News & Stories for Musicians

Blurred photograph of sheet music on music stands.

Decolonising the Music Curriculum

David Duncan, Publications Officer at London College of Music Examinations (LCM), explores how exam boards can play a role in shaping a more positive future by ensuring greater diversity in their syllabuses.

Published: 01 October 2019

Photo of young girl writing music notes on a chalk board

Back to School: Five Resources for Teachers to Keep You at the Top of the Class

It’s the beginning of the academic new year, and a good time to run through a few of the resources for teachers that the MU offers. Use this handy checklist to make sure you’re getting the most out of your membership.

Published: 10 September 2019

A man sitting in front of the laptop taking notes while learning online

Help save our funding!

The MU (along with other entertainment trade unions under the FEU) currently benefits from government funding for training for members. But this is now under threat!

Published: 31 July 2019

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

MU members have raised concerns regarding a promoter's view that bands should not highlight their diverse make up, and that doing so is a form of tokenism that will prevent them from being booked.

Published: 30 July 2019

conference room filled with members , Dave Webster leading the discussion

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge today introduced the Union’s first ever Members' Conference – which saw members and officials from across the regions, as well as the Union’s Executive Committee (EC), coming together to discuss essential decisions for the future of the MU.

Published: 24 July 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

Photo of Millicent Stephenson holding a saxophone, with banner reading

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

Multi award winning saxophonist, Millicent Stephenson, tells us how joining the MU helped her develop her passion for music into a full-time career.

Published: 01 July 2019

Andy Payne and his band The Heretic Order

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Drummer and teacher Andy Payne tells us about how advice from the MU has proved invaluable when making career choices.

Published: 21 June 2019

Photograph of Bournemouth pier at sunset

Call for Inclusive Music Education at the Trades Union Congress Disabled Workers Conference

Musicians’ Union (MU) delegates called for inclusive music education for all children at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Disabled Workers Conference.

Published: 31 May 2019

Poster of different musicians playing under

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is supporting Make Music Day – an event which aims to turn the country into a stage and offer a full spectrum of performers the opportunity to display their musical skills.

Published: 08 May 2019

Primary aged children take part in a classroom ukulele lesson.

Crowd Funding Appeal for Judicial Review of Music Tuition Fees in Scottish State Schools

A crowd funding appeal is underway to raise £15,000 to pay the legal fees for the necessary first steps in a potential judicial review of the lawfulness of fees for musical instrument tuition in Scotland's state schools.

Published: 25 April 2019

Lineup of percussive instruments for classroom use

Breaking the Class Ceiling in Music Education

MPs and Peers looked at access to music and the challenges emerging artists face in the second session of the ‘Breaking the Class Ceiling’ inquiry.

Published: 23 April 2019

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

The Musicians’ Union is delighted that the TUC Black Workers Conference voted to support music education in schools and end discrimination against drill artists.

Published: 17 April 2019

Children learning trumpet and clarinet in classroom setting

New Musicians' Union Research Reveals Perilous State of Music Education and Calls on Government to Let Every Child Learn Music

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has launched State of Play, a comprehensive report into the state of music education, following extensive research led by Dr Jonathan Savage (Manchester Metropolitan University) and David Barnard (MU Music Education Official).

Published: 02 April 2019

Empty classroom with chairs and music stands.

New Report Makes Urgent Recommendations for Future of Music Education

New Musicians’ Union (MU) research reveals the perilous state of music education in England, caused by chaotic education policies that have created a postcode lottery in provision.

Published: 02 April 2019

Release of New Report on Music Education in Scotland Highlights Concerns

The new research project pulls together findings and recommendations for music education in Scotland.

Published: 28 March 2019

Monthly Feldenkrais classes starting from May 2019

The Musicians’ Union (MU) will be holding a series of workshops exploring how your habits of movement can constrain your potential – both on and off the stage.

Published: 28 March 2019

Members’ Discount Available on Music Education Toolkit ‘Music Tutor’s Hero’

‘Music Tutor’s Hero’ aims to help self-employed music teachers deliver interactive lessons for pupils and parents whilst enhancing their teaching business.

Published: 28 March 2019

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Social Mobility

The Performers’ Alliance All Party Parliamentary Group is looking into social mobility in the creative sector, including music.

Published: 19 March 2019

A selection of percussion being used in a children's music lesson

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

This HeartUnions Week, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on you to take a stand against zero-hours contracts.

Published: 11 February 2019

Protest to Be Held by Local School Students Against Midlothian Council’s Decision to Axe Instrument Tuition

A musical flash mob will be gathering on Tuesday 12 February outside the council chambers in Dalkeith, to protest Midlothian Council’s recently announced plan to axe music tuition in its schools.

Published: 05 February 2019

Musicians’ Union Responds with Anger to Plan by Midlothian Council to Sever Music Tuition in its Schools

The MU has expressed its consternation at the announcement by Midlothian Council that it is set to entirely axe all musical instrument tuition in its schools - bar for children who are studying for Higher or National Five exams in the subject.

Published: 04 February 2019

MU Expresses Concern as Newham Council Seeks to Cancel Music Education Scheme

Concerns have been raised by the Musicians’ Union (MU) over a consultation launched by the London Borough of Newham Council, which seeks to scrap its ‘Every Child a Musician’ programme.

Published: 17 January 2019

Free Folk Workshop for 12-18 Year Olds in Somerset

An exciting opportunity has opened up for talented young musicians to learn from National Youth Folk Ensemble leaders and inspirational folk performers Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron, at this free workshop.

Published: 09 January 2019

Support Call to “Let Every Child Learn Music” on Facebook

The Musicians’ Union has released a “Let every child learn music” Facebook Frame to highlight access to music lessons in schools.

Published: 07 November 2018

Access to Music Lessons Dying out for Poorer Families

New data released today (6 November 2018) shows many parts of the UK are at risk of under-representation in the music industry, as lower income families are priced out of music lessons.

Published: 06 November 2018

Music Students Experience Bullying and Discrimination in Higher Education Finds the Musicians’ Union, Equity and the ISM

Joint research by the Musicians’ Union (MU), Equity and the ISM reveal one in two music, dance and drama students are at risk from bullying and discrimination, including sexual harassment.

Published: 19 July 2018

Musicians' Union Calls for Support to Strengthen Music Education Provision in Wales

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is calling on Welsh Government, Local Authorities, and other organisations in Wales to support and strengthen music education provision.

Published: 03 July 2018

The MU Encourages Scottish Members to Have Their Say About Youth Music Activity

Help build a picture of youth music activity in Scotland, and shape the future of music in Scotland, with this 5 - 15 minute survey.

Published: 22 June 2018

The MU Calls For Music Education Overhaul as DCMS Select Committee Opens Inquiry

The MU made the call in written evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the social impact of participation in culture and sport.

Published: 20 June 2018

Pop-Up Orchestra Draws Attention to Campaign for Free Music Tuition in Scottish Schools

The campaign for free music tuition in Scottish state schools continues to gain momentum, as campaigners stage a pop-up orchestra in Glasgow’s George Square.

Published: 13 June 2018

Drake Music Releases Guide to Support Diversification of Music Industry

The ‘We All Make Music’ guide aims support the diversification of the music education workforce. After Drake Music's research revealed that disabled people are very under-represented in music

Published: 07 June 2018

Members Urged to Sign Petition for Scottish Children’s Music Services

A petition to the Scottish Parliament is gathering signatures, calling for free lessons to be available to all Scottish state school students who wish to learn a musical instrument.

Published: 05 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

BBC survey points to bleak future for arts provision in schools in England

The Musicians’ Union endorses the findings of new BBC research, which reveals the devastating impact of cuts to arts subjects.

Published: 31 January 2018

The MU is Here to Support You If You Face Inappropriate Behaviour at Work

We are here to offer support and guidance if you face sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse at work. If you are an employed or self-employed musician, regardless of which part of the industry you work in, you can talk to us. We will listen.

Published: 19 October 2017

MU Report Highlights Challenges Faced by Music Teachers

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has released its fourth annual report into the state of music education in England, and looks at how to improve the situation for teachers and students alike.

Published: 13 October 2017

Musicians' Union expresses dismay at European Union Youth Orchestra’s decision to leave London

The European Union Youth Orchestra is the second orchestra to announce it’s leaving the UK since the Brexit referendum last year, in part due to concerns over restricted freedom of movement for working musicians.

Published: 12 October 2017

Sign the Petition to Reverse Ban on Musicians at St. Sepulchre's

The Musicians' Union (MU) added its voice to calls to reverse the recently imposed ban on musicians at St Sepulchre's, known as the National Musicians' Church. Please sign the petition and support music at this historic venue.

Published: 30 August 2017

MPs & Peers: Please Support Musicians Working in the EU

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is calling on MPs to support musicians working in the EU – share the pledge! #WorkingInTheEU

Published: 02 June 2017

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All News and Features

Decolonising the Music Curriculum

Back to School: Five Resources for Teachers to Keep You at the Top of the Class

Help save our funding!

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Call for Inclusive Music Education at the Trades Union Congress Disabled Workers Conference

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

Crowd Funding Appeal for Judicial Review of Music Tuition Fees in Scottish State Schools

Breaking the Class Ceiling in Music Education

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

New Musicians' Union Research Reveals Perilous State of Music Education and Calls on Government to Let Every Child Learn Music

New Report Makes Urgent Recommendations for Future of Music Education

Release of New Report on Music Education in Scotland Highlights Concerns

Monthly Feldenkrais classes starting from May 2019

Members’ Discount Available on Music Education Toolkit ‘Music Tutor’s Hero’

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Social Mobility

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

Protest to Be Held by Local School Students Against Midlothian Council’s Decision to Axe Instrument Tuition

Musicians’ Union Responds with Anger to Plan by Midlothian Council to Sever Music Tuition in its Schools

MU Expresses Concern as Newham Council Seeks to Cancel Music Education Scheme

Free Folk Workshop for 12-18 Year Olds in Somerset

Support Call to “Let Every Child Learn Music” on Facebook

Access to Music Lessons Dying out for Poorer Families

Music Students Experience Bullying and Discrimination in Higher Education Finds the Musicians’ Union, Equity and the ISM

Musicians' Union Calls for Support to Strengthen Music Education Provision in Wales

The MU Encourages Scottish Members to Have Their Say About Youth Music Activity

The MU Calls For Music Education Overhaul as DCMS Select Committee Opens Inquiry

Pop-Up Orchestra Draws Attention to Campaign for Free Music Tuition in Scottish Schools

Drake Music Releases Guide to Support Diversification of Music Industry

Members Urged to Sign Petition for Scottish Children’s Music Services

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

BBC survey points to bleak future for arts provision in schools in England

The MU is Here to Support You If You Face Inappropriate Behaviour at Work​

MU Report Highlights Challenges Faced by Music Teachers

Musicians' Union expresses dismay at European Union Youth Orchestra’s decision to leave London

Sign the Petition to Reverse Ban on Musicians at St. Sepulchre's

MPs & Peers: Please Support Musicians Working in the EU

The MU is Here to Support You If You Face Inappropriate Behaviour at Work