News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a nurse holding out a covid testing kit.

New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

We’ve published new guidance on Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements for employed and self-employed musicians, which we hope will help with some of your concerns during the return to work.

Published: 05 March 2021

Photograph of a musician playing a brass instrument and looking out towards the camera, the photo is black and white collaged on a yellow background, with graphic black and white stripes twisting.

What Does The Spring Budget Really Mean for Musicians?

We’re taking a closer look at what the Budget announcement means for musicians, and what we can do to support members over the next six months.

Published: 04 March 2021

Photograph of a stack of assorted instrument cases in what appears to be a stock room, there is a yellow dusty light in the background.

Subscription Holiday Scheme Extended Further

We have extended our subscription holiday scheme for a further three months to help members still facing financial hardship due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Published: 04 March 2021

Photograph of a corridor inside the Houses of Parliament, striped tape on the floor indicates how people must stand 2 metres appart to socially distance.

The Chancellor Announces the Spring Budget

The Chancellor has announced that SEISS will be extended and widened, but we will continue to put as much pressure on the Government as possible until every musician has access to financial assistance.

Published: 03 March 2021

Photograph of a small child looking out a window onto a Spring like scene, a rainbow has been painted on the glass.

We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Along with over 3,000 other signatories, we’ve signed ExcludedUK’s letter calling for support in the Spring Budget for the 3.8m people who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s support scheme.

Published: 02 March 2021

Photograph of a music event outdoors. The guitarist is gesturing dramatically from the stage with pick and electric guitar, and you can see a drum kit with a drummers hands behind.

Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

We’ve published further details on the Government’s roadmap for easing lockdown, and how the different stages are likely to be relevant to musicians.

Published: 02 March 2021

View of Waverly Hill in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh standing empty.

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

The Scottish Government today outlined a four-stage approach for the easing of lockdown, taking us up to the end of April. After that, the plan is to return to a localised tier system.

Published: 23 February 2021

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

The PM has today set out his ‘roadmap’ for lifting Covid-19 restrictions in England. We'll be updating advice for musicians over the next week.

Published: 22 February 2021

Photograph of the houses of parliament at night, with a light projection shone on it with the words

Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

An update on our Invest in Musicians campaign – which has been running for almost a year now – and what our plans are moving forwards.

Published: 19 February 2021

A collage of image and graphic, a photograph of Rishi Sunak in a leather jacket and sunglasses, with the addition of an open mouth rockstar symbol and large text reading

Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

With two weeks to go until the next budget, getting our message through to Rishi Sunak is more important than ever.

Published: 17 February 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

Photograph of a string quartet, we can't see the musicians except for the arms holding the instruments. There is a violin in close view, behind is a blurred viola and cello.

Music Lecturer to Hold Day of Lectures in Fundraising Drive for our Hardship Fund

The Verdun Allen Music Foundation will be fundraising for our Covid-19 Hardship Fund with a special day of lectures on Saturday 27 February.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of semi closed blinds covering a window.

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

We’ve released our joint research with The Ivors Academy today, revealing how the majority of shielding musicians, songwriters and composers who we surveyed do not feel they can return to work until they are vaccinated.

Published: 16 February 2021

Photograph of a little kid painting a rainbow onto a big glass window.

The TUC Are Demanding Pay Rises for Keyworkers

The TUC are campaigning for a pay rise for key workers, and will be kicking off a planning and strategy call on Tuesday 9 February at 6:00 pm.

Published: 04 February 2021

Photograph of a small baby in a floor seat, a musician is leaning over them playing guitar.

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Campaigning organisation Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) have published a new report on the impact of Covid-19, focusing on groups which are currently underrepresented in the sector.

Published: 03 February 2021

New Charity Offers Grants For Period-Instrument Ensembles

In response to widespread concert cancellations since March 2020, former City director and classical music lover Tina Vadaneaux has founded a new charity, Continuo Foundation (“Continuo”).

Published: 02 February 2021

Photograph of a groundhog, standing in a patch of green grass with an open mouth and what could be imagined as quite a cross expression on its face.

Lobbying Update: Feeling like Groundhog Day, But The Impact is Real

With the budget coming up on 3 March, getting our message through to Rishi Sunak is more important than ever and we thank every member who has been involved in this effort.

Published: 02 February 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

A baby is held by their mums, one holds her arms around the baby, while one reaches around the baby to hold the other mums arms

TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

The TUC have released a report calling for a temporary legal right to access the furlough scheme for parents, those with caring responsibilities and people who cannot work because they are required to shield.

Published: 22 January 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

Make a Noise This Wednesday 13 January #InvestInMusicians

Call on the Government to invest in musicians, so that you can continue to make music during the pandemic and bounce back as the industry gets on its feet.

Published: 12 January 2021

Photograph of a keyboard, with a webcam set up over the keys. It appears to be a live stream.

An Urgent Letter to the Chancellor

This week’s lobbying update discusses our letter to Rishi Sunak, requesting that he urgently looks at the situation for musicians.

Published: 06 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

Photograph a vintage looking recording studio.

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Members in Glasgow and surrounding areas are encouraged to sign this petition calling on Glasgow City Council to include music studios in the 100% Covid council tax relief awarded to retail, leisure and hospitality.

Published: 04 January 2021

Photograph of an empty school classroom, the sun is rising through the windows with a red and orange glow

Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Advice for members around school reopenings, following the NEU's position on schools not currently being a safe working environment.

Published: 02 January 2021

Photograph of assorted instrument lining up to be played in a classroom.

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

How the Government’s announcement about tiers in England and school openings may affect musicians.

Published: 30 December 2020

Assessing the Future of Classical Music in the Covid-19 Climate

As some orchestral musicians make a tentative return to work, Andrew Stewart examines the challenges facing the classical music sector.

Published: 25 December 2020

Photograph of an empty Hastings Pier, with a stormy sky in the background.

New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

As our many of our members across London and south-east and east of England fall under the Government’s new tier four level restrictions, we’ve drawn up guidance on how these rules may affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

Photograph of a small boy playing the keyboard at home.

Wales Moves to Alert Level Four

An overview of how the Welsh Government’s alert level 4 restrictions, which have applied since midnight on 19 December, might affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

Photograph of what appears to be an empty theatre pit set up for musicians, with a drum, double bass and electronic keyboard set out.

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

Together with Equity and Bectu, the MU is calling on the government to exempt theatre productions from the Tier 3 regulations and to allow them to open to socially distanced audiences.

Published: 18 December 2020

MU Letter to Treasury: The Government Must Invest in Musicians

We’re using your responses to the latest MU Covid-19 Impact Poll to let the Government know that they must invest in musicians.

Published: 17 December 2020

Photograph of an audience members hands, creating a heart shape with their fingers and held up in silhouette against purple stage lights.

Second Phase of Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Funding Programme Opens

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (NI) Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme has opened up for a second wave of funding applications, as of Thursday 17 December.

Published: 17 December 2020

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

Child learning the keyboard, facing a computer where an online lesson is taking place.

Music Teaching in Wales to Move Online

The Welsh Government has announced that all instrumental and vocal teaching should move online from 14 December if possible.

Published: 11 December 2020

Photograph of a small child sat wearing a facemask in front of a piano keyboard.

Private Teachers in Scotland Resume Face-to-Face in Levels 0-3

Updated guidance from the Scottish Government means that private teachers can resume face-to-face teaching in levels 0-3.

Published: 11 December 2020

Photograph of a band performing on a small stage, we can see a guitarist and someone blurred but at a keyboard.

Cultural Unions Submit Freedom of Information Request to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street

Midlands cultural sector trade unions have called upon West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, to declare what discussions he has had with the DCMS Minister, Oliver Dowden, in order to protect our vital local cultural sector.

Published: 09 December 2020

Photograph of hands holding a mobile phone which is displaying a view on the MU's new website's homepage. The person is wearing yellow trousers which are visible in the background.

The New MU Website is Live

Based on extensive user research, the new website aims to provide, connect, inform and empower members during the fightback from Covid-19.

Published: 08 December 2020

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New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

What Does The Spring Budget Really Mean for Musicians?

Subscription Holiday Scheme Extended Further

The Chancellor Announces the Spring Budget

We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

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

Music Lecturer to Hold Day of Lectures in Fundraising Drive for our Hardship Fund

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

The TUC Are Demanding Pay Rises for Keyworkers

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

New Charity Offers Grants For Period-Instrument Ensembles

Lobbying Update: Feeling like Groundhog Day, But The Impact is Real

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced

TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

Government Must Support Live Music Following Glastonbury Cancellation

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming

Make a Noise This Wednesday 13 January #InvestInMusicians

An Urgent Letter to the Chancellor

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

Assessing the Future of Classical Music in the Covid-19 Climate

New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

Wales Moves to Alert Level Four

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

MU Letter to Treasury: The Government Must Invest in Musicians

Second Phase of Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Funding Programme Opens

Recorded Background Music Now Permitted in Scottish Hospitality Venues

How Disabled Musicians Dealt with the Challenges of the Covid Crisis

Music Teaching in Wales to Move Online

Private Teachers in Scotland Resume Face-to-Face in Levels 0-3

Cultural Unions Submit Freedom of Information Request to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street

The New MU Website is Live