News & Stories for Musicians

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Help Us Make the Case Against HE Funding Cuts by Taking our Flash Survey

Take action now against the Government’s plans to impose a catastrophic 50% cut in funding for higher education in England – take our brief survey and use your story to speak out.

Published: 21 May 2021

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Mixed Picture for England Under Step 3 – MU Pressures Government Over Choirs

The MU is putting pressure on the Government over some of its restrictions in England.

Published: 19 May 2021

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Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Join us in marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) by promoting the TUC’s guidance and documents on being LGBT+ allies with your networks.

Published: 17 May 2021

A person is playing on a drum kit, the photograph just shows us a close up of the kit, one well used stick, and the arm and shoulder of the person who is wearing a leopard print vest.

Feedback Service Available for Those Applying to Next Round of ACE’s DYCP Fund

With the deadline for ACE’s tenth round of Developing Your Creative Practice funding approaching on 27 May – we’d like to take a moment to remind members about our guidance and feedback service for applications.

Published: 14 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of music stands and chairs in a music learning setting.

Who Will HE Funding Cuts Disproportionately Affect?

An explanation of how cuts to HE Funding for music and arts subjects in England are likely to have a disproportionate effect on disabled, Black, Asian and minority ethnic students and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Published: 13 May 2021

Brightly coloured photograph of a busy crowd at a music gig, with audience members' arms raised and excited.

LIVE Release Audience Survey Results on What Events Will Look Like After “Lockdown”

Promising results from LIVE’s survey indicate that music fans are more passionate about going to more shows than before the pandemic started, with only 3% saying they will no longer attend.

Published: 13 May 2021

Photograph of some touring equipment, a box for packing and parts of a stage frame.

Take Action for Carry on Touring Campaign’s Call for Visa Free Travel

Umbrella campaign Carry on Touring are calling touring professionals and artists to join their mass action over social media, by posting a touring ready selfie on Twitter.

Published: 13 May 2021

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Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

The MU were one of the project partners in the research that led to this report, and it now offers musicians an insight into fans’ experiences and expectations of live streamed gigs and concerts.

Published: 13 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

Photograph of a musician holding a guitar, we can't see their face and the photo focuses on their hands on the fretboard.

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

Photograph of three young musicians sat on sofas. One has a laptop and microphone, one a guitar, and one is writing on a notepad.

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

Photograph of a young woman walking past what might be a music college, with a violin case strapped to her back.

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

A musician sits at a mixing desk, with different pieces of equipment, including multiple speakers and monitors facing them.

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

White painted chairs set out with socially distanced amount of space between them, outdoors.

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

Photograph of a young girl wearing ear protectors at a concert. The background is blurred but we can see multiple people and string lights.

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

Photograph of a music event outdoors. The guitarist is gesturing dramatically from the stage with pick and electric guitar, and you can see a drum kit with a drummers hands behind.

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

Stack of travel cases used to transport musical equipment.

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

Photograph of a musician performing at an outdoor event. We can only seem them and the neck of their guitar from behind. The sun is setting and the evening lighting is turning on.

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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Cultural Unions Submit Freedom of Information Request to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street

Midlands cultural sector trade unions have called upon West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, to declare what discussions he has had with the DCMS Minister, Oliver Dowden, in order to protect our vital local cultural sector.

Published: 09 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

Photograph of an assortment of percussive instruments set out for use in a classroom.

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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Help Us Make the Case Against HE Funding Cuts by Taking our Flash Survey

Mixed Picture for England Under Step 3 – MU Pressures Government Over Choirs

Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Feedback Service Available for Those Applying to Next Round of ACE’s DYCP Fund

Who Will HE Funding Cuts Disproportionately Affect?

LIVE Release Audience Survey Results on What Events Will Look Like After “Lockdown”

Take Action for Carry on Touring Campaign’s Call for Visa Free Travel

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

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

Cultural Unions Submit Freedom of Information Request to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK