News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of Cardiff City Hall in the sunshine

Black Workers’ Experience Surveyed by TUC Wales

Wales TUC have received numerous worrying reports of BME workers facing discrimination in Welsh workplaces during the coronavirus crisis, and are working to identify the scale and complexity of the problem.

Published: 19 June 2020

Panel of logos for BECTU, Equity, CULT Cymru, MU, WGGB

CULT Cymru Launches Online Coaching and Mentoring Programme

CULT Cymru has partnered with the Professional Development Centre, Wales to deliver an exciting Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) endorsed coaching and mentoring programme.

Published: 19 June 2020

a mother holding her daughter on her shoulders

Legal Action Against the Chancellor for Indirect Sex Discrimination Supported by MU

Pregnancy rights charity, Pregnant then Screwed, with support from Doughty Street Chambers and law firm Leigh Day, is threatening legal proceedings against the Chancellor for discriminating against women in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Published: 12 June 2020

We Will be Participating in #TheShowMustBePaused in Solidarity With our Black Members

The MU stands with our Black members and all Black communities against all forms of racism, violence and discrimination. When we say “behind every musician”, we mean it.

Published: 01 June 2020

Man using phone with stabiliser and taking pictures and live video

BBC Academy’s Lockdown Learning Now Open to FEU Freelance Members

The BBC Academy have opened up their training programs to members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions – of which the MU is a part. Our members can now pick up training on a wide variety of programs between 18 May and 31 July.

Published: 20 May 2020

Support Fair Play Venues Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

Many live music venues are having to fundraise to secure their futures, here is a list of crowdfunders that have been set up for venues which have signed up to our Fair Play scheme. If you are in a position to donate, or to share their crowdfunders on your social channels, please do.

Published: 15 May 2020

image of tangram puzzle blocks with people icons over wooden table

Welsh Members Encouraged to Take Survey to Develop Online Learning Resources

CULT Cymru are looking to develop their online learning resources to meet new needs that have arisen during the coronavirus pandemic, and would like to hear from members in Wales about what would be useful to them.

Published: 11 May 2020

Arts Council of Wales Launches Urgent Response Fund

The Welsh funding body today announced the details for it’s Urgent Response Fund, open to freelance creative practitioners who are experiencing financial hardship due to disruption from COVID-19.

Published: 09 April 2020

New Support Announced for Musicians in Wales

The Welsh Government, Creative Wales, and the Arts Council of Wales have announced a number of measures including an Urgent Response Fund for individuals, and a Grassroots Music Relief Fund.

Published: 08 April 2020

The Government Announces a Welcome Plan for the Self-Employed

After weeks of lobbying MPs and Ministers, the MU has welcomed the package of help that the Government has announced for the self-employed.

Published: 26 March 2020

Happy healthy female musician playing ukelele

BAPAM Moves Healthy Performance Events Online

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) have set themselves up to begin running their training events online, with course topics ranging from vocal health to injury prevention and keeping mentally well.

Published: 24 March 2020

Kids playing in an imaginary band to support their music teacher

Your Child's Music Teacher Needs You

If your child is learning an instrument, there's no need to stop because of school closures or social distancing. Ask your child's teacher about moving the lessons online.

Published: 20 March 2020

Photograph of small lighthouse in the Welsh countryside

Arts Council Wales Outlines Response to COVID-19

Arts Council Wales have updated their Coronavirus response page to outline their funding response going forward.

Published: 18 March 2020

Photo of young brass band preparing to play. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Future of Funding for Culture in Dorset: Have Your Say

Dorset Council are proposing significant changes to how funding is awarded to organisations in the culture, community, and voluntary sectors in the county.

Published: 06 March 2020

Photograph of small suitcases in an aircraft cabin stowage

Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Flybe has listened to the concerns of musicians, and following a letter sent by the MU late last year, has amended its cabin baggage terms and conditions to accommodate small instruments.

Published: 06 January 2020

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Over 48% of Musicians’ Union members surveyed have experienced sexual harassment at work. Shockingly, a third of those people say their harassment was related to a protected characteristic, and another 21% said they were not sure.

Published: 03 December 2019

Woman waves keyboard around in a gym setting.

New BAPAM Healthy Performance Training Series to be Held in Cardiff

These introductory two-hour sessions are designed for performing arts professionals and students, and will outline risk factors and key strategies to maintain good physical health throughout a sustainable career.

Published: 31 October 2019

Live Music Inquiry at National Assembly of Wales Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

The MU was delighted to give evidence as part of a live music inquiry held by the National Assembly of Wales’ Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee.

Published: 21 October 2019

MU/UK Theatre agreement

Following the agreement being implemented in 2018 for a 3 year period.

Published: 28 August 2019

Invite Your MP to Talk to the MU this Party Conference Season

Is your MP from the Labour or Conservative party? Invite them to talk to us this party conference season, as we go to Labour and Conservative party conferences to talk about the big issues affecting musicians.

Published: 21 August 2019

Members of the alternative folk group 9Bach

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

When MU members Martin and alternative folk group 9Bach needed help negotiating a contract, they used the MU’s Contract Advisory Service to make sure they could navigate the negotiation and get a fair deal.

Published: 13 August 2019

Empty stage in the dark with the microphone in the spotlight

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

MU members have raised concerns regarding a promoter's view that bands should not highlight their diverse make up, and that doing so is a form of tokenism that will prevent them from being booked.

Published: 30 July 2019

conference room filled with members , Dave Webster leading the discussion

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge today introduced the Union’s first ever Members' Conference – which saw members and officials from across the regions, as well as the Union’s Executive Committee (EC), coming together to discuss essential decisions for the future of the MU.

Published: 24 July 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

Photo from the Women's march in 2018, person holding large sign reading

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexual harassment in music

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexism, sexual harassment and abuse in the music industry following a Newsbeat investigation into the harassment experienced by fans.

Published: 11 June 2019

The Senedd or National Assembly Building in Cardiff

Welsh Government Shifts Position on Brexit

The MU welcomes the news that the Welsh Government has officially announced that it will now primarily argue for the UK to stay in the EU.

Published: 06 June 2019

Image of colourful houses on a hill in Bristol

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation

Bristol @ Night, an advisory group on the night time economy for Bristol Council, is calling on musicians to assist them in their consultation into Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) in Bristol by completing a short survey.

Published: 31 May 2019

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

The MU and the ABO have created a joint Manifesto for British Orchestras and are collectively inviting orchestras to sign up.

Published: 21 March 2019

Mentoring Scheme for Female MU Members Launched

The MU and shesaid.so have combined forces to support women in the industry by matching fellow musicians together, to help one another grow and succeed in their careers.

Published: 13 March 2019

Join the MU on the Save Gwdihw March

Musicians’ Union (MU) members are encouraged to join a march on Saturday, 19 January, to protect Cardiff grassroots music venue Gwdihw.

Published: 14 January 2019

Free Folk Workshop for 12-18 Year Olds in Somerset

An exciting opportunity has opened up for talented young musicians to learn from National Youth Folk Ensemble leaders and inspirational folk performers Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron, at this free workshop.

Published: 09 January 2019

Much-loved Cardiff Music Venue Gwdihŵ is to Close in January

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is calling on members to protect vital Cardiff music venue Gwdihŵ Café Bar by signing an urgent petition.

Published: 13 December 2018

Members Urged to Sign Petition for National Plan for Music Education in Wales

A petition to the National Assembly for Wales, highlighting some of the current issues in music education across Wales and calling for action, is gathering signatures.

Published: 03 December 2018

Musicians' Union Calls for Support to Strengthen Music Education Provision in Wales

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is calling on Welsh Government, Local Authorities, and other organisations in Wales to support and strengthen music education provision.

Published: 03 July 2018

UK’s First Live Music Census Reveals Ongoing Threats to Small Venues

Small venues continue to face threats that could affect their long-term future, warns UK’s first Live Music Census.

Published: 16 February 2018

Cardiff named as the UK's first 'music city'

Music has been placed at the heart of Cardiff’s future with the Welsh capital being officially declared a Music City - the first of its kind in the UK.

Published: 20 December 2017

Cross-Party Support Grows for Agent of Change Law to Protect Music Venues

Support at Westminster is mounting for a new law to protect music venues – something the Musicians’ Union (MU) has been lobbying for individually and as part of music industry umbrella group UK Music.

Published: 24 November 2017

Celebrating 90 years with BBC National Orchestra of Wales

In the spring of 2018 BBC National Orchestra of Wales celebrates its 90th birthday, and to mark this milestone the orchestra is inviting people to share their stories and experiences.

Published: 21 November 2017

Bristol Live Music Venue Thekla Under Threat From Nearby Development

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is disheartened to hear of yet another small venue under threat from adjacent development – this time Bristol’s Thekla. #SaveThekla #KeepMusicLive

Published: 09 November 2017

The MU is Here to Support You If You Face Inappropriate Behaviour at Work

We are here to offer support and guidance if you face sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse at work. If you are an employed or self-employed musician, regardless of which part of the industry you work in, you can talk to us. We will listen.

Published: 19 October 2017

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features