News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of an airplace from inside, facing the front of the plane the image looks up the aisle between seats, we can see the backs of peoples arms as heads.

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 playing a guitar on stage, the light shining through is a bright pale blue.

MU Welcomes Recommendations on Live Music in Wales

A new Senedd Committee report into live music in Wales reveals the problems facing musicians and venues, with recommendations to support, strengthen, and grow the sector.

Published: 05 January 2021

Photograph of a small boy playing the keyboard at home.

Wales Moves to Alert Level Four

An overview of how the Welsh Government’s alert level 4 restrictions, which have applied since midnight on 19 December, might affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

Child learning the keyboard, facing a computer where an online lesson is taking place.

Music Teaching in Wales to Move Online

The Welsh Government has announced that all instrumental and vocal teaching should move online from 14 December if possible.

Published: 11 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

Photograph of a young child wearing a facemask, sat at a keyboard.

Third Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Members are encouraged to use the eligibility check and prepare their evidence in advance of the second phase of the Welsh Freelancer Fund opening at 10:00 am on Monday 23 November.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of a musician with a guitar performing outside, their back is to the camera and there are bright green and yellow leaves against a grey sky.

Welsh Government Announces Additional Funding for Cultural Recovery Fund

The Welsh Government announced on Wednesday 11 November that it will be investing a further £10.7m in the Cultural Recovery Fund, including further money for the Freelancer Fund.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of an outdoor music performance taking place at night. We can only see the neck of a guitar and the shoulder of the musician, in the background there is bunting and bright lights.

What the End of the Welsh Firebreak Could Mean for Musicians

The Welsh Government’s Firebreak response to Covid-19 is due to end on Monday 9 November, here’s our summary of the new measures and how they’re likely to affect musicians.

Published: 06 November 2020

Photograph of a saxophone lesson taking place, we see the teachers back but she is emphasising something with her hands. The student facing us is holding a saxophone and laughing.

The Welsh Economic Resilience Fund

The third round of funding from the Welsh Economic Resilience Fund opens for applications on the afternoon of Wednesday 28 October, members are urged to check the eligibility criteria and apply as soon as they are able.

Published: 28 October 2020

Photograph of a tuba being played, the musician is not visible apart from their hands and the background is black and shaded.

Connecting with Audiences as an Orchestra During Lockdown

In this blog, originally put together in August, Daniel Trodden – Principal Tuba for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales – talks us through what an orchestral musician’s working life could look like in the new normal.

Published: 28 October 2020

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Further Clarification on Welsh Firebreak

We’ve had further clarification from the Welsh Government on recordings, and broadcast and streamed performances being able to continue during the firebreak.

Published: 23 October 2020

Photograph of pink stage lights beaming down into the darkness. The picture focuses upwards, so we can just see the lights and rigging and not the stage.

Welsh Government Announces Two-Week Firebreak Lockdown

On Monday 19 October, the Welsh Government announced that it will be introducing a two-week firebreak lockdown to try and bring Coronavirus under control in Wales.

Published: 20 October 2020

Photograh of a castle turret with a small Welsh flag left flying on top.

Second Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Members are encouraged to use the eligibility check and prepare their evidence in advance of the second phase of the Welsh Freelancer Fund opening at 10:00 am on Monday 19 October.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of a microphone, and chairs set out as if a performance was about to take place out doors with no one present at the time.

Welsh Freelancer Fund Opens on Monday 5 October

The Welsh Government’s Freelancer Fund opens for applications at 10:00 am on Monday 5 October and we would urge members to check the guidance and apply as soon as possible.

Published: 02 October 2020

Government Allows Full Resumption of School Music Provision in England

Visiting music teachers may return to schools, and ensemble rehearsals and performances can resume as long as health and safety measures are in place.

Published: 02 September 2020

US Visa Fee Increase as of October

New ruling from US Department of Homeland Security imposes steep increase to O and P visa filing fees.

Published: 02 September 2020

Photograph of a saxophonist performing outdoors in a park setting.

Further Clarification for Performances and Rehearsals of Non-Professional Musicians in England

The Government has updated their Covid-19 guidance for those working in the performing arts, which clarifies that non-professional musicians can perform and rehearse in Covid-secure venues in England.

Published: 28 August 2020

Teenage Pupil Playing Drums In Music Lesson

A-Level Results to be Based on Teacher Assessed Grades

We are pleased that the governments across all four nations of the UK will now be basing their A-level grades on teacher assessed grades.

Published: 18 August 2020

Prime Minister Announces Delay to Return of Indoor Live Music

The Prime Minister has announced that the easing of coronavirus restrictions in England will be delayed due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 31 July 2020

Photograph of a jazz band performing outdoors.

£53M of New Funding Announced for Arts and Culture in Wales

The Welsh Government announced today that it will be investing £53 million to help Wales’ diverse culture sector deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 30 July 2020

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Highlighting The Need for More Support

Wales and South-West England Regional Organiser, Andy Warnock, reports on how the region has been, engaging and meeting with Welsh Government ministers and officials on a regular basis for several months, and what they hope to achieve.

Published: 23 July 2020

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Richard Steggall has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in response to the recent announcements regarding the guidance on playing wind and brass instruments.

Published: 10 July 2020

Musician is playing a guitar on stage outdoors

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

Outdoor live performance in front of audiences permitted in England under new Government performing arts guidance.

Published: 10 July 2020

A memorial outside of the Stonewall Inn during Pride month 2016, marking the Orlando shootings which affected Black and POC LGBT communities that year

Pride Month: The First Pride was a Riot

Our Education and Equalities Officer, Rose Delcour‑Min, discusses how supporting the present and future of LGBTQ rights must involve recognising the ways that sexuality, gender and race intersect.

Published: 23 June 2020

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

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