News & Stories for Musicians

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

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

Choir singers holding musical score and singing on student graduation event

Mixed Picture for England Under Step 3 – MU Pressures Government Over Choirs

The MU is putting pressure on the Government over some of its restrictions in England.

Published: 19 May 2021

A person is playing on a drum kit, the photograph just shows us a close up of the kit, one well used stick, and the arm and shoulder of the person who is wearing a leopard print vest.

Feedback Service Available for Those Applying to Next Round of ACE’s DYCP Fund

With the deadline for ACE’s tenth round of Developing Your Creative Practice funding approaching on 27 May – we’d like to take a moment to remind members about our guidance and feedback service for applications.

Published: 14 May 2021

Brightly coloured photograph of a busy crowd at a music gig, with audience members' arms raised and excited.

LIVE Release Audience Survey Results on What Events Will Look Like After “Lockdown”

Promising results from LIVE’s survey indicate that music fans are more passionate about going to more shows than before the pandemic started, with only 3% saying they will no longer attend.

Published: 13 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

Photograph of a man playing an acoustic guitar, he is outdoors in the sunshine, and a sun flare covers his face.

Wales Update: Lobbying and The Freelancer Fund

An update on the recent election results in Wales, the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the next round of the Freelancer Fund and the joint Q&A session that we will be hosting for applicants.

Published: 11 May 2021

Photograph of a musician holding a guitar, we can't see their face and the photo focuses on their hands on the fretboard.

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

A summary of changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence following their consultation with PRS members and the wider industry.

Published: 07 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

Photograph of Bishi Bhattachaya, she is wearing a brightly coloured top and gold head piece, and is looking directly into the camera with one arm raised.

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

For Women’s History Month, singer-songwriter Bishi Bhattachaya talks us through how the pandemic has exposed major issues of inequality within the music industry, and calls for concrete action and investment.

Published: 30 March 2021

Photograph of white chairs in an outdoor setting, set out with socially distanced space around each one.

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021

Photograph of a saxophone up close, the background of a brick outdoor wall implies that the performer is outside, we can only see the performers arm and hand.

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

An update on our call for busking to be permitted again in England, following the Government’s Spring 2021 roadmap – plus further legal advice for buskers.

Published: 15 March 2021

Photograph of a sandy coloured electric guitar laid out on a wood table with a loop of amplifier cable and earphones also displayed.

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced

PRS for Music have announced that PRS members performing their own works in a small online ticketed concert can now obtain a free licence.

Published: 02 February 2021

Two guitars resting in the grass amongst various objects like blankets and colourful pillows which indicate a festival campsite.

Government Must Support Live Music Following Glastonbury Cancellation

Following the announcement that Glastonbury 2021 has been cancelled, we’re calling on the Government to clarify their current consideration on insurance schemes for festivals, to save further pre-emptive cancellations.

Published: 21 January 2021

Black and white photograph from backstage at a festival. We can see a number of musicians playing on stage from behind, and a large outdoor audience facing inwards.

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

In welcome news, Minister for Culture Caroline Dineage confirmed that she is “looking into” possible insurance for music festivals, which would allow them to plan for summer 2021.

Published: 19 January 2021

Photograph of a woman out on the street, listening to music on her mobile phone.

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming

Middlesex University are exploring the experiences and expectations of performing musicians regarding live streaming music in the wake of Covid-19 with this short survey.

Published: 15 January 2021

Jazz saxophonist performing outdoors at a music festival.

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

An evidence session held today as part of the DCMS’ select committee festivals inquiry raised issues such as how the Cultural Recovery Fund does not benefit musicians, Brexit concerns, and the need for a Covid-proof insurance scheme.

Published: 05 January 2021

A photograph of a retro looking radio against a grey background.

Recorded Background Music Now Permitted in Scottish Hospitality Venues

The Scottish Government have changed their Coronavirus restriction rules to allow recorded background music to be played at hospitality venues throughout out the five tiers.

Published: 16 December 2020

How Disabled Musicians Dealt with the Challenges of the Covid Crisis

From heightened isolation to deeply-held prejudices, disabled musicians have experienced profound challenges during the pandemic. But ingenuity, strong mutual support and online access have helped many to prevail, as Neil Churchman explains.

Published: 15 December 2020

Photograph of a live performance taking place, we can just see the stage and a number of set up instruments, with the interesting trousers of one musician.

Welcome U-Turn on Alcohol Sales for Tier 2 Music Venues in England

The Government has announced that alcohol sales will be permitted in music venues in England’s Tier 2 regions, without the need for a substantial meal, provided that the event is ticketed and the audience are seated.

Published: 01 December 2020

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar, the heavy blue light means we can't clearly see the performer.

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Government has updated and published its guidance on working safely during Coronavirus in the Performing Arts – and we have updated our guidance on how this relates to musicians accordingly.

Published: 01 December 2020

Black and white photograph of an orchestra pit during a theatre performance, we are looking from behind the conductor who is gesturing largely.

New Government Measures Deliver Blow for Live Music in England

The Government’s re-worked three tier system has given us reason for concern, in particular the new cap on capacities for indoor live events under Tiers 1 and 2.

Published: 26 November 2020

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 24 November 2020

Photograph of an empty stage, looking out from the back towards where the audience would be, with bright lights shining down.

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

UK Music’s annual Music By Numbers report reveals the £5.8bn boost to the economy before Covid-19’s catastrophic blow – and renewed calls for Government action to protect the industry.

Published: 18 November 2020

Photograph of earphones and a microphone resting on a wooden surface.

Updated Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve now received confirmation DCMS that it is okay for musicians to rehearse in their homes under the current lockdown in England.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of an outdoor music performance taking place at night. We can only see the neck of a guitar and the shoulder of the musician, in the background there is bunting and bright lights.

What the End of the Welsh Firebreak Could Mean for Musicians

The Welsh Government’s Firebreak response to Covid-19 is due to end on Monday 9 November, here’s our summary of the new measures and how they’re likely to affect musicians.

Published: 06 November 2020

Photograph of a musician, we can't see their face but they are holding a microphone with plastic gloves on, and have a surgical mask on their face.

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve had confirmation from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that rehearsals can continue, provided that the band or individual is working.

Published: 05 November 2020

Photograph of a woman performing on a small stage, the lighting around her is blue with streaks of yellow - we can't see the audience.

Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

We've extended our grant application advice to now cover Developing Your Creative Practice applications, as well as continuing to offer advice on ACE National Lottery Project Grants.

Published: 26 October 2020

A photograph of a closed box office, shutters are drawn.

Music in Crisis in Northern Ireland

We’re publishing an open letter in response to the recent announcement from the Northern Irish Executive that effectively bans live music in Northern Ireland.

Published: 29 September 2020

A white man in a wheelchair is indoors, performing in what appears to be his home on a keyboard, while leaning over to type something into his laptop.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Music Career Ticking Over During Covid-19

Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Music Introducing on Saturday night about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, and ways that musicians can keep creating and working.

Published: 29 September 2020

Photograph of Louise, wearing a dark, professional looking shirt and smiling whilst holding a wind instrument. The background is white, bright and sunny.

Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Member and orchestral, theatre and chamber musician Louise Braithwaite discusses the effect of coronavirus and misinformation on wind players, and the wider industry.

Published: 10 September 2020

'This is not a hobby, it's our profession' #WorkNotPlayMU

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic

The Musicians’ Union has received new reports of venues and events asking musicians to work for free. This is not acceptable.

Published: 19 August 2020

A woman in a sunny field full of flowers raises her clarinet above her head, arm outstretched in a celebratory posture. She's wearing a red dress and has long curly hair.

Restrictions Around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments Relaxed in England

We welcome the news that restrictions around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments in England will be relaxed.

Published: 14 August 2020

A specialist in the installation of gig stage wearing a 'Staff' t-shirt

Let The Music Play Campaign Launches Second Phase

UK Music’s Let The Music Play campaign has launched its second phase, calling for further support for the live sector during these difficult times.

Published: 04 August 2020

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Richard Steggall has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in response to the recent announcements regarding the guidance on playing wind and brass instruments.

Published: 10 July 2020

Jazz bar with a stage with black piano and cello

The MU Reacts to Government Guidance for Restaurants, Pubs and Bars Reopening

The MU's Live Performance Department look at the latest Government guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars - and the bitter blow it delivers for live music.

Published: 29 June 2020

Empty seats in the The Shakespeare's Globe theatre

The MU Cautiously Welcomes Government Road Map for Live Sector

While the five-step road map for getting theatres open is welcome, without sector specific financial support, many theatres will struggle to reopen their doors and much of the talent will be forced out of the profession.

Published: 26 June 2020

Photograph of person sat at a computer with their guitar set up to play.

Music Making Online in Real-Time

Musician and educator Alastair Penman discusses web platforms that can make playing together over the internet a possibility, and how to optimise your own system to get the best results.

Published: 25 June 2020

Photo of a young student practicing the violin.

UK Classical Music Sector Highlighted in Letter to Secretary of State

The MU, Association of British Orchestras, BPI, Ivors Academy, Music Publishers Association and PRS for Music have written an open letter to Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport today, to highlight the importance of the UK's classical music sector.

Published: 12 June 2020

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