News & Stories for Musicians

Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

Acoustic guitar and sheet music stand next to some chairs in an empty music classroom.

Joint MU-NEU Music Education Motion Passed at NEU Conference

The motion and speech highlighted the importance of arts and music education in schools and the need for proper funding.

Published: 03 April 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon

One decade on from the launch of Patreon, the MU focuses on how to get the best out of this popular membership subscription platform.

Published: 21 March 2023

Birmingham UK Skyline. Market, St Martins Church, Rotunder and The Bullring.

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

Create change in the Musicians’ Union, in your sector or in the wider music industry - submit a motion to MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 21 March 2023

The Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, standing out in the sunshine

Scotland Lobbying Update: The Need for Ongoing and Sustainable Investment

A brief update on recent lobbying activity in Scotland from MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell, who has been discussing arts funding, instrumental music provision and the wellbeing economy amongst other issues.

Published: 16 March 2023

Black and white image of Jon Hart on stage from behind facing crowd.

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, award-winning acoustic artist and MU member Jon Hart shares his experiences of breaking through conformity, and explains how although career success may come and go, music as true self-representation is always a constant.

Published: 16 March 2023

Child playing a recorder, reading intently from a music stand.

Arts Council England Proposes Reduced Number of Music Hubs

A proposal to reduce the number of Music Hubs from 116 to 43, to be accomplished by merging the existing Music Hub areas, is out to public consultation until 31 March. Anyone with an interest in Music Hubs should complete the consultation.

Published: 14 March 2023

Three teenage students at a drum lesson.

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Assessing how peri music teachers are coping with education cuts, the cost of living crisis and the ongoing erosion of music provision in schools.

Published: 13 March 2023

A circle of people seated, two men and two women, the man in the center has a clipboard, representing a discussion or support meeting.

Adam Ficek’s Reflections On The Complexity Of Being a Musician Who Teaches

Last year the MU partnered with Tonic Rider and Help Musicians to provide a Peer Support Group for music teachers. The group was facilitated by musician and psychotherapist Adam Ficek who explains here the benefits of connecting with our peers.

Published: 06 March 2023

Hands holding musical instruments. Left to right, drum sticks, record, maracas, symbol and acoustic guitar.

The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians

As LGBT+ History Month UK comes to an end, The MU and Come Play with Me (CPWM) would like to reaffirm our commitment to creating an industry and society where all LGBTQ+ people can live and work without fear of violence or discrimination.

Published: 02 March 2023

The Expo is a buzzing showcase of the latest resources and industry initiatives in music education.

MU at the 2023 Music and Drama Education Expo

MU officials met and spoke to many members working in music education at the UK’s largest exhibition for music educators, which was held 23-24 February in London.

Published: 28 February 2023

Shelves stacked with paper achieve files.

“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census

Today’s Musicians’ Census is not the first time the MU has attempted to capture a comprehensive picture of musical life across the UK and here, University Archivist Karl Magee looks back 75 years to the very first.

Published: 28 February 2023

Multiple instruments including a microphone, an acoustic guitar and a drum, laid out on a grey surface.

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts.

Published: 23 February 2023

A crowd of people making up the Workers Group who attended the meeting, with Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster center.

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting.

Published: 20 February 2023

Portrait of Andi Hopgood, smiling to camera against a white brick wall.

Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change

This week we’re exploring why musicians and change-makers Andi and Nate are supporting the 2023 Musicians Census.

Published: 14 February 2023

A child enjoys listening to music through a pair of large grey headphones against a slightly cloudy blue sky

Welsh Language Music Day Resources Released by Welsh Government

Friday 10 February is Welsh Language Music Day, and you can use the Welsh Government website to access a selection of resources to promote and share information, specially curated playlists, event listings and more.

Published: 09 February 2023

Naomi Pohl speaking into a camera at MU Member Conference 2022.

MU General Secretary Update

General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing musicians this winter, and what the union is doing to support members.

Published: 08 February 2023

An orchestra podium against a background of pink and purple light

National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report

The report describes and evaluates the work of the world’s first disabled-led youth orchestra – essential reading for music educators looking to develop their understanding of inclusive music-making.

Published: 08 February 2023

Large white banner saying 'Don't stop the music'.

Act Now to Save Midlothian’s Instrumental Music Service

Midlothian Council is consulting on proposals to cut funding for instrumental music tuition. Have your say by Wednesday 8 February.

Published: 03 February 2023

Musicians Iona Fyfe and Lady Nade Share Why They Back the Musicians’ Census 2023

Two musicians backing the survey explain why the Musicians’ Census 2023 is so important.

Published: 02 February 2023

Midlothian Demo crowd with MU flag and banner saying 'Don't Stop the Music'.

More Cuts to Music Education in Scotland Proposed

The MU is fighting against more proposed local authority cuts to music services, which would break the Scottish Government’s pledge to offer free instrumental tuition to all children.

Published: 01 February 2023

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

The new partnership will see a new series of LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops and the two organisations working together to create more resources for LGBTQ+ musicians and artists.

Published: 31 January 2023

What Expenses Can Musicians Claim on Tax?

Keeping a record of what you have spent and what you can claim can be arduous, but it can save you money in the long run.

Published: 31 January 2023

Picture of a wooden recorder against a bright pink background.

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

A demo will be taking place on Tuesday 31 January against planned cuts that will see pupils in Primary 6 and 7, and in S1-S3 no longer having access to music lessons.

Published: 27 January 2023

MU flags visible as part of a larger trade union march moving through a busy street in London.

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Take part in marches and events on 1 February to protest against the Government’s anti-strike laws.

Published: 27 January 2023

John Shortell speaking at the MU members conference, seen from the perspective of multiple cameras and a sound mixing desk.

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

What is our collective role in building equality, diversity and inclusion and why is it a trade union issue? The MU’s John Shortell explains.

Published: 25 January 2023

Abstract close up of a cello bridge, throwing an interesting shaped shadow on a sunny lit floor.

Midlothian Council Propose Drastic Cuts to Instrumental Music Service

The MU are urging members affected to contact their regional office, following the hugely concerning news that Midlothian Council plans to reduce their instrumental music service by 60%.

Published: 24 January 2023

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

Published: 23 January 2023

What the NEU and EIS Strikes Mean for MU Members

Following ballots, two of the MU’s sister unions have announced strike action. The MU stands in solidarity with both unions’ members.

Published: 19 January 2023

New TUC General Secretary Launches Campaign to Protect the Right to Strike

The Trades Union Congress will fight new anti-strike legislation every step of the way supported by member unions including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 13 January 2023

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against

A Bill coming back to Parliament next week puts legislation on workers’ rights and copyright at risk.

Published: 13 January 2023

Alex Gascoine, a white man with grey hair and a brightly coloured mint green short is leaning against a white painted wall and smiling into the camera.

Executive Committee Chair Commits to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at MU Members’ Conference

Chair of the Musicians’ Union Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened Members’ Conference with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Published: 16 December 2022

piano lesson conducted online with laptop and iphone on tripod

YouTube Tutorials: How They Can Benefit You and Your Business

YouTube is a valuable tool for enhancing music teaching, adding revenue and expanding your global reach. Here, three musicians discuss how the platform works for them.

Published: 13 December 2022

A clear shot of a microphone against a blurred background that implies there are a lot of chairs set out for audience members.

Bursary Available For a Disabled Woman MU Member to Access Leadership Development Programme

A full bursary will be available for the transformational leadership development programme, the Music Leaders Network, and we will be running an online drop in information session on Wednesday 11 January.

Published: 12 December 2022

MU officers and organisers hold up MU flags at a busy UCU rally.

MU Supports UCU at Strike Rally

MU officials joined the UCU rally on Wednesday 30 November to show our solidarity and support.

Published: 09 December 2022

Hands of an instrument maker connecting the hair to the violin bow

CITES CoP19 Agrees to Keep Pernambuco on Appendix II

Commercial and non-commercial movement of Pernambuco bows can continue to take place.

Published: 29 November 2022

A music teacher holds up a tambourine, we can see the blurred figures of a class in the background.

Future of Music Education Hubs Clarified by Arts Council England

Long awaited details have been provided of the timeline for a bidding process for new hubs, with funding for the current hubs now safe until August 2024.

Published: 24 November 2022

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