News & Stories for Musicians

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MU Advice on Copyright in Education Featured on Podcast

Our London Regional Officer, Natalie Witts, appeared on the Music Teachers Association podcast, discussing crucial information that teachers need to know before embarking on virtual Christmas Concerts.

Published: 12 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

Photograph of a guitarist playing guitar towards a webcam, there appears to be an online lesson taking place.

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

Photograph of the houses of parliament, in the sunshine.

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

Members Discount on Rehearsal and Recording Studios in London

London based online music studio directory, MusicWise, are offering members a 10% discount on their first studio booking – quoting our exclusive discount code.

Published: 01 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

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

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

Miniature figures sit on a ruler demonstrating the concept of social distancing to avoid transmission of the coronavirus

New Covid-19 Recovery Measures Announced by the Government

In the latest announcement from the Government, a number of measures to ease the lockdown in England were announced, as well as the commitment to continue to work together with the devolved governments.

Published: 23 June 2020

Photo of colourful fridge magnet letters spelling out reggae

International Reggae Day to be Held Online

The London, UK hub event marking International Reggae Day (IRD) that can be consumed from anywhere with an internet connection!

Published: 17 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

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

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 audience of theatre goers watching a play.

Advice for Members in Response to Closure of West End and Regional Theatres

Now that the government are advising against mass gatherings of people, UK Theatre and SOLT have taken the decision to close venues across the UK.

Published: 16 March 2020

Photograph of Henry singing and playing a nord piano keyboard at the Pride In London contest

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

MU member and session pianist and vocalist Henry Newbury (winner of Pride’s Got Talent) talks about his personal experience in establishing a career as a professional musician.

Published: 20 February 2020

Photograph of a sign in Westminster, pointing towards Leicester Square, Soho, Piccadilly Circus and other famous locations

Protect Busking Culture in the West End by Responding to Council’s Consultation

The MU has serious concerns over Westminster County Council's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 27 January 2020

Photograph of violin on its side, in shadow

ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

English National Opera (ENO) are recruiting five new string players from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background in a positive effort to ensure their Orchestra more fairly reflects our society.

Published: 20 January 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

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

Independent Venue Week has announced Anna Calvi as Ambassador for their seventh year.

Published: 14 November 2019

Band Involved in Legal Struggle After Name Trademarked Without Their Permission

Because of a trademark registration the original Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band were no longer able to record an album or perform a concert under their own name. They have now won back their name.

Published: 11 November 2019

Photograph of guitar lying on its side with amp lead nearby

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

Now in its fourth year, The London International Guitar Show (LIGS) will be returning to Kempton Park Racecourse on Sunday 27 October 2019 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Published: 25 October 2019

London’s First Accessible Club Event for Adults and with Disabilities and Their Carers Opens this November

The event 'Daylight' – which will be hosted by music venue Omeara – is being produced by London-based DJ and mental health volunteer Tony Gurney.

Published: 08 October 2019

Trade Unions Invited to Show Solidarity with Climate Change Activism on 12 October

Trade unionists have been invited to rally at Trafalgar Square on Saturday 12 October and show solidarity with climate activism.

Published: 08 October 2019

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All News and Features

MU Advice on Copyright in Education Featured on Podcast

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

Members Discount on Rehearsal and Recording Studios in London

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

Prime Minister Announces Delay to Return of Indoor Live Music

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

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

Pride Month: The First Pride was a Riot

New Covid-19 Recovery Measures Announced by the Government

International Reggae Day to be Held Online

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

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

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

Support Fair Play Venues Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Government Announces a Welcome Plan for the Self-Employed

Your Child's Music Teacher Needs You

Advice for Members in Response to Closure of West End and Regional Theatres

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

Protect Busking Culture in the West End by Responding to Council’s Consultation

ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

Band Involved in Legal Struggle After Name Trademarked Without Their Permission

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

London’s First Accessible Club Event for Adults and with Disabilities and Their Carers Opens this November

Trade Unions Invited to Show Solidarity with Climate Change Activism on 12 October