News & Stories for Musicians

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

Photograph of a row of violins, hanging up in a shop to be purchased.

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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12-Week Music Business Programme for Women and Marginalised Genders Opens to Applications For Free Spaces

Brighter Sound and Digital Advantage are running a free 12-week development programme for women and marginalised genders looking to launch and grow their own businesses within the music industry!

Published: 13 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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New Bradford Music Network Launched

Following consultations with the music sector throughout the summer, Bradford Council has launched a new Music Network for Bradford, supported by Bradford Producing Hub and Music Local.

Published: 10 December 2020

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar, the heavy blue light means we can't clearly see the performer.

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

Matthew Halsall: Musician, Bandleader and Manchester Label Founder

Gifted trumpeter, bandleader and founder of Gondwana Records: how Manchester-based Matthew Halsall is at the heart of UK jazz.

Published: 27 November 2020

Photograph of an old fashioned map of England, focusing around Manchester.

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

The Levaré Quartet: a String Quartet Thriving on Diversity in Post-Brexit Britain

Diversity and spontaneity define the music of the Levaré Quartet, an international ensemble formed by students at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Published: 23 November 2020

Photograph of an empty recording studio.

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

Photograph of earphones and a microphone resting on a wooden surface.

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

Photograph of a musician, we can't see their face but they are holding a microphone with plastic gloves on, and have a surgical mask on their face.

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve had confirmation from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that rehearsals can continue, provided that the band or individual is working.

Published: 05 November 2020

Photograph of a musician playing saxophone at home, playing into a webcam that is set up to record.

Lobbying Update: SEISS and Furlough Extensions Confirmed

As England heads into a month-long lockdown and the other nations consider their next steps, the MU has welcomed the extension of the furlough and SEISS schemes.

Published: 05 November 2020

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England to Go Under Nationwide Lockdown

A nationwide lockdown has been announced for England, from Thursday 5 November, through to Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 02 November 2020

Photograph of a clarinet performer in what appears to be an orchestral setting, although we can only see the performers hands and a blur of other instruments and music stands in the background.

Lockdown in England: The Likely Effect on Musicians

A nationwide lockdown has been announced for England, as well as extensions to the Government’s SEISS and furlough schemes which will apply across the UK.

Published: 02 November 2020

musicians playing guitar and singing during online concert at home

A Guide to the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ Fund

Jess Partridge, founder and editor of new music group In Stereo, provides invaluable advice for musicians applying for Arts Council England (ACE) Developing Your Creative Practice Fund.

Published: 26 October 2020

Text reading: We can't leave workers without vital skills in a pandemic: the government must save union learning

Take Action Against Decision to Axe Union Learning Fund

For more than twenty years, the Union Learning Fund has supported trade union learning projects. Now the Government wants to cut its funding – putting the FEU Training programme under threat.

Published: 23 October 2020

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Jess Partridge, founder and editor of new music group In Stereo, provides invaluable advice for musicians applying for Arts Council England (ACE) Project Grant.

Published: 14 September 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

A woman in a sunny field full of flowers raises her clarinet above her head, arm outstretched in a celebratory posture. She's wearing a red dress and has long curly hair.

Restrictions Around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments Relaxed in England

We welcome the news that restrictions around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments in England will be relaxed.

Published: 14 August 2020

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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”

12-Week Music Business Programme for Women and Marginalised Genders Opens to Applications For Free Spaces

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 Bradford Music Network Launched

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Matthew Halsall: Musician, Bandleader and Manchester Label Founder

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

The Levaré Quartet: a String Quartet Thriving on Diversity in Post-Brexit Britain

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

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

Lobbying Update: SEISS and Furlough Extensions Confirmed

England to Go Under Nationwide Lockdown

Lockdown in England: The Likely Effect on Musicians

A Guide to the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ Fund

Take Action Against Decision to Axe Union Learning Fund

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Government Allows Full Resumption of School Music Provision in England

US Visa Fee Increase as of October

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

A-Level Results to be Based on Teacher Assessed Grades

Restrictions Around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments Relaxed in England