News & Stories for Musicians

Black and white photograph of a conductors hands, holding a baton over the music stand at the head of an orchestra. The musicians in the background are blurred.

Disability History Month: Music Making and the Fates of Disabled People

Conductor and composer Ben Lunn discusses how we need to celebrate “the disabled musicians and artists who exist,” whilst, “making sure disabled people can live in dignity and safety and are able to pursue whatever profession they desire to.”

Published: 17 November 2020

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Defining Your Own Vocal Identity

This article briefly examines the issues giving rise to gender identity in a voice, and headlines the approaches open to trans*+ musicians in defining their own vocal identity.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of a young man in a yellow t-shirt against a yellow background, he is wearing earphones and stretching with an expression on his face indicating he may be in pain.

Feldenkrais and Practise: Supporting the Arms

In this third Feldenkrais and Practise blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how we can use Feldenkrais technique to explore how we support the arms and hands during practice.

Published: 06 November 2020

Photograph of Millicent Stephenson, she is wearing white against a white background whilst holding out a microphone and smiling.

The Journey of a Menopausal Musician

Multi-award winning saxophonist and MU Executive Committee member Millicent Stephenson shares her experiences, ahead of World Menopause Day 18 October.

Published: 15 October 2020

Government Allows Full Resumption of School Music Provision in England

Visiting music teachers may return to schools, and ensemble rehearsals and performances can resume as long as health and safety measures are in place.

Published: 02 September 2020

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Member Discount for Covid-19 'Gig Screens'

MU members can now get a 10% discount on 'gig screens' designed for live events.

Published: 02 September 2020

Movement in contact improvisation at Feldenkrais workshop

Changing Habits Through Your Feldenkrais Practice

Emma Alter, tutor for our regular (now Zoom based) Feldenkrais classes, discusses, how we can get up close and curious with our habits, and discover more about how we work.

Published: 14 July 2020

Live Performance Risk Assessment Advice for Freelancers Released

We’ve put together new guidance for freelance musicians, to help musicians prepare themselves for when venues to begin reopening.

Published: 12 June 2020

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Racism is a Public Health Crisis

Black Lives Matter UK are calling on the on the public to show support for Black members of the community who are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19 with a musical response on Thursday 4 June.

Published: 03 June 2020

Feldenkrais and Practice

Emma Alter, tutor for our regular (now Zoom based) Feldenkrais classes, discusses, “How do we as musicians incorporate or involve Feldenkrais in our instrumental (or singing) practice?” and how we can practice embodiment in our everyday movement too.

Published: 29 May 2020

New Telephone Support Network For Musicians

Musicians feeling isolated and anxious can sign up to the Royal Society of Musicians’ (RSM’s) Coronavirus Support Network to chat with other musicians.

Published: 27 April 2020

Music Support Hosts 12 Step Support Groups Online

Music Support is launching weekly online support group meetings to allow the music industry’s 12 Step recovery community to continue to connect during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Published: 27 April 2020

First Aid Theory Courses Available Online

For members who were interested in taking First Aid training earlier this year, London First Aid Training are offering two accredited online First Aid Theory courses.

Published: 20 April 2020

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Advice for Employers and Reps on Domestic Abuse During Disruption from COVID-19

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released an interactive guide on ways that you can spot, support and help stop victims from suffering further abuse.

Published: 16 April 2020

Anna Neale dressed in green dress, standing on a beach with a guitar

Music as a Way of Getting Through

Singer-songwriter Anna Neale tells us how, "Music is one the greatest expressions of human identity. It's what's getting a lot of people through this crisis. Hold on to that, reach out, and ask."

Published: 14 April 2020

Older image on Andi sat in concert style seating.

Working in Isolation: “If Anyone Can Get Through This, Musicians Can.”

Andi Hopgood, musician, vocalist, tutor and Vice Chair of the MU Executive Committee, tells us about what happened when she had to "make the difficult decision to isolate early on the 16 March".

Published: 03 April 2020

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MITC Launches Free Guide to Anxiety Relief and Self Isolation For Musicians

Music Industry Therapists & Coaches (MITC) have launched a Guide To Anxiety Relief and Self Isolation – this free, supportive resource is available for download from their website.

Published: 25 March 2020

Happy healthy female musician playing ukelele

BAPAM Moves Healthy Performance Events Online

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) have set themselves up to begin running their training events online, with course topics ranging from vocal health to injury prevention and keeping mentally well.

Published: 24 March 2020

Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Working in Poland

Nearly a third of Poland has been declared an LGBT+ free zone, as 100 local authorities have said they will not promote LGBT+ tolerance or acceptance. This includes funding NGOs working to promote equality.

Published: 10 March 2020

Photograph of buildings across the skyline in Austin, Texas

Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

Following the cancellation of this years’ SXSW festival in Austin Texas, members invited to the Showcase are advised that unless they are in possession of a valid ‘O’ or ‘P’ work visa they should not attend.

Published: 09 March 2020

Poster with illustration of two women dancing happily reading #ForTheLoveOfMusic, find out more at theMU.org/safespace

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting

A recent MU survey revealed 48% of musicians have experienced sexual harassment at work. Over 85% did not report it.

Published: 06 December 2019

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Show Your Support for Stronger Laws Against Sexual Harassment that Protect Freelancers Too

A recent MU survey revealed that 48% of musicians have been sexually harassed at work. Take action now for stronger laws to prevent sexual harassment at work that protect freelancers too.

Published: 25 October 2019

London’s First Accessible Club Event for Adults and with Disabilities and Their Carers Opens this November

The event 'Daylight' – which will be hosted by music venue Omeara – is being produced by London-based DJ and mental health volunteer Tony Gurney.

Published: 08 October 2019

Musicians with a guitar singing on stage

Help Musicians UK Survey Looks at Mental Health Support

Help Musicians UK is reviewing their mental health and wellbeing support services for musicians.

Published: 28 August 2019

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New Podcast Looks at Musicians Health and Wellbeing

Help Musicians UK’s podcast series, Elevate Music, looks at health and wellbeing issues affecting musicians.

Published: 30 July 2019

Speaker stands at the front of a room, with a screen behind reading

LGBTQ+ in Music: Where is the Representation?

This blog is created from the speech that MU member Olive gave at the TUC LGBT+ conference last week – moving a motion on the need for a broad and balanced LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum to ensure LGBTQ+ representation in music.

Published: 11 July 2019

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Support the Campaign to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work

The MU has joined forces with the TUC and an alliance of trade unions and women’s rights organisations to prevent sexual harassment at work.

Published: 26 June 2019

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

The MU and the ABO have created a joint Manifesto for British Orchestras and are collectively inviting orchestras to sign up.

Published: 21 March 2019

24-Hour Helpline for Theatre Professionals Launched

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have launched Theatre Helpline, a free phone and email service to support theatre professionals with any issue affecting their health and wellbeing.

Published: 13 June 2018

MU Highlights Sexual Harassment and Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to be attending TUC Women’s Conference once again. The MU is taking two motions to TUC Women’s Conference focusing on festival line-ups, and sexual harassment in the music industry.

Published: 07 March 2018

Hearing, Health and Safety at Work

As we await the judgment in a landmark case on hearing damage and health and safety law, Musicians’ Union (MU) Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl comments on the cause and extent of hearing problems affecting musicians.

Published: 19 February 2018

MU Motion to TUC LGBT+ Conference 2017

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to be taking part in the Trades Union Congress (TUC) LGBT+ Conference once again. This year, the MU’s motion is about mental health. #TUCLGBT

Published: 06 July 2017

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