News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a young woman listening to music off her phone on the bus.

MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

As part of the 10-Point Plan published by UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce last October, the MU will be supporting equality movement organisation Girls I Rate in their work towards a music industry where women can thrive.

Published: 30 July 2021

A young musician is playfully holding up the seperated parts of a bassoon, looking through one end of one piece.

ABRSM Announces Enriched Woodwind Syllabus Which Aims to Inspire Curiosity of Learners

A new, enriched woodwind syllabus designed to inspire the curiosity of learners and spark interest in music from all corners of the world and by people of all backgrounds has been launched by ABRSM.

Published: 30 July 2021

Photograph of a young adult walking with a violin case strapped to their back against an urban backdrop.

TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady sent a strong message of solidarity and support to MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Delegate Conference.

Published: 26 July 2021

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Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Jo Stevens MP shared a powerful message with MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

Published: 23 July 2021

A woman is looking in the mirror and adjusting her hearing aid in the mirror.

Government Response to Consultation on Sexual Harassment Welcomed

The Government has responded to the consultation on sexual harassment with a number of commitments, and the MU wishes to congratulate everyone involved in making this happen, including MU members who contributed to the consultation.

Published: 22 July 2021

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MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights

Together with over 38 other unions and the TUC, we have written to equalities minister Liz Truss to call for an urgent reset in the government’s approach to LGBT+ rights.

Published: 22 July 2021

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Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 July 2021

Photograph of an empty recital hall, there are two double basses lying on their sides and a lot of empty chairs and music stands.

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

The MU is devastated that the Office for Students has recommended implementing Government funding cuts to Higher Education arts and music subjects.

Published: 20 July 2021

Woman applies hand sanitizer to a child wearing a facemask and a rainbow coloured t-shirt.

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

We fully support We Shall Not Be Removed’s seven inclusive principles, and Art Council England’s statement on inclusive recovery – and wish to state our continued commitment to supporting members and lobbying the Government for better support and clearer guidance.

Published: 20 July 2021

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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#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

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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

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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

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MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

ABRSM Announces Enriched Woodwind Syllabus Which Aims to Inspire Curiosity of Learners

TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Government Response to Consultation on Sexual Harassment Welcomed

MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

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