News & Stories for Musicians

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Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Music For Youth will be holding three mentoring workshops for MU members based in London, the North of England, and East & South East England who are interested in finding out more about mentoring roles.

Published: 12 May 2021

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Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

In this blog, MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Government’s proposed HE funding cuts in England, that “MU members are at their most passionate when there is a risk to colleagues or the future workforce,” and how we must do everything to fight back.

Published: 11 May 2021

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Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, charity Black Minds Matter UK explains the importance of culturally specific interventions for musicians who also experience racism.

Published: 10 May 2021

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Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

A summary of changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence following their consultation with PRS members and the wider industry.

Published: 07 May 2021

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HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

What the Government’s proposed higher education (HE) cuts could mean for students and course providers – from affecting the financial viability of courses to cutting access for less privileged students and disproportionately affecting disabled people.

Published: 07 May 2021

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Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

The MU strongly opposes Government plans to impose a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects including music at Higher Education (HE) level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

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Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

Shadow secretaries of state Jo Stevens MP and Kate Green MP have written to Gavin Williamson calling on the Secretary of State for Education to drop proposals for a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects at the Higher Education level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

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MU Expresses Horror at Proposed Halving of Funding for Music at HE in England

The Government has announced that it plans to impose a 50 percent funding cut to “high cost” subjects at higher education (HE) in England, including music. This is because music and the arts are not among its “strategic priorities”. Members are encouraged to respond to their consultation.

Published: 30 April 2021

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Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

In this lobbying update, MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how we will be using the results from our Brexit survey when it closes next week, and other actions in Parliament.

Published: 29 April 2021

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Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

The MU will be standing in solidarity with this weekend’s social media boycott, to highlight social media company inaction on eradicating online hate and racism.

Published: 29 April 2021

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Extend Government-Backed Pilots to Allow More Events to Go Ahead, Say MPs

In the absence of a wider insurance scheme for the events industry, the Government liability that will enable pilot events to go ahead this summer should be extended to cover a wider range of events to prevent further cancellations, say MPs.

Published: 29 April 2021

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Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Over 5,000 musicians, songwriters and fans have signed the Fix Streaming petition, after 150 artists including Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney and Kate Bush made headlines calling on the Government to act.

Published: 27 April 2021

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The Copyright Directive

In this feature Mark Sutherland discusses the European Copyright Directive in detail, and looks at the vital actions that must take place to protect UK music industry in the post-Brexit environment.

Published: 26 April 2021

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

UK Music is calling on music industry leaders to ensure disabled people and people with long term health conditions can realise their dreams by removing potential barriers to job opportunities.

Published: 22 April 2021

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a newly launched initiative which the MU has partnered with – on a mission to combat racism, uniting organisations and musicians to create a truly inclusive and diverse music industry.

Published: 20 April 2021

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Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

For professional musicians, buying and selling musical instruments can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Neil Crossley examines the options and assesses how to ensure you get the best outcome with the minimum hassle.

Published: 20 April 2021

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Response to the Model Music Curriculum

The Government has published a new Model Music Curriculum for England. Chris Walters, the MU’s National Organiser for Education, highlights some key points.

Published: 20 April 2021

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MU Signs Open Letter to The Prime Minister to Reject ‘Insulting’ Report and Act on Race Equality at Work

36 trade union general secretaries –including the MU’s – have signed a letter to the PM, calling on him to take a different path to that recommended in the report from the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities.

Published: 20 April 2021

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Calling On The PM to Put The Value of Music Back “In The Hands of Music Makers”

An extraordinary roll call of music’s great and good call on the Prime Minister to reform the music industry by fixing streaming.

Published: 19 April 2021

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Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

The Government has now confirmed a number of changes and extra details for musicians in its previously published Spring Roadmap for England – and we have updated our guidance accordingly.

Published: 09 April 2021

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5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

It’s World Autism Day on 2 April! To celebrate we asked Autism consultant and Heart N Soul creative associate Robyn Rocket to write a blog for us with a few pointers on how we can consider inclusion for Autistic musicians and listeners when the world opens again post-Covid.

Published: 01 April 2021

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FEU Closes Live Training Programme But Digital Access to Training Continues

After more than a decade, the Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU) has closed its live training programme – following the Government’s decision to pull all unionlearn funding. However, their digital learning online centre will remain online.

Published: 01 April 2021

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Ask Your Metro Mayor Candidate to Sign the Creative Workforce Pledge

Join the call for candidates for England’s upcoming Metro Mayor elections in England to sign the Creative Workforce Pledge, and commit to making sure the creative and cultural life of our regions thrive well into the future.

Published: 30 March 2021

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MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

The MU responded today to the announcement by the BBC that the corporation is set to move a selection of its key departments and staff away from London with the aim of making it more inclusive of the entire UK.

Published: 18 March 2021

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Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

In a specially commissioned blog for Women’s History Month – acclaimed singer, songwriter and MU member Kelli-Leigh discusses her own experiences and asks the music industry, “Can you open up doors to talent that may have been closed to them previously?”

Published: 08 March 2021

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Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

We’ve published further details on the Government’s roadmap for easing lockdown, and how the different stages are likely to be relevant to musicians.

Published: 02 March 2021

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

The PM has today set out his ‘roadmap’ for lifting Covid-19 restrictions in England. We'll be updating advice for musicians over the next week.

Published: 22 February 2021

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MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

Whilst the MU lobbied hard against Brexit, the agreement reached with the EU means that currently ATA Carnets (a travel document needed for instruments and equipment) are a reality for musicians working in the EU.

Published: 11 February 2021

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EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Despite our correspondence with airline EasyJet, we have been unable to persuade them to amend their new baggage policy, which will come into play from 10 February 2021.

Published: 08 February 2021

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Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

Are you applying – or thinking about applying – for Arts Council England music funding? If so, you may want to catch up with a replay of our webinar.

Published: 23 December 2020

Member only Read more about Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

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New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

As our many of our members across London and south-east and east of England fall under the Government’s new tier four level restrictions, we’ve drawn up guidance on how these rules may affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

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Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Government has updated and published its guidance on working safely during Coronavirus in the Performing Arts – and we have updated our guidance on how this relates to musicians accordingly.

Published: 01 December 2020

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Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Over the last week we’ve updated our advice for music teachers working in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to reflect changes to – and clarifications we’ve received on – the Coronavirus restrictions across the UK.

Published: 30 November 2020

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Emily Barker: a Singer-Songwriter Who Spans Country, Folk and Blues

From haunting theme tunes to groove-smitten Americana, Aussie-born Emily Barker is a prolific singer-songwriter.

Published: 26 November 2020

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List of Tiers in England Announced by the Government

Members in England can now find out which tier will apply to them when lockdown measures are lifted on Wednesday 2 December, and check it against our advice for musicians under the different levels.

Published: 26 November 2020

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Musicians’ Union has written to the Government to request more pragmatic and clearer guidance for instrumental and vocal learning during the next period of restrictions in England.

Published: 24 November 2020

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 24 November 2020

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New Guidance Document on Music Production During English Lockdown

Umbrella organisation UK Music – of which the MU is a part – has launched a new guide on working safely during Covid-19 in workplaces for music and music video production.

Published: 12 November 2020

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Updated Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve now received confirmation DCMS that it is okay for musicians to rehearse in their homes under the current lockdown in England.

Published: 11 November 2020

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Teaching Under the New English Lockdown Restrictions

While private music teaching should remain online throughout the new restrictions, music lessons can take place in students' homes if no other option is viable.

Published: 05 November 2020

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Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

MU Expresses Horror at Proposed Halving of Funding for Music at HE in England

Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

Extend Government-Backed Pilots to Allow More Events to Go Ahead, Say MPs

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

The Copyright Directive

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey

Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

Response to the Model Music Curriculum

MU Signs Open Letter to The Prime Minister to Reject ‘Insulting’ Report and Act on Race Equality at Work

Calling On The PM to Put The Value of Music Back “In The Hands of Music Makers”

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

FEU Closes Live Training Programme But Digital Access to Training Continues

Ask Your Metro Mayor Candidate to Sign the Creative Workforce Pledge

MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Emily Barker: a Singer-Songwriter Who Spans Country, Folk and Blues

List of Tiers in England Announced by the Government

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

New Guidance Document on Music Production During English Lockdown

Updated Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

Teaching Under the New English Lockdown Restrictions