News & Stories for Musicians

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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Government has withdrawn all plans to close rail ticket offices, following the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch objecting to the proposals in their entirety.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

Crowd with raised hands in front of small stage for a live performance. Dimly lit with purple stage lights.

Boost Your Career With Fair Play on Tour Event Series Taking Over Grassroots Venues Across the UK

Learn how to protect your rights and your wellbeing with the MU's series of events and masterclasses, taking place in independent Fair Play Venues across all four nations of the UK.

Published: 09 August 2023

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

Colourful paper chain of people in a circle, in the middle of open cupped hands, representing safeguarding and protection.

MU Launch New Safeguarding Resources For Musicians Who Teach

The new resources define best practice in safeguarding for members working with children and vulnerable adults.

Published: 27 July 2023

MU Executive Committe Vice Chair Andi Hopgood, stands and speaks from the mic while holding a small child.

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Delegate Conference wraps up with motions on the Welsh language, future pandemic planning for musicians and the closure of rail ticket offices, with union members using the second day of MU Delegate Conference to vote on a very clear set of policy priorities.

Published: 26 July 2023

A train stands blurred in a train station with bright light and no visible passengers on the platform

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

With Transport Focus’ public consultation on ticket office closures currently ongoing, the MU have passed an emergency motion at the 2023 Delegate Conference to save UK rail ticket offices, showing support and solidarity with the RMT.

Published: 26 July 2023

Long exposure of a bus travelling in Glasgow city center at night time.

MU Concerned by First Glasgow Plans to Cancel Night Bus Service

Although plans to cancel the service have currently been delayed until August, the MU is asking any members affected to contact the Scotland Regional Office to discuss their concerns, with the potential to be interviewed about their experiences.

Published: 19 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Three rocks balanced on top of each other on the beach, concept of balance and harmony.

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

The Balancing Act Survey is aimed at all workers in music, opera, dance and theatre. It is open to all genders, parents and carers, as well as those who do not currently have caring responsibilities.

Published: 14 July 2023

Nigel Braithwaite on stage, behind a podium, making his speech to conference holding a walking aid. Behind him is the TUC blue presentation screen with a text display of his speech.

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Our Delegates Nigel Braithwaite and Fiona Branson spoke on the importance of protecting accessible ticket offices at UK railway stations, as well as defending the rights of disabled freelance musicians.

Published: 12 July 2023

Customers bring served at the ticket office inside Marylebone railway station in London.

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

The MU is supporting RMT in its opposition to plans by Government and train companies to close ticket offices across the rail network. Have your say by taking part in a public consultation and signing the official petitions.

Published: 07 July 2023

Large cup of coffee on a table in a brightly lit coffee shop

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

We’ll be running free 30-minute advice sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries, Glasgow and Galashiels over the summer, with more dates to be announced for Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen in the Autumn.

Published: 04 July 2023

Utako Toyama smiling in front of a blue presentation screen saying TUC LGBT+ Conference 2023.

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

MU Delegate Utako Toyama spoke about the importance of mental health in relation to trans and non-binary inclusion at work - a motion supported by the NUJ and passed unanimously.

Published: 03 July 2023

Mike Nottage stands behind a table set up for PAT testing with a medium sized amp on display

Testing Times: Ensuring Your Equipment is Safe and You Are Protected

MU Member and PAT tester Mike Nottage writes up his answers to your most frequently asked PAT testing questions, and some thoughts from the PAT testing events he’s run in the past for MU members.

Published: 03 July 2023

Liverpool Hood Street bus terminal at night, with long exposure of traffic trails/light of public transport.

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

The MU is asking members local to Liverpool to complete a short survey which will help organisers better understand the needs of public transport users, with an aim of providing convenient, safe and affordable links to local music venues.

Published: 21 June 2023

Open hands holding a green paper circle with a smiley face, representing mental health.

MU Supported WellBeing Facilitators Programme To Receive Additional Funding

The pilot programme supporting people working in Wales’ screen sector with their mental health will benefit from an additional £150,000 in funding from Welsh Government, following a successful first phase.

Published: 24 May 2023

Two young Black musicians sat talking to each other in a recording studio.

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

Earlier this week the MU’s Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official Natalie Witts-Kilshaw attended an expert panel, hosted by Music Support, discussing mental health first aid in the music industry and the recording is now available to watch back.

Published: 18 May 2023

Black male rapping with microphone in camo jacket and glasses with a small crowd in the background.

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

The MU is deeply concerned that claims of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police have once again surfaced.

Published: 18 May 2023

Young woman deep in thought wearing yellow headphones against a warm yellow background.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

To mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week we’re sharing information and resources about what the MU does to support mental health and wellbeing.

Published: 15 May 2023

Woman, facing away, holding her hand up to represent no or stop.

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

Email your MP to protect parts of the Workers Protection Bill that will help end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 03 May 2023

The MU at STUC Congress 2023: Highlights

MU members moved and supported motions on Fair Work, arts funding and safer public transport for creative workers.

Published: 26 April 2023

MU Success at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union motion on protecting workers from sexual harassment on public transport was voted a TUC Young Workers’ Forum priority campaign for 2023-24.

Published: 17 April 2023

A Feldenkrais demonstration taking place, where the arm of a model skeleton is held up in the same pose as the arm of a demonstrating participant

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

The MU have been running Feldenkrais sessions for members over Zoom for a few years now, and in this article MU Member Michelle Saacks talks about her own Feldenkrais journey – from finding herself in a more functioning body, to the impact it’s had on her teaching.

Published: 14 April 2023

Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

Out of focus back of seated audience members head, watching a play on stage.

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

The Anything Doesn’t Go campaign aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in UK theatres, calling on venue management to take a more proactive approach via the new Charter.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

A well lit but very empty street in London at night time.

MU Expresses Solidarity with Night-Time Workers in Face of ULEZ Extension

MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman discusses the issues that the extended ULEZ scheme presents to Night-Time workers in London, and how the MU has argued and is continuing to argue for a fairer system.

Published: 24 March 2023

Black and white photo of female conductor from behind with hands raised.

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

In this guest blog, Her Ensemble member, orchestral and chamber musician Christine Anderson shares her experiences and thoughts on women and diversity within the classical music industry.

Published: 23 March 2023

Close up of single microphone on stage in front of out of focus crowd.

How to Overcome Performance Anxiety

With over 70% of UK musicians suffering from anxiety in their public-facing work, leading UK performance and speaking coach Jimmy Cannon talks about root causes, quick fixes and long-term solutions to the issue.

Published: 20 March 2023

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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

Boost Your Career With Fair Play on Tour Event Series Taking Over Grassroots Venues Across the UK

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

MU Launch New Safeguarding Resources For Musicians Who Teach

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

MU Concerned by First Glasgow Plans to Cancel Night Bus Service

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

Testing Times: Ensuring Your Equipment is Safe and You Are Protected

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

MU Supported WellBeing Facilitators Programme To Receive Additional Funding

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

The MU at STUC Congress 2023: Highlights

MU Success at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

MU Expresses Solidarity with Night-Time Workers in Face of ULEZ Extension

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

How to Overcome Performance Anxiety