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Photograph of a football in a grassy field, the sun is shining and the grass is green.

MU Signs TUC’s Letter of Solidarity With The Professional Footballers' Association

Along with dozens of others we have written to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in solidarity with the England team, read the full content of the TUC’s letter.

Published: 19 July 2021

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Published: 14 July 2021

Photograph of Belfast Castle, seen through the flowers in bright sunshine.

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

A new online music initiative dedicated to championing Northern Ireland (NI) music has launched. Music Connections is a central online hub created to support the development and growth of NI’s diverse and talented music sector.

Published: 08 July 2021

Photograph of a small model car balancing on the fret board of a guitar.

MU Continues to Support Members Injured on The Road Despite Government Changes

The Government is restricting access to justice with small claims changes – but we will continue to protect you.

Published: 07 July 2021

Photo of a trio of musicians, a banjo player, a double bass player and an acoustic guitarist.

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

Our friends at the hub have just launched a new Balance toolkit that includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of Covid 19.

Published: 06 July 2021

Photograph of a hand spraying disinfectant spray on to a tissue and using it to sanitize a keyboard.

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

Photograph of a collection of young people rehearsing in an orchestra, the photo focuses on a young woman on the cello.

MU Orchestras Department Run Back to Work Events Series

Looking back at the series of events recently put on by the MU Orchestras Department, developed specifically to help orchestral players on the road back to work – from physical health and coping with pressure, to presentation skills.

Published: 02 July 2021

Photographs of various young artists displayed on a photo wall at the event BBC Introducing

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Published: 29 June 2021

Photograph of a stack of papers with blue and purple lighting

Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

New guidance written by MU member and composer Ben Lunn with the team at sound contains information on the day-to-day challenges facing neurodivergent composers.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of sun shining through a window on to a peaceful blank table.

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released ground-breaking research into the impact of long covid on workers.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of a young person having a trumpet lesson, standing in a medium sized recital hall.

Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

Seven trade unions including the MU have come together to publish an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in opposition to the Government’s proposed funding cuts for arts and music subjects.

Published: 23 June 2021

Photograph of a vocal recording microphone, with interesting red and blue light shining on it.

New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

Together with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) – the UK artist trade body – we are delighted to share a new piece of joint guidance for session musicians and featured artists.

Published: 16 June 2021

Photograph of a trumpet resting on the sill of a closed window, with light shining through.

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

The MU and the Ivor’s Academy in collaboration with ConnectsMusic.com and with the support of HMUK are surveying musicians and creators to find out about those who are still, and will need to keep, shielding once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted – and ways to support them.

Published: 14 June 2021

Photograph of a choir, blurred in the background, with a keyboard and microphone in sharp focus.

Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

Amateur choirs may be able to rehearse, perform and record under specific circumstances - as we continue to campaign to overturn the Government’s decision on continuing to limit their activities.

Published: 10 June 2021

Amateur Choirs: “It’s In Our Bones to Use Our Voices”

As the Government continues to restrict the meeting and rehearsing of amateur choirs in England, jazz vocalist, musician and teacher Andi Hopgood discusses why amateur choirs are so essential – from their benefits to wellbeing to the employment they provide.

Published: 10 June 2021

Photograph of a room of people sat in chairs, looking forward at a speaker. The focus on the listeners is blurred, and we just see the arm and shoulder of the teacher.

In-Person Conference Programme for Music & Drama Education Expo Launched

The Music & Drama Education Expo have announced a new conference programme for their next event, running London on 24 and 25 September 2021 – including a session with the MU’s National Organiser for Education, Chris Walters.

Published: 08 June 2021

Photograph of a young person with bright pink hair, sat in a shadowy room they're holding up their phone and appear to be taking a photograph with it.

Youth Music Open New Fund For Young Creatives

Youth Music have announced the opening of their NextGen Fund, offering grants of £2,500 to young creatives in England with a stack of ideas but a lack of finance.

Published: 08 June 2021

Abstract style photo of a blurred chour, who appear to be dressed in black tie.

No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

There has been no movement from the Government on their restrictions for amateur choirs in England, despite growing pressure from the MU and others. We’re calling on members to sign the petition to have the matter debated in parliament.

Published: 02 June 2021

Photograph of a person's hands on an electronic keyboard

#TheShowMustBePaused One Year On

In this blog, Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl reflects on #TheShowMustBePaused, one year on from this seminal moment in the music industry.

Published: 02 June 2021

Photograph of the inside of a large pipe organ.

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Together with the Royal College of Organists (RCO), we’ve announced a new partnership to deliver services and support for organists and choral directors.

Published: 02 June 2021

Photograph of a person using a laptop working at a table in an office.

Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub (WITCiH) – a platform which aims to elevate women and non-binary creatives in technology – will be running its second festival 9-11 June, with online performances, panels and presentations.

Published: 28 May 2021

A woman works at a desk, looking concentratedly at her laptop computer as a large silver coloured cat slinks under the table.

Free Workshop on Building Mental Resilience to be Held by Help Musicians

Leading UK Charity for musicians, Help Musicians, will be holding a free, open to all workshop on building mental resilience, introducing different tools and techniques to maintain your mental wellbeing during difficult times.

Published: 27 May 2021

In this photograph musician holds up a small brass instrument, in the background blurred are other uniformed musicians with brass instruments in what appears to be a band setting.

Scotland Relaxes Some Restrictions on Wind, Brass and Singing in Schools

We are pleased that new guidance from Education Scotland relaxes some of the restrictions that have held back access to singing and lessons on brass and wind instruments in schools in Scotland.

Published: 20 May 2021

An empty stage of the opera, lit by spotlights and smoke before the performance

Normalising Trans Bodies in Opera

In this blog, commissioned for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Patricia Yates explores the work that needs to be done to make Opera more accommodating of gender-diverse performers.

Published: 17 May 2021

A transfeminine non-binary person and transmasculine gender-nonconforming person looking at a phone with upset expressions

Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Join us in marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) by promoting the TUC’s guidance and documents on being LGBT+ allies with your networks.

Published: 17 May 2021

Photograph zoomed in to the volume dials on an electric guitar, with the sun shining brightly on the polished wood.

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

The MU were one of the project partners in the research that led to this report, and it now offers musicians an insight into fans’ experiences and expectations of live streamed gigs and concerts.

Published: 13 May 2021

Two students working in a classroom setting, one leans across the desk to write on the other's work with a pencil.

Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Music For Youth will be holding three mentoring workshops for MU members based in London, the North of England, and East & South East England who are interested in finding out more about mentoring roles.

Published: 12 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of young adults in a classroom setting, the photo focuses on one young woman facing seriously forward, with other students blured in the background.

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

In this blog, MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Government’s proposed HE funding cuts in England, that “MU members are at their most passionate when there is a risk to colleagues or the future workforce,” and how we must do everything to fight back.

Published: 11 May 2021

A photograph which zooms in on a professional recording microphone, blurred in the background is a woman about to put earphones on and her open laptop computer.

Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, charity Black Minds Matter UK explains the importance of culturally specific interventions for musicians who also experience racism.

Published: 10 May 2021

Back to Work Series of Webinars for Orchestral Players Launched

We will be holding three separate virtual events specifically for orchestral players over the coming months, with the aim of giving our members the tools to return to work as safely as possible.

Published: 04 May 2021

Closeup photograph of a drumkit, taken from above.

DrumathonLIVE to Raise Money for Mental Health Charities

DrumathonLIVE will involve seven days of non-stop drumming by some of the world’s top drummers, starting from Saturday 15 May and raising money for mental health charities.

Published: 29 April 2021

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a newly launched initiative which the MU has partnered with – on a mission to combat racism, uniting organisations and musicians to create a truly inclusive and diverse music industry.

Published: 20 April 2021

Young child wearing a mask is sat at a piano, turning round to face the camera he raises one thumb in a positive gesture.

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

Following updated advice and further clarification from the devolved governments of the UK, we have updated our advice for musicians who teach in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

Published: 09 April 2021

Photograph of an orchestra set out in a socially distanced way, we can see all the musicians sat out across the stage in distanced positions, whilst a conductor gestures from the front.

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

In this longer-read feature, find out more about how UK orchestras have been faring through the pandemic – including taking on remote recording projects, working in creative new directions, and putting health and safety first in the move back to work.

Published: 06 April 2021

Photograph of a young girl wearing ear protectors at a concert. The background is blurred but we can see multiple people and string lights.

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

It’s World Autism Day on 2 April! To celebrate we asked Autism consultant and Heart N Soul creative associate Robyn Rocket to write a blog for us with a few pointers on how we can consider inclusion for Autistic musicians and listeners when the world opens again post-Covid.

Published: 01 April 2021

A woman is working on a laptop computer. She's wearing earphones and smiling broadly.

FEU Closes Live Training Programme But Digital Access to Training Continues

After more than a decade, the Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU) has closed its live training programme – following the Government’s decision to pull all unionlearn funding. However, their digital learning online centre will remain online.

Published: 01 April 2021

Laptop, pencils, an orange, a phone charger and mobile phone, and an open notebook on a desk.

Let us Know What Kind of Training Opportunities You Want From the MU

We’re planning to launch a comprehensive package of webinars for members preparing to return to their careers – but we want to hear from you first, so that we can provide the most appropriate support possible.

Published: 01 April 2021

Photograph of a woman sat outdoors, smiling and strumming on an acoustic guitar.

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

According to a survey for UN Women UK, four-fifths of young women in the UK have been subjected to sexual harassment, ringing true with our research showing how endemic harassment is in the music industry.

Published: 26 March 2021

Two double bases are left leaning against chairs in what appears to be an orchestra setting.

Orchestras In Healthcare Report

First comprehensive review reveals orchestras contribute more than £1.6m to the public health sector. Almost two thirds of professional orchestras are working in health, wellbeing and social care across the UK.

Published: 04 March 2021

Photograph of a musician playing an acoustic double bass outdoors. The camera is looking up the double bass' neck from below, and the musician is looking away with a concentrated expression.

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened

Help Musicians UK (HMUK) have opened their Do It Differently Fund for another round of applications on 15 February, offering support for professional musicians of all genres and disciplines.

Published: 17 February 2021

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All News and Features

MU Signs TUC’s Letter of Solidarity With The Professional Footballers' Association

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

MU Continues to Support Members Injured on The Road Despite Government Changes

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

MU Orchestras Department Run Back to Work Events Series

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

Amateur Choirs: “It’s In Our Bones to Use Our Voices”

In-Person Conference Programme for Music & Drama Education Expo Launched

Youth Music Open New Fund For Young Creatives

No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

#TheShowMustBePaused One Year On

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

Free Workshop on Building Mental Resilience to be Held by Help Musicians

Scotland Relaxes Some Restrictions on Wind, Brass and Singing in Schools

Normalising Trans Bodies in Opera

Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

Back to Work Series of Webinars for Orchestral Players Launched

DrumathonLIVE to Raise Money for Mental Health Charities

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey

We’ve Updated Our Advice for Teaching During Coronavirus

Life in Lockdown for UK Orchestras

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

FEU Closes Live Training Programme But Digital Access to Training Continues

Let us Know What Kind of Training Opportunities You Want From the MU

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

Orchestras In Healthcare Report

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened