: 07 November 2023

Close-up view of a test hearing machine in a clinic.

Musicians’ Hearing Health Clinic in Belfast on 9 and 10 November

MU members in Northern Ireland are encouraged to apply to the Musician’s Hearing Health Scheme and take advantage of the regional clinic at the end of next month.

Published: 19 October 2023

White hand fan on yellow background, top view, concept of hot flush and the menopause.

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

To mark World Menopause Day on Wednesday 18 October, Angela Gascoine, PA to the MU’s Assistant General Secretaries, shares her blog on the role of Menopause Champions at the Union, as well as a list of resources for other organisations and individuals.

Published: 17 October 2023

Clarinet with close up of detached reed mouthpiece.

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

A new London exhibition shows how the dedication and passion of dentist Maurice Porter helped generations of brass and woodwind players perfect and resolve problems with their embouchure.

Published: 02 October 2023

Busy school corridor with motion blurred students and staff.

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

More than 100 schools – a number that could increase – have been instructed to shut buildings made with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Contingency planning could affect MU members who teach.

Published: 07 September 2023

Early Years Music Opens Programme of Events and Mentoring Opportunities for Musicians in Scotland

The year-long programme offers free online events for those working with children in the early years in Scotland, as well as mentoring opportunities with Chair of the MU’s Education Committee Yvonne Wyroslawska.

Published: 21 August 2023

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

MU Education Rep Sarah Tomlinson tells us why she decided to use the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme and why hearing health is important for everyone.

Published: 14 August 2023

Four wooden cubes with head symbols and a hand that is flipping one to reveal a lightbulb representing an idea.

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

Musician and MU London member Alice Angliss shares her first-hand experience of what Regional Committee meetings are, how they work and why they’re vital in giving support to members and the industry.

Published: 10 August 2023

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All News and Features

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

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

2023 End of Year Round Up

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

12 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive, According to the Musicians' Census

New Musicians’ Census Report Outlines the Level of Racism and Discrimination Still in Music Industry

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

Musicians’ Hearing Health Clinic in Belfast on 9 and 10 November

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

Early Years Music Opens Programme of Events and Mentoring Opportunities for Musicians in Scotland

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings