News & Stories for Musicians

Close up of a hand holding a Trans Pride flag during a walk or march.

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

This year Trans Awareness Week takes place 13 to 19 November. Here we share some of the latest news and resources to help us all foster a more inclusive and supportive space for Trans and gender non-conforming people.

Published: 13 November 2023

Abstract picture of differently coloured building blocks

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

The MU’s Executive Committee have agreed today on a donation to the Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in Israel and Palestine, as well as releasing the following statement.

Published: 09 November 2023

Instruments and music sheets in an empty orchestra pit with no players.

BBC Radio 4 Spotlights Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign

BBC Radio 4’s Front Row heard from MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on the campaign to keep Northern Ballet music live and why it comes down to Arts Council England.

Published: 08 November 2023

Many hands overlapping together in a circle, representing partnership and teamwork.

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman will be speaking at the event on Monday 27 November, which brings industry professionals together to discuss pay and jobs in the arts and culture sector. Members are invited to attend, either in person or online.

Published: 08 November 2023

Woman’s fist against a bright yellow background. Women's equality and rights concept.

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

The Worker Protection Bill has passed its final stage in the House of Commons which means it will become law before the end of the year.

Published: 08 November 2023

Interior of the National Rail Ticket office in St Pancras, London.

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Government has withdrawn all plans to close rail ticket offices, following the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch objecting to the proposals in their entirety. Thank you to all MU members who responded to the consultation.

Published: 08 November 2023

Singer on stage in front of a microphone on a stand and large audience, in blue light.

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

UK Music’s annual economic report, This Is Music 2023, states that the music industry’s contribution to the UK economy was £6.7 billion (GVA) in 2022.

Published: 07 November 2023

Close up of two pairs of hands, sat opposite each other, holding cups of coffee on table.

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

MU member Heather Simmons is a Methodist Church Musician’s Chaplain, providing support for all musicians, across all faiths or none. Here she shares her knowledge of how musicians in need could get support from a Music Chaplain.

Published: 07 November 2023

People at the ENO joint Unions demo from November 2022 holding signs reading #Behindeverymusician and #LoveENO

Take Action to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company With a Full-Time Orchestra

Write to English National Opera’s management urging them to reconsider proposals to axe 19 jobs and go part-time.

Published: 06 November 2023

Two Black musicians in the recording studio using the mixing desk and playing keyboard.

IYS and MU Release Black History Playlist

The playlist, which is available to stream now via Spotify, showcases Scottish Black artists and celebrates the partnership of the MU and IYS for Black History Month.

Published: 02 November 2023

Aerial view of Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Scottish Parliament Debates Arts Funding and Commits to New Funding From 2024 

Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland Sam Dunkely reports from a Scottish Parliament debate on arts funding. 

Published: 31 October 2023

A quartet plays in an entrance foyer, displaying

Email Your MP to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Northern Ballet Sinfonia musicians are campaigning to protect their jobs and keep Northern Ballet Live. Email your MP for support.

Published: 31 October 2023

Naomi Pohl talks animatedly to two visitors to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has written to the Chancellor and Culture Secretary calling for support for Northern Ballet, English National Opera, Royal Opera House and the wider sector.

Published: 30 October 2023

Darkly lit orchestra pit with musicians and music sheets.

Les Mis and Miss Saigon Composer Claude-Michel Schönberg Backs Northern Ballet Sinfonia Campaign to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Legendary composer Claude-Michel Schönberg calls for an Arts Council England solution to protect Northern Ballet musicians.

Published: 25 October 2023

Aerial view of main chamber of Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Scotland Arts Funding Briefing for Musicians and MSPs

MSPs will be debating arts funding in the Scottish Parliament this week. Here’s what you and your MSP need to know.

Published: 24 October 2023

Members of the ROH Orchestra handing out flyers and holding a banner saying 'Please support the Orchestra #fairpay' before a performance earlier this month.

Royal Opera House Orchestra Set to Take Further Action Short of Strike in Pay Dispute

Musicians in the Royal Opera House orchestra are campaigning to have their pay restored to pre pandemic levels.

Published: 23 October 2023

Exterior of the Theater Royal, Nottingham.

International Federation of Musicians Backs Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign

Musicians' Unions worldwide share their solidarity with Northern Ballet Sinfonia and call on Arts Council England to act urgently.

Published: 23 October 2023

Black and white silhouette of singer under a spotlight with both arms raised and a microphone in one hand.

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

October is Black History Month and the MU has partnered with Scottish charity Intercultural Youth Scotland to bring you this guest blog from one of its members Ash Harper, which explores the relationship between Black British Music and activism.

Published: 20 October 2023

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

Close-up view of a test hearing machine in a clinic.

Musicians’ Hearing Health Clinic in Belfast on 9 and 10 November

MU members in Northern Ireland are encouraged to apply to the Musician’s Hearing Health Scheme and take advantage of the regional clinic at the end of next month.

Published: 19 October 2023

Instrument flight cases in front of a stage ready for set up.

Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Earlier this week we hosted a webinar with ATA Carnet provider Business West on advice for acquiring and using an ATA Carnet when working overseas. This is now available for MU members to watch back.

Published: 19 October 2023

Member only Read more about Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Busy pink desk with notebook, pens, mobile phone, coffee cup

Notice of Political Fund Review Ballot

The MU is required to ballot its members every 10 years on the continuation of its Political Fund. The deadline to complete the latest ballot is in January 2024.

Published: 18 October 2023

Photo of the centre of Aberdeen, the City where this years 2023 SNP conference was held

Scottish First Minister Commits to Doubling Funding For Arts and Culture Over Next Five Years

The MU welcomes the news, which offers hope of a more secure future at a time when UK cultural institutions are struggling with rising costs and jobs. We look forward to further details on the proposals.

Published: 18 October 2023

White hand fan on yellow background, top view, concept of hot flush and the menopause.

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

To mark World Menopause Day on Wednesday 18 October, Angela Gascoine, PA to the MU’s Assistant General Secretaries, shares her blog on the role of Menopause Champions at the Union, as well as a list of resources for other organisations and individuals.

Published: 17 October 2023

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

We have recently reported on how Northern Ballet are being forced to consider using recorded music instead of live orchestra. Our Recording and Broadcasting department are keen to hear from any musicians approached for recording backing tracks.

Published: 17 October 2023

Outside of The London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

Martyn Brabbins has resigned in protest at English National Opera’s plans to axe 19 posts in the orchestra and go part time.

Published: 17 October 2023

A crowd of people holding MU branded signs saying 'Fund the Arts', 'Save the ENO' and '#BehindEveryMusician' from a rally in 2022.

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

The English National Opera plans to axe 19 posts and employ the remaining musicians on part-time contracts.

Published: 13 October 2023

Panorama of Deansgate area, Manchester, backed by the Deansgate Square skyscraper complex.

MU Partners with Beyond The Music Conference by Curating Panel on Music and Foreign Policy

The panel will discuss creating a UK Parliament for the music industry, with speakers including MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Chair of The Ivors Academy and founder of the Broken Record campaign, Tom Gray.

Published: 12 October 2023

Light shines through the glass ceiling dome, with lines that spiral out in a hub like fashion

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Find out more about the history of the MU Education Reps, and the essential part they’ve been playing since the role was created in 2013. In this feature MU Education Section Committee member Maxim Rowlands talks us through the story as it aligns with his own personal journey.

Published: 10 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Thangam Debbonaire MP at the Labour Party Conference 2023

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Shadow Secretary of State Thangam Debbonaire announces first ever first national cultural infrastructure plan for a future Labour government.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi Pohl at this year's Labour Conference holding a large red sign saying 'There is power in a union'.

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi appears on the large screen at the Labour Party conference, and stands in front of a panel

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl raised Northern Ballet Sinfonia’s campaign to protect their touring work on the main Labour Party Conference stage, at fringe events and MP meetings.

Published: 10 October 2023

The panel left to right Rose Delcour-Min, Alex Niven, DJ Paulette and Paul Smith.

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Panel Highlights From Generator Live Conference 2023

The MU’s panel at this year’s Generator Live Conference discussed the challenges and barriers faced by working class musicians, and explored how we can ensure that those from different socio-economic backgrounds can access a career in the music industry.

Published: 06 October 2023

Suella Braverman speaking in the Houses of Parliament

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

We are writing a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman demanding that she reconsiders her intention to no longer recognise LGBT discrimination as qualification for asylum, despite around 70 countries continuing to criminalise LGBT+ people.

Published: 05 October 2023

Members of the MU pose joyfully at the 2023 parade in London, with a sign reading Musicians' Union

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further

Following the release of hate crime statistics which show how England and Wales are continuing to become less safe for LGBTQ+ people, the MU points out how dangerous the anti trans narratives being peddled by the UK Government continue to be.

Published: 05 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, and MU Head of International Dave Webster hold up a sign outside the Royal Opera House reading

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Over 2000 people have backed the Royal Opera House orchestra’s campaign after a second day of action short of strike.

Published: 05 October 2023

Timpani player sits at a drum, hands visible only

Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Musicians in Northern Ballet Sinfonia are campaigning to protect their touring work and keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 04 October 2023

Young Black musician using a mixing board in a studio.

MU Celebrates Black History Month 2023 With Intercultural Youth Scotland Partnership

This October is Black History Month and the MU is partnering with Scottish charity Intercultural Youth Scotland to bring you guest blogs, a special curated playlist of Scottish Black Artists, new report findings from The Musicians’ Census 2023 and more.

Published: 02 October 2023

Victoria Jaquiss looks into camera, she has bright pink hair and pale blue lipstick, a steel pan drum is in the background

Art for Art’s Sake, Music For All: An Educator’s Journey

MU/National Education Union (NEU) member Victoria Jaquiss shares how her belief in music education and the art form of teaching led to her joining the MU’s Education Section Committee, and writing a motion calling for music and the arts to be given their rightful place in the school curriculum.

Published: 02 October 2023

Clarinet with close up of detached reed mouthpiece.

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

A new London exhibition shows how the dedication and passion of dentist Maurice Porter helped generations of brass and woodwind players perfect and resolve problems with their embouchure.

Published: 02 October 2023

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MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

BBC Radio 4 Spotlights Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

Take Action to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company With a Full-Time Orchestra

IYS and MU Release Black History Playlist

Scottish Parliament Debates Arts Funding and Commits to New Funding From 2024

Email Your MP to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

Les Mis and Miss Saigon Composer Claude-Michel Schönberg Backs Northern Ballet Sinfonia Campaign to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Scotland Arts Funding Briefing for Musicians and MSPs

Royal Opera House Orchestra Set to Take Further Action Short of Strike in Pay Dispute

International Federation of Musicians Backs Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Musicians’ Hearing Health Clinic in Belfast on 9 and 10 November

Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Notice of Political Fund Review Ballot

Scottish First Minister Commits to Doubling Funding For Arts and Culture Over Next Five Years

Helping Others to Help Ourselves: The MU Celebrates World Menopause Day 2023

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

MU Partners with Beyond The Music Conference by Curating Panel on Music and Foreign Policy

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Panel Highlights From Generator Live Conference 2023

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

MU Celebrates Black History Month 2023 With Intercultural Youth Scotland Partnership

Art for Art’s Sake, Music For All: An Educator’s Journey

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

Scottish Parliament Debates Arts Funding and Commits to New Funding From 2024 