Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has endorsed the MU’s Access Rider to its membership and will be holding a session to explain what access riders are, why we need them, and why festivals should adopt them as a standard part of all contracting. Published: 03 June 2024 Read more about Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme
Protect the Junior RWCMD department: Sign the Petition Members at the Junior RWCMD department are campaigning to keep the college’s junior music and drama programmes open. Published: 03 June 2024 Read more about Protect the Junior RWCMD department: Sign the Petition
MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London Our new partnership with Imperial Hotels means that we are now able to offer our members discounted rooms in selected hotels across London. Over time, we hope to expand this benefit to other locations throughout the UK. Published: 01 June 2024 Read more about MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London
MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line If you're seeking guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad, you can access Viva La Visa's free advice line. Published: 01 June 2024 Read more about MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line
Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live Ahead of the first performance of Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet in London earlier this week, members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia dressed as Shakespeare and took to the streets to protest against plans to replace the live orchestra with recorded music. Published: 30 May 2024 Read more about Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live
MU Motion on Benefits Reform Passed Unanimously at TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference 2024 The MU’s motion to reform the benefits system to better serve disabled musicians passed unanimously at last week’s TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference. Published: 30 May 2024 Read more about MU Motion on Benefits Reform Passed Unanimously at TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference 2024
MU Addresses Education Select Committee on Music Education Chris Walters, MU National Organiser for Education, spoke to the cross-party committee of MPs about funding for music education and music teachers’ pay and conditions. Published: 30 May 2024 Read more about MU Addresses Education Select Committee on Music Education
Folk Alliance International 2025 Official Showcase Applications Open Folk artists can now apply for an official showcase at the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference in Montréal. Published: 30 May 2024 Read more about Folk Alliance International 2025 Official Showcase Applications Open
MU Calls for Major Changes to Fix Streaming at Second Creator Remuneration Group Meeting MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl represented musicians and music creators at the second meeting of the Creator Remuneration Group. The meeting focused on getting a better deal from music streaming for featured artists. Published: 30 May 2024 Read more about MU Calls for Major Changes to Fix Streaming at Second Creator Remuneration Group Meeting
New ABO Survey Reveals Orchestras Vital to UK Culture A new survey by the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has found that 74% of UK adults believe orchestras are an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage. Published: 21 May 2024 Read more about New ABO Survey Reveals Orchestras Vital to UK Culture
Why Music Creators Won't Support a Major Label Led Campaign on AI Record labels and publishers (rights holders) are planning a campaign on AI and they want composers and musicians to back them. MU Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, explains why that is such a challenging ask. Published: 20 May 2024 Read more about Why Music Creators Won't Support a Major Label Led Campaign on AI
The Dos and Don’ts of Pensions for Self-Employed Musicians Over 90% of MU members are self-employed but most will not have any personal pension. Here’s how self-employed musicians can find affordable, flexible and ethical pensions to suit them. Published: 17 May 2024 Read more about The Dos and Don’ts of Pensions for Self-Employed Musicians
Fair Play on Tour: Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing as a Live Musician The MU hosted a panel at The Exchange in Bristol to discuss health and wellbeing for live musicians. Published: 17 May 2024 Read more about Fair Play on Tour: Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing as a Live Musician
MU Welcomes the Formation of New Northern Music Network A collection of leading Northern music partners has formally aligned to promote opportunities in the music industry and support artists across the North of England. Published: 17 May 2024 Read more about MU Welcomes the Formation of New Northern Music Network
Applications for FAC Step Up Fund 2024 Now Open UK-based artists can now apply for up to £8,000 in funding to support recording, releasing, content creation, touring or any career-related projects. Published: 17 May 2024 Read more about Applications for FAC Step Up Fund 2024 Now Open
MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2024 The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Friday 17 May, is “No One Gets Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”. Published: 16 May 2024 Read more about MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2024
Tribute to Gerry Collins aka Gerald Isaacson ATCL LTCL Gerry was a MU member for 45 years, and a gifted musician and educator. He passed away on 1 January 2023 after a long, rich and varied career. This tribute has been provided by his wife Diana and daughter Natasha. Published: 16 May 2024 Read more about Tribute to Gerry Collins aka Gerald Isaacson ATCL LTCL
MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues We welcome the recommendations made to Government in the report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS), and are hopeful that we can use this opportunity to start to repair the grassroots live scene for all involved. Published: 14 May 2024 Read more about MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues
Sustainable Touring: MU Sound the Alarm at Liverpool Sound City Forum 2024 The MU hosted a panel on the critical issue of sustainable touring in the music industry at this year’s Liverpool Sound City industry conference. Published: 14 May 2024 Read more about Sustainable Touring: MU Sound the Alarm at Liverpool Sound City Forum 2024
What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union? Catch up with musician Balraj Samrai, Labour MP John McDonnell and others on why unions should support a universal basic income (UBI), plus find out how you can be part of the movement too. Published: 13 May 2024 Read more about What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?
Members Affected by RWCMD Consultation Urged to Contact the MU The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is proposing to cease its weekly creative sessions for young people from the end of this academic year. Members who will be affected by this are urged to contact their local regional office. Published: 13 May 2024 Read more about Members Affected by RWCMD Consultation Urged to Contact the MU
Arts Apocalypse: 14 Organisations Spotlight Decimation of Arts Education in Schools 14 organisations are raising the alarm on the arts education apocalypse in our schools and colleges. Published: 12 May 2024 Read more about Arts Apocalypse: 14 Organisations Spotlight Decimation of Arts Education in Schools
MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has contacted Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities, to express our concerns about the Government’s response to the Misogyny in Music Enquiry. Published: 07 May 2024 Read more about MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry
MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024 The MU stands in solidarity with members and non-members who are boycotting this year’s Great Escape Festival due to sponsorship concerns, and reiterate the importance of getting in touch with your regional office should you need support and/or advice. Published: 03 May 2024 Read more about MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024
Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now Musicians at Welsh National Opera orchestra are campaigning to keep the orchestra full time and secure the company’s future. Published: 02 May 2024 Read more about Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now
Applications Open for European Artists to Showcase at ESNS 2025 European artists can now apply to perform at ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), a key exchange for emerging European music. Published: 02 May 2024 Read more about Applications Open for European Artists to Showcase at ESNS 2025
PRS Foundation Launches New Fund for Early Career Music Promoters PRS Foundation has announced the Early Career Promoter Fund, a new initiative that aims to bolster the grassroots music ecosystems. Published: 02 May 2024 Read more about PRS Foundation Launches New Fund for Early Career Music Promoters
MU Responds to Recommendations Made in APPG's Inquiry on AI in Music Report We thank the APPG for undertaking this important inquiry and while we are hopeful Government will accept its recommendations, we suggest it also introduce some additional measures to truly protect the future careers and rights of our members. Published: 01 May 2024 Read more about MU Responds to Recommendations Made in APPG's Inquiry on AI in Music Report
MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment. Published: 30 April 2024 Read more about MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras
New Specimen Agreement Launched for Composers Working in TV A new agreement and reference notes have been created by the MU and the Ivors Academy as part of the Fair Score campaign, to help composers understand fair commissioning. Published: 30 April 2024 Read more about New Specimen Agreement Launched for Composers Working in TV
MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards Manchester based DJ Paulette is an MU North of England Regional Committee member, and has been named ‘DJ of the year’ at the inaugural Northern Music Awards. Published: 29 April 2024 Read more about MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards
Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad. Published: 29 April 2024 Read more about Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity
Tribute to Leeson O’Keefe A fantastic musician, proud Irishman and a strong advocate for equality across both political and religious boundaries. A tribute from two of Leeson’s friends and former band members. Published: 26 April 2024 Read more about Tribute to Leeson O’Keefe
Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE Taking place in early 2025 across four Portuguese cities, SQUARE is seeking British and European artists to perform as part of its inaugural showcase line-up. Published: 24 April 2024 Read more about Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE
MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit Major music sector organisations, networks and individuals are calling for ‘voice’ to be added to the eligible instruments, so that choirs can claim Orchestra Tax Relief. Published: 24 April 2024 Read more about MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit
The MU Returns to Great Escape Festival 2024 As part of our work with the Council of Music Makers, the MU will be taking part in various panel events during the festival’s industry conference, which is being held 15 - 18 May in Brighton. Some of our Officers will also be available for one-to-ones for any members attending. Published: 23 April 2024 Read more about The MU Returns to Great Escape Festival 2024
MU Deeply Disappointed as Government Fails to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry Today the UK Government has responded to the Misogyny in Music Report and rejected recommendations that would help protect and support women in the music industry from harassment and discrimination, despite hearing strong evidence from women, experts and organisations in the sector. Published: 19 April 2024 Read more about MU Deeply Disappointed as Government Fails to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry
Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry The survey will inform government legislation, the work of the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and the wider music industry. It will also be used to support BLiM’s forthcoming Anti Racist Code of Conduct. Members are encouraged to share their experiences. Published: 19 April 2024 Read more about Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry
Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024 This week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress with MU Delegates Christine Cooper and Ben Lunn, who discussed the importance of music education, community arts in Scotland and establishing a Music Expo Office for the country. All three of our motions were passed unanimously. Published: 18 April 2024 Read more about Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024
Fix Streaming Campaign in Westminster for First Creator Remuneration Group Meeting The Musicians’ Union and Council of Music Makers called for a better deal for musicians and music creators at the first meeting of the Creator Remuneration Group. Published: 18 April 2024 Read more about Fix Streaming Campaign in Westminster for First Creator Remuneration Group Meeting