Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians Our members and approved contractors contributed to some of the soundtracks of the very best films won and nominated. Published: 15 March 2023 Read more about Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians
Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High Now that the percentage of female players in the West End has reached a record high of 27%, we’re reflecting on how vital it is that every union member working in the West End feels represented on the Committee. Published: 14 March 2023 Read more about Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High
Arts Council England Proposes Reduced Number of Music Hubs A proposal to reduce the number of Music Hubs from 116 to 43, to be accomplished by merging the existing Music Hub areas, is out to public consultation until 31 March. Anyone with an interest in Music Hubs should complete the consultation. Published: 14 March 2023 Read more about Arts Council England Proposes Reduced Number of Music Hubs
How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era Assessing how peri music teachers are coping with education cuts, the cost of living crisis and the ongoing erosion of music provision in schools. Published: 13 March 2023 Read more about How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era
I Wouldn’t Be Without It: Anna Neale on ADHD and Autism As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 13-19 March 2023, MU Member Anna Neale discusses her personal experience of the brilliance and burnout of ADHD and Autism. Published: 13 March 2023 Read more about I Wouldn’t Be Without It: Anna Neale on ADHD and Autism
Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts Musicians and supporters are rallying behind BBC Singers and Orchestras affected by proposed job cuts – taking action, sharing on social media, and keeping the issue in the press. Published: 10 March 2023 Read more about Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts
MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – here's what the union is doing and how you can show your support. Published: 10 March 2023 Read more about MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals
Less than 24 hours left to take the Musicians’ Census 2023 Help the Musicians’ Union help every musician: take the Musicians’ Census 2023 and enter a prize draw to win a £300 One4All gift card. Published: 08 March 2023 Read more about Less than 24 hours left to take the Musicians’ Census 2023
MU Meets with Organisers of Doune the Rabbit Hole Following Liquidation We understand that the festival plans on repaying outstanding debts realistically over the next three years, and encourage members planning to work at the 2023 event to contact the MU for advice on agreements and rates. Published: 08 March 2023 Read more about MU Meets with Organisers of Doune the Rabbit Hole Following Liquidation
MU Fighting Job Cuts to BBC Singers and Orchestras: Email Your MP for Support The MU is in urgent talks with the BBC to save musicians’ jobs following the corporation’s proposals to cut employed posts across BBC Singers and three orchestras. Published: 07 March 2023 Read more about MU Fighting Job Cuts to BBC Singers and Orchestras: Email Your MP for Support
There’s Still Time to Take the Musicians’ Census 2023 Artists Samantha Togni and Robin Rimbaud, aka Scanner, explain why the Musicians’ Census is important for all musicians – including DJs and electronic artists. Published: 07 March 2023 Read more about There’s Still Time to Take the Musicians’ Census 2023
Adam Ficek’s Reflections On The Complexity Of Being a Musician Who Teaches Last year the MU partnered with Tonic Rider and Help Musicians to provide a Peer Support Group for music teachers. The group was facilitated by musician and psychotherapist Adam Ficek who explains here the benefits of connecting with our peers. Published: 06 March 2023 Read more about Adam Ficek’s Reflections On The Complexity Of Being a Musician Who Teaches
MU Partners With Her Ensemble To Celebrate Women’s History Month 2023 This Women’s History Month the MU is excited to be partnering with Her Ensemble, a free-form group who are challenging classical music norms, gender stereotypes, dress codes and more. Published: 03 March 2023 Read more about MU Partners With Her Ensemble To Celebrate Women’s History Month 2023
The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians As LGBT+ History Month UK comes to an end, The MU and Come Play with Me (CPWM) would like to reaffirm our commitment to creating an industry and society where all LGBTQ+ people can live and work without fear of violence or discrimination. Published: 02 March 2023 Read more about The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians
Update on Proposed US Visa Petition Fee increase The MU and other music industry bodies in the UK have signed a joint letter from UK Music to Kemi Badenoch MP (Secretary of State for Business and Trade), setting out our serious concerns for the future of US touring should the proposed increases in the US become law. Published: 01 March 2023 Read more about Update on Proposed US Visa Petition Fee increase
Why Every Musician Should Take Part in the Musicians’ Census 2023 Music Works Podcast spoke to MU member Linton Stephens about the first contemporary Musicians’ Census and why every musician should take it. Published: 01 March 2023 Read more about Why Every Musician Should Take Part in the Musicians’ Census 2023
Why I used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme MU Education Section Committee member Sam Murray shares how they used their membership to access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection. Published: 28 February 2023 Read more about Why I used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme
MU at the 2023 Music and Drama Education Expo MU officials met and spoke to many members working in music education at the UK’s largest exhibition for music educators, which was held 23-24 February in London. Published: 28 February 2023 Read more about MU at the 2023 Music and Drama Education Expo
“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census Today’s Musicians’ Census is not the first time the MU has attempted to capture a comprehensive picture of musical life across the UK and here, University Archivist Karl Magee looks back 75 years to the very first. Published: 28 February 2023 Read more about “By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census
Cornwall Council runs Survey of Cornwall’s Creative Industry Members in Cornwall are encouraged to take part in Cornwall Council’s survey of the creative industry, with the aim of understanding, growing and strengthening the sector. Published: 24 February 2023 Read more about Cornwall Council runs Survey of Cornwall’s Creative Industry
New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts. Published: 23 February 2023 Read more about New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published
MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting. Published: 20 February 2023 Read more about MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers
The Importance of Hearing Damage Prevention in Musicians’ Work Hearing health is probably the most precious tool musicians have, but many of us are taking it for granted. Published: 18 February 2023 Read more about The Importance of Hearing Damage Prevention in Musicians’ Work
Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department The team have completed a long round of Collective Bargaining negotiations with PACT, BBC, ITV, IPA and Sky. Published: 16 February 2023 Read more about Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department
Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva The ILO (International Labour Organisation) brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set Labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all. Published: 15 February 2023 Read more about Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva
MU Responds to Closure of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Oldham Coliseum has proposed that it will permanently close on 31 March. Published: 15 February 2023 Read more about MU Responds to Closure of Oldham Coliseum Theatre
MU Backs FAC’s 100% Venues Campaign The FAC’s 100% Venues initiative encourages venues to allow artists to sell merchandise without charging punitive commission fees. Published: 15 February 2023 Read more about MU Backs FAC’s 100% Venues Campaign
Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change This week we’re exploring why musicians and change-makers Andi and Nate are supporting the 2023 Musicians Census. Published: 14 February 2023 Read more about Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change
MU and BAPAM Publish Performance Health: Guide For Instrumental and Vocal Teachers The guide will assist musicians working in education and teaching to support their students’ health and wellbeing. Published: 14 February 2023 Read more about MU and BAPAM Publish Performance Health: Guide For Instrumental and Vocal Teachers
Highlights From The Right To Strike Day of Action MU members and staff marched and attended rallies in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Norwich, Nottingham, Plymouth and Worcester. Published: 10 February 2023 Read more about Highlights From The Right To Strike Day of Action
Information for Members on Proposed Increase to US ‘O’ and ‘P’ Visa Petition Fees The MU are shocked to hear that the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the US Department of Homeland Security are proposing huge increases to the Petition fees for US visas. Published: 10 February 2023 Read more about Information for Members on Proposed Increase to US ‘O’ and ‘P’ Visa Petition Fees
Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists Following a shift to gender-neutral award categories, replacing separate best male and best female artist awards, the MU responds to this year’s all-male BRITs Best Artist shortlist. Published: 09 February 2023 Read more about Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists
Welsh Language Music Day Resources Released by Welsh Government Friday 10 February is Welsh Language Music Day, and you can use the Welsh Government website to access a selection of resources to promote and share information, specially curated playlists, event listings and more. Published: 09 February 2023 Read more about Welsh Language Music Day Resources Released by Welsh Government
MU General Secretary Update General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing musicians this winter, and what the union is doing to support members. Published: 08 February 2023 Read more about MU General Secretary Update
MU In Solidarity with West End Performers A statement from the union regarding Equity’s pay negotiations. Published: 08 February 2023 Read more about MU In Solidarity with West End Performers
National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report The report describes and evaluates the work of the world’s first disabled-led youth orchestra – essential reading for music educators looking to develop their understanding of inclusive music-making. Published: 08 February 2023 Read more about National Open Youth Orchestra Publishes Major Report
Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications The development programme aims to give the confidence and key skills needed to influence union structures, and has just opened to applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic workers in Wales. Published: 08 February 2023 Read more about Welsh TUC Black Activists Development Programme Opens for Applications
MU General Secretary Opens This Year's ABO Conference MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened this year’s Association of British Orchestras Conference with a vision for a brighter future for British Orchestras. Published: 06 February 2023 Read more about MU General Secretary Opens This Year's ABO Conference
Naomi Pohl Discusses Fix Streaming Campaign on Drowned in Sound Podcast The MU’s General Secretary appeared on this weeks Drowned in Sound Podcast, which can be accessed on various major streaming platforms about how music streaming needs to be fixed. Published: 03 February 2023 Read more about Naomi Pohl Discusses Fix Streaming Campaign on Drowned in Sound Podcast
Act Now to Save Midlothian’s Instrumental Music Service Midlothian Council is consulting on proposals to cut funding for instrumental music tuition. Have your say by Wednesday 8 February. Published: 03 February 2023 Read more about Act Now to Save Midlothian’s Instrumental Music Service