News & Stories for Musicians

School age kid learning guitar with private teacher

MU Education Section Reaches 10,000 Members

As of November, the number of members in the MU’s Education Section is now over 10,000 – approximately a one-third increase since 2020, demonstrating the importance of teaching and education to MU members.

Published: 24 November 2022

A small child is signing in BSL, with just their hands and arms in the focus of the camera.

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

UK Music has launched its Diversity Report 2022, including the findings of its Workforce Diversity Survey 2022 and an action plan for long-term change.

Published: 24 November 2022

Celebration blur of different colours and gold.

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

The MU is proud to be an official partner organisation of Black Lives in Music, who are celebrating two incredible years of advocating for Black representation in the music industry.

Published: 18 November 2022

Promotional poster for Music Four Youth, with the event details and the slogan

Music For Youth Proms Returning for 2022

The Music For Youth Proms will return again on 15 and 16 November this year. The MU is a major sponsor of Music For Youth, who do incredible work supporting the next generation to make music.

Published: 11 November 2022

Quiet figure sits at the end of a dock, watching a sun rise over a body of water.

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 November 2022

Members of conference smile and clap, while one delegate stands and speaks from the floor.

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Trade unions are full of jargon. One of our favourites is the word ‘motion’. But, like most bits of jargon, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Published: 10 November 2022

Musician playing a flute in an orchestral section, only the hands of the musician are visible.

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

The Musicians’ Union joins politicians, academics and civil society organisations calling on the Prime Minister to introduce a universal basic income.

Published: 09 November 2022

Two people are talking using sign language sat on a sofa.

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

The TUC is launching brand new leadership schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers.

Published: 03 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

A drummer in a bright yellow jumper is playing on a kit in a practice room, looking to the side at a music stand.

TUC 2022 Supports Better Pay and Conditions for Instrumental and Vocal Teachers

People from across the trade union movement voiced their support for the MU’s music teacher members at Trades Union Congress 2022.

Published: 28 October 2022

Veronika Klírová outside on grass in seated side bend yoga pose.

Musicians’ Yoga Essentials Course Launched For MU Members

MU members now have free access to the uniquely designed course tailored for musicians created by MU member and yoga teacher Veronika Klírová.

Published: 24 October 2022

Naomi Pohl speaking into a microphone next to George Peretz KC on a panel at Labour Conference.

MU General Secretary Joins Calls For Urgent General Election

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks about our presence at this year's party conferences and what’s going on in music education, touring in Europe and orchestras, theatre and arts funding.

Published: 20 October 2022

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Raghad Haddad Wins MU-Sponsored Award at Youth Music Awards

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl presented the award, in the category of Inspirational Music Leader, at the Youth Music Awards in London on 19 October.

Published: 20 October 2022

Big silver calculator, black pen and straw hat on a yellow background.

Music Teaching Holiday Pay Guidance Updated

The MU has updated its guidance page on holiday pay for music teachers, particularly when calculating this for atypical work and part-year workers.

Published: 14 October 2022

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Read our highlights from this Autumn’s Labour and Conservative Party Conferences.

Published: 06 October 2022

A man is sat in front of a music stand, making a gesture to an unseen student about the use of his throat.

Proudly Representing Musicians Who Teach This World Teachers’ Day

Wednesday 5 October 2022 is World Teachers’ Day, a significant day for the MU. We have over 7,800 in our education section, and represent even more musicians who teach – in schools, as private teachers, and in many other capacities.

Published: 05 October 2022

Naomi Pohl with other General Secretaries on the front line of the We Demand Better march with banner.

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the union’s policy priorities and industrial strategy this autumn.

Published: 15 September 2022

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Musician and MU Executive Committee Vice Chair Andi Hopgood explores common mental health challenges facing musicians ahead of a Members’ Conference panel on how the music industry is supporting musicians to stay mentally healthy.

Published: 15 September 2022

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

Person teaching another to play acoustic guitar, close up of instrument on both of their knees.

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

It’s that time of year again, the start of a brand new school year. In preparation, we’ve put together a top ten resource checklist, reminding all of our music educators what the MU’s Education Department may be able to help you with.

Published: 31 August 2022

A conductor raises a hand towards a choir stood on a stage, facing outwards they appear to be singing.

The Power Of Musical Healing

Music plays a vital role in wellbeing and there is a wide range of help out there for music teachers and musicians.

Published: 24 August 2022

Female teacher is sitting with one of her students in a music lesson at school. He is learning to play the keyboard and is wearing headphones.

A National Music Service for England: Responses to the Proposal

One week on from The Fabian Society’s proposal for a new National Music Service, we look at press feedback and what key publications have to say.

Published: 11 August 2022

Music teacher points at a score as a child looks and plays on a trumpet

New Proposals for a National Music Service Released by the Fabian Society

The MU has worked with the Fabian Society, who have released the report today, recommending that Labour in Westminster creates a National Music Education Service for England.

Published: 04 August 2022

Silhouette of women holding her head in her hands in front of an open window, while the same figure appears in the background, arms raised representing she has overcome anxiety.

Looking at Anxiety: The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians

Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter looks at the neurophysiology of anxiety and how the Feldenkrais method can help performers.

Published: 26 July 2022

Silhouette of rising sun over the mountains in early morning

A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

Naomi Pohl, the new MU General Secretary, outlines plans for returning to work, improving our culture for staff and members and – given we’re all involved in music – listening more closely to each other.

Published: 21 July 2022

Member only Read more about A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

Side view of Manchester bar at the nighttime with red neon sign saying 'Going out is the new staying in' after lockdown restirctions were eased last year.

The Road To Recovery: Musicians and Covid

Almost one year after restrictions began to lift, how is the fallout from Covid affecting UK musicians on the ground? Here artists across a range of genres share their experiences and assess the need for a fairer music industry.

Published: 13 July 2022

Close up of a mix of children stacking hands, representing inclusion and teamwork.

Trinity College London Launches First Ever Fully-Inclusive Music Qualifications in Association with Sounds of Intent

Available from September 2022, the qualifications will be open to any UK school or other organisation that works with learners with special educational needs, additional support needs or disabilities.

Published: 12 July 2022

Small LGBT+ flag near cropped psychologist with digital tablet on blurred background.

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

A motion on the need for specialist LGBT+ mental health services was passed at the conference last week.

Published: 05 July 2022

Microphone next to laptop, displaying the equipment needed for a podcast.

MU Sponsors New Series of Classical Music Podcast Music Works

Music Works is a podcast that explores how the classical music industry works today and how it can work better in the future, with the first episode in the new series featuring MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl.

Published: 30 June 2022

White official papers, blank, with text saying HM Government with the crest in top left corner.

Government Publishes New National Plan for Music Education

The document, which applies in England only, sets out the Government's vision for music education running to 2030. Various supporting materials have also been published. Here is what teaching musicians need to know.

Published: 27 June 2022

A crowd/parade with LGBT rainbow flags in the air, out of focus apart from one hand outstretched holding a flag in the foreground.

“The MU LGBT+ Network Meetings Offer a Comforting Camaraderie”: A Members’ Story

EDI Committee member Lynn Henderson shares her experience of attending the LGBT+ Network meetings, being on the EDI committee and seeing how change is made at the MU.

Published: 24 June 2022

7 MU members of staff standing in the street for the rally, all holding large white MU flags.

MU Joins Trade Union Members From Across the UK to Demand Better

Tens of thousands of trade union members marched together with one clear message for the Government: we deserve and we demand better.

Published: 21 June 2022

Woman out of focus holding outstretched hand to camera, palm facing, to represent 'no' or 'stop'. ,

MU to Gather Members’ Experiences of Misogyny and Sexism in Music Industry

All eligible members will be asked to complete a short survey to help make the music industry a safer, more equitable place for women.

Published: 17 June 2022

A young person is sat in a bright library setting wearing red headphones and looking intently at a computer screen.

Universities Cut Arts Courses

The MU is saddened to see large-scale cuts to arts courses at two universities following ongoing Government funding cuts and anti-arts rhetoric.

Published: 14 June 2022

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

The UK Ivory Act enforces a near total ban on elephant ivory sales from 6 June 2022.

Published: 08 June 2022

5 people holding instruments up against a grey background, only the hands on display. Left to right, acoustic guitar, drum symbol, maracas, vinyl disks and drum sticks.

We Make Music Libraries Launch Crowdfunder

The new initiative aims to get musical instruments into public libraries across Scotland so people will be able to borrow them for free, just like taking out a book.

Published: 01 June 2022

The tall corner of a building on Parliament Square with a street sign on it reading

Accessibility Information for the 18 June ‘Demand Better’ March and Rally

Join trade union members from across the UK in London on 18 June to demand better. There is information available about public toilets, wheelchair accessible stations, shortened march routes and more.

Published: 30 May 2022

Two hands reaching across a desk with papers and clipboards to shake hands on an agreement.

MU Legal Team Helps Several Members Achieve Substantial Settlement

The MU has recently assisted several members in achieving a substantial settlement in a long running dispute.

Published: 26 May 2022

A teacher sits at the front of the classroom, gesturing forwards in a deliberate way. A music stand is in front of him, and a drum kit is also in shot.

Scottish Charity Transforms Music Education with New Learning Software

Drake Music Scotland is set to transform music education in Scotland with the launch of innovative new software called Figurenotes, which aims to help learners read music quickly and learn to play instruments straight away.

Published: 24 May 2022

Outside of the Welsh Parliament Offices, Cardiff

MU Welcomes New National Plan for Music Education in Wales

The new plan is substantial, detailed and ambitious. It could be a big step forward for both pupils and teachers, and the MU will be watching closely as it is rolled out.

Published: 19 May 2022

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