News & Stories for Musicians

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US Lifts Covid-19 Travel Ban

The MU has recently learnt via their friends at Tamizdat that the White House will be easing Covid-19 travel restrictions to the US.

Published: 24 September 2021

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Feldenkrais Method for Musicians – Why do it?

You are your primary Instrument, whether that’s a Strad or a factory violin is up to how you use what you have! Find out how the Feldenkrais Method could help.

Published: 23 September 2021

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Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

Help us make the case to the Government to use the money that is left in the Cultural Recovery Fund to provide bridging loans and other investment for musicians, by answering three short questions.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a number of instruments left backstage, a well aged piano, an upright bass lying on its side, a red synth on a stand and a music stand, as well as fairy lights and wires and visible.

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have published research on “Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age”, in a timely move, given current industry debates and our campaign to defend media composers' royalties.

Published: 23 September 2021

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Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

The MU, The Ivors Academy and Tom Gray, Founder of the #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the Government’s response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Streaming Report, but call for firm action now to put the value of music back in the hands of music makers.

Published: 22 September 2021

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MU Urges New Education Secretary and Schools Minister to Work Together to Protect Music Education

Following the sacking of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Schools Minister Nick Gibb – and their replacement by Nadhim Zahawi and Robin Walker respectively – the MU urges the new ministers to work together to address systemic problems affecting music education in England.

Published: 17 September 2021

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MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

The Musicians’ Union has written to the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries MP, highlighting ongoing challenges MU members are facing.

Published: 16 September 2021

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Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Joint research by the MU and The Ivors Academy has revealed that 70% of musicians, songwriters and composers who are still shielding are facing financial hardship because of their continued need to shield.

Published: 10 September 2021

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Harbourside Management Research Highlights How Workers Fear to Disclose Disability

New research from Harbourside Management indicates music industry workers are putting their health at risk as a result of fears to disclose disability.

Published: 07 September 2021

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Women and Equalities Select Committee Menopause Inquiry

The Women and Equalities Select Committee have launched an inquiry into the extent and impact of menopause discrimination in the workplace.

Published: 07 September 2021

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#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

New reports reveal sexual harassment and abuse remain rife in the music industry despite the #MeToo movement. We’re calling on the Government and music industry organisations to protect musicians and other workers from victimisation and harassment.

Published: 03 September 2021

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Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Whilst the UK Government have confirmed that they don’t plan to introduce regulations around the vaccination of employees and freelancers, a venue may ask you to adhere to certain risk mitigation measures.

Published: 26 August 2021

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Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

The MU continues to investigate ways in which we can reduce our impact on the climate crisis and contribute to sustainability, including divesting from fossil fuels.

Published: 26 August 2021

Pregnant Jocelyin Freeman sitting, one hand on the piano, one on her baby bump..

How Mothers are Fighting Workplace Discrimination in Music

Female musicians face discrimination in the workplace – and it only increases if they get pregnant. Here, we focus on some of the inspiring musicians lobbying for change.

Published: 26 August 2021

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Graduates Share Their Concerns About The Devastating Impact of Government Funding Cuts to HE Arts and Music Subjects

This summer, the MU asked musicians and other arts workers what the 50% cut to Government funding for Higher Education arts and music subjects means to them.

Published: 25 August 2021

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MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The MU has signed UN Women UK’s open letter, calling for 2021 to be the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commits to change.

Published: 24 August 2021

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, explains how the MU political fund provides invaluable help for members.

Published: 24 August 2021

Member only Read more about The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

MU member and harpist Cecilia De Maria took to Facebook and Instagram, to spread an important message about why so many women in the music industry are scared of their work being affected by people finding out that they are pregnant.

Published: 24 August 2021

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Next Steps for England’s National Plan for Music Education Announced

The Government has released a summary of responses to its public consultation on music education and appointed an industry panel to guide the next National Plan for Music Education.

Published: 06 August 2021

Photograph of an empty recital hall, there are two double basses lying on their sides and a lot of empty chairs and music stands.

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

The MU is devastated that the Office for Students has recommended implementing Government funding cuts to Higher Education arts and music subjects.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

We fully support We Shall Not Be Removed’s seven inclusive principles, and Art Council England’s statement on inclusive recovery – and wish to state our continued commitment to supporting members and lobbying the Government for better support and clearer guidance.

Published: 20 July 2021

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the “revolutionary” Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Economics of music streaming report.

Published: 15 July 2021

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Published: 14 July 2021

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Published: 14 July 2021

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All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The deadline for the questionnaires has now been extended to midnight on 1 August 2021, with results contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Review Of Jazz In England.

Published: 29 June 2021

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The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Published: 29 June 2021

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Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

An update on the MU’s lobbying activities following last week’s announcement of the Government’s delay to the Covid-19 roadmap in England.

Published: 24 June 2021

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The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released ground-breaking research into the impact of long covid on workers.

Published: 24 June 2021

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New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

A new campaign launched by #LetTheMusicMove brought widespread social media action from artists, music professionals and fans across the UK on Wednesday 23 June.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

Seven trade unions including the MU have come together to publish an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in opposition to the Government’s proposed funding cuts for arts and music subjects.

Published: 23 June 2021

Photograph of a small, empty stage, with drum set, microphone and amplifier set up to play.

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Dave Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, discusses the state of the industry in this blog – from the delay in restrictions lifting, through to Brexit, and the audiences desperate to get back to live listening.

Published: 17 June 2021

A Fair Deal from Streaming: Equitable Remuneration for Performers

The MU's #FixStreaming campaign in partnership with the Ivors Academy has been successful in terms of raising awareness with musicians, creators and the public, and with decision makers too.

Published: 16 June 2021

Photograph of a person at a mixing desk, we're looking at the from behind so just see the back of their head, and the two screens stacked up in front of them.

Call to Fix Streaming Campaign Receives Extensive Press Coverage

Over 75 artists including The Rolling Stones, Yoko Ono, Pet Shop Boys, Barry Gibb, Emeli Sandé, Sir Tom Jones, and the estates of John Lennon and Joe Strummer have added their voices to the Fix Streaming call.

Published: 16 June 2021

Black and white photograph of someone's home recording studio set up, two computers and a keyboard are on a desk and the walls are sound proofed.

Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Minister Caroline Dinenage MP has responded to parliamentary questions on Fix Streaming, saying the Government “recognises that it is important that artists are fairly remunerated for their work.”

Published: 16 June 2021

Photograph of a sunny festival camping scene, blankers, chairs and tents are strewn around.

Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

The MU is urging the Government to review some of its restrictions following today’s announcement of a four-week delay to the lifting of lockdown restrictions in England.

Published: 14 June 2021

Photograph of a trumpet resting on the sill of a closed window, with light shining through.

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

The MU and the Ivor’s Academy in collaboration with ConnectsMusic.com and with the support of HMUK are surveying musicians and creators to find out about those who are still, and will need to keep, shielding once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted – and ways to support them.

Published: 14 June 2021

Photograph of a musician practicing on an acoustic guitar.

Applications Open For The English Folk Expo Artist Mentoring Programme 2021/2022

Folk, roots and acoustic musicians at an early stage of their career are invited to apply for this unique opportunity – training towards becoming export ready.

Published: 11 June 2021

Graphic representation of a sound wave, a bunch of twisting blue to pink dots on a dark background.

Delia Derbyshire Day 2021 to Go Ahead Online

A new programme of activities has been announced for Delia Derbyshire Day (DD Day), including five, free, online masterclasses which will be running monthly from July to November, online electronic music courses, and an expansion of DD Day’s education work.

Published: 08 June 2021

Photograph of a young person with bright pink hair, sat in a shadowy room they're holding up their phone and appear to be taking a photograph with it.

Youth Music Open New Fund For Young Creatives

Youth Music have announced the opening of their NextGen Fund, offering grants of £2,500 to young creatives in England with a stack of ideas but a lack of finance.

Published: 08 June 2021

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US Lifts Covid-19 Travel Ban

Feldenkrais Method for Musicians – Why do it?

Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

MU Urges New Education Secretary and Schools Minister to Work Together to Protect Music Education

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Harbourside Management Research Highlights How Workers Fear to Disclose Disability

Women and Equalities Select Committee Menopause Inquiry

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

How Mothers are Fighting Workplace Discrimination in Music

Graduates Share Their Concerns About The Devastating Impact of Government Funding Cuts to HE Arts and Music Subjects

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

Next Steps for England’s National Plan for Music Education Announced

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

A Fair Deal from Streaming: Equitable Remuneration for Performers

Call to Fix Streaming Campaign Receives Extensive Press Coverage

Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

Applications Open For The English Folk Expo Artist Mentoring Programme 2021/2022

Delia Derbyshire Day 2021 to Go Ahead Online

Youth Music Open New Fund For Young Creatives