News & Stories for Musicians

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Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

Due to the significant rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK, in-person Regional Nomination Meetings will now be held online instead.

Published: 23 December 2021

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MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

The MU is calling on the Government to account for the urgent needs of its members in the coming weeks due to the impact of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 21 December 2021

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Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

As well as voting to donate to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action, the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

Published: 16 December 2021

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Women in Scotland's Experiences of Sexual Harassment

Take part in the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Women’s Committee’s anonymous survey, and help them build a safer and more equal world of work for all.

Published: 15 December 2021

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MU to Donate to Two Refugee Charities

As part of the MU's work to support Afghan refugees and musicians, the EC has voted to donate to two nominated charities.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Despite the recent reintroduction of mandatory face coverings, festive performances can still continue this year, thanks to the work of Busk in London.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Update to International Travel Restrictions

As of Tuesday 7 December, all passengers entering the UK must take a pre-departure test to travel.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

Campaigner holds a sign which reads Fix Streaming in a crowd of musicians at Parliament Square, London.

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and Broken Record will continue the campaign to fix streaming despite Kevin Brennan MP’s Copyright (Rights And Remuneration Of Musicians) Private Members' Bill not passing today.

Published: 03 December 2021

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

A special guest blog from BSL interpreter Stephanie Raper about the importance of performance in interpreting and providing access to music for the D/deaf community.

Published: 03 December 2021

MP Esther McVey stands in Parliament Square holding a sign that reads Fix Streaming. She's surrounded by other musicians, holding instruments and banners.

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl joined Kevin Brennan MP and Esther McVey MP to deliver a letter in support of streaming reform.

Published: 02 December 2021

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MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

We hope that joining the independent Commission will give us more influence in creating solutions to the struggles Brexit has created for musicians.

Published: 02 December 2021

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New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

MU welcomes the appointment of the New Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Powell MP.

Published: 02 December 2021

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Court of Appeal Rule that the Calculation of the Government’s SEISS Scheme Discriminated Against New Mothers

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed submitted an appeal about the disproportionate impact SEISS calculations have on new mothers, which has now been accepted with the caveat that the urgency of the situation justified the discrimination.

Published: 29 November 2021

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Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

UK Music and UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce is calling for greater transparency in the battle to boost diversity and inclusion across the music business and creative industries.

Published: 29 November 2021

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Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

MusicTeachers.co.uk, which partnered with the MU to offer free online listings for music teachers, has announced that its free service will end ahead of a relaunch early next year.

Published: 29 November 2021

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MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

Thank you to all the MPs who attended a photocall in support of Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members’ Bill to fix streaming.

Published: 26 November 2021

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You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

MPs joined musicians and music creators in Parliament Square to show their support for Kevin Brennan MP's Private Members’ Bill.

Published: 26 November 2021

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Brexit Lobbying Update

An update following the debate held in Westminster Hall on enabling visa and work permit free travel for musicians in the EU, with renewed calls from MPs for the Government to sort out remaining issues for musicians.

Published: 23 November 2021

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

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Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Covering topics including Covid-19 secure approaches to the future, international marketing tips, and getting your music on TV and radio – Wide Days have just released a selection of useful recordings on their youtube channel, following their 2021 Scottish Music Convention.

Published: 18 November 2021

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Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

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Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

This article is a transcript of a talk given by Chris Walters, the MU’s National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing, for the Westminster Education Forum policy conference entitled “Next Steps for Music Education in England”. This event took place online on 10 November.

Published: 12 November 2021

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MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021

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Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

The report presents crucial action points highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them.

Published: 09 November 2021

A person is sat at a large recording desk, we can just see the back of their head with short cropped hair, a baseball cap, and earphones over their ears.

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

It is fair to say that the Fix Streaming campaign, run jointly by the Musicians’ Union and The Ivors Academy, and Tom Gray's Broken Record have had far greater impact in a short period of time than we thought possible when we embarked on this journey.

Published: 09 November 2021

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Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

On 3 December, MPs will have an opportunity to fix streaming. Be sure your voice is heard in the debate.

Published: 08 November 2021

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MPs Join Forces To Demand “Urgent Action” From PM Over EU Touring Crisis Facing Musicians And Crew

In welcome news from UK Music, a letter has been sent to PM Boris Johnson on behalf of cross-party MPs demanding “urgent action” over the crisis facing musicians and crew touring the EU. Have your say by responding to the APPG’s call for evidence.

Published: 05 November 2021

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Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

November is TUC Young Workers Month, when the whole trade union movement comes together to celebrate, and campaign on issues affecting, young members.

Published: 05 November 2021

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44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Forty-four Conservative MPs are calling for key measures to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 05 November 2021

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We’ve Partnered up With the Ivors Academy to Offer a New Joint Membership Discounted Rate

MU members can now get a 25% discount on the Ivors Academy standard and professional memberships, and Ivors Academy members can get a 25% discount on the MU’s annual standard membership rate.

Published: 02 November 2021

A huge crowd of climate protestrors with various banners gathered in a street, a blow up beachball style planet is being thrown by the crowd.

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

In the run up to COP26, Make My Money Matter (MMMM) have released a free online guide for organisations committing to greening their pensions – one which members may find useful to share with employers and colleagues where relevant.

Published: 29 October 2021

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer holds up his red suitcase outside 10 Downing Street

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

Whilst the budget announcement did offer a welcome extension to the orchestras tax relief and business rate relief for venues, the choice not to take forward further music tax incentives and the hike in VAT could have a negative impact on the sector.

Published: 28 October 2021

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MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

MU Member Katherine Liley gave a speech at this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference, citing her own personal experiences and those of women around her, calling for a motion on creating safe workplaces for women to be moved.

Published: 27 October 2021

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The MU Education Conference – a Celebration of Musicians who Teach

The MU’s recent Education Conference – comprising training, networking and debate – was a joyful gathering of members who work in music education.

Published: 22 October 2021

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

To celebrate Black History Month, Love Music Hate Racism have hosted a special episode of their #SpeakUpThursday radio show, featuring Chardine Taylor Stone.

Published: 22 October 2021

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Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

As part of Addiction Awareness Week, Music Support are offering free places on their brand-new Addiction & Recovery workshop – with applications closing on Monday 25 October.

Published: 22 October 2021

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UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

Research by UK Music reveals the music industry contributed £3.1 billion to the UK economy in 2020, down from £5.8bn in 2019.

Published: 20 October 2021

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Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

Women in Scotland's Experiences of Sexual Harassment

MU to Donate to Two Refugee Charities

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Update to International Travel Restrictions

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Court of Appeal Rule that the Calculation of the Government’s SEISS Scheme Discriminated Against New Mothers

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

Changes to MusicTeachers.co.uk

MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

Brexit Lobbying Update

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Priorities for the Music Education Workforce

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

MPs Join Forces To Demand “Urgent Action” From PM Over EU Touring Crisis Facing Musicians And Crew

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

We’ve Partnered up With the Ivors Academy to Offer a New Joint Membership Discounted Rate

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

The MU Education Conference – a Celebration of Musicians who Teach

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19