News & Stories for Musicians

The trans flag, with its blue, pink, white, pink, blue horizontal stripes waves above a crowded but blurred background.

Trans Day of Visibility: The Joy of Learning to Love Ourselves

Thursday 31 March is Trans Day of Visibility. We commissioned trans, masc, non-binary DJ artist has S/HE to write this blog celebrating the resilience and inner strength of the trans community.

Published: 31 March 2022

Back view of a woman playing violin reading sheet music, the background and rest of the orchestra are out of focus

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

Now that social restrictions have ended, you still need to be sure your employer or engager is offering you a safe place to work.

Published: 29 March 2022

Man standing with back to the camera facing a seated out of focus conference crowd. He is wearing a grey top and has his hands spread as if he is explaining something.

Reforming Access to Work Motion Passed at TUC Disabled Workers Conference

The MU proposed Motion, moved by member Nigel Braithwaite, aims to improve the Access to Work scheme for more disabled job seekers.

Published: 24 March 2022

A small child holds a ukulele and smiles fondly downwards against a plain background.

Promote Your Teaching Practice with a Clear Brand Story

Ariane Paras, founder of Olympia Coaching, and Laura Ferreiro, founder of Story Harmony and former NME Editor, offer pointers for identifying and sharing brand stories that connect with potential clients, and overcoming blocks that may be holding you back from promoting yourself.

Published: 24 March 2022

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MU Responds to Chancellor’s Spring Statement

In the MU’s view, the Spring Statement fails to adequately meet the challenges being faced by our members.

Published: 24 March 2022

Close up of a group of people in soft focus and dim lighting at a concert, their hands are in the air as if they are mid clap and the stage is lit with out of focus lights.

Concert For Ukraine

ITV and STV to stage Concert for Ukraine, with MU members heading up the music department.

Published: 23 March 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Adds Name to TUC’s Call for Employment Bill Following P&O Scandal

Following the pre-meditated firing of 800 workers by P&O Ferries, unions including the MU are calling on the Government for an employment bill to strengthen protections for workers, as well the immediate reinstatement of all sacked P&O staff with no loss of pay.

Published: 23 March 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in a crowd, chanting and cheering with placards that read

Naomi Pohl Formally Takes Up Role of MU General Secretary

Following her election to the role on Monday 7 March, today on Wednesday 23 March, Naomi Pohl formally takes up the role of MU General Secretary.

Published: 23 March 2022

four students walking down the stairs of the college

Take Part in the Consultation on Government’s Plans for Higher Education Music and Arts in England

New Government plans to limit access to higher education music and the arts in England. We've put together a guide to the consultation's questions and key points to raise.

Published: 22 March 2022

Four women locking arms behind each other with their backs to the camera, standing on grass.

MU Marks International Women's Month by Supporting the All Things Equal Manifesto

Brighter Sound calls for gender equality in music with ground-breaking manifesto All Things Equal.

Published: 22 March 2022

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl gave a historic video address at the conference, whilst MU Executive Committee member Sarah Williams gave a moving speech on supporting women through early pregnancy loss.

Published: 21 March 2022

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MU Reacts to Admission From Lord Frost

Frost has admitted his Brexit trade deal failed touring musicians.

Published: 17 March 2022

Great Russell Street in West London near the TUC Congress house, in the bright sunshine.

MU Member Motions Passed at TUC Women’s Conference

Two motions were raised and passed by MU members at the TUC Women’s Conference – about Black women in music, mothers and parents in the music industry, and online attacks on women journalists.

Published: 17 March 2022

Collect of paper tickets in a pile, coloured orange, dark pink, light blue and red. Each one days ticket in large text on the front with a number for the stub.

UK Music Write to The Chancellor Ahead of VAT Increase For Live Tickets

The final day of VAT relief for venues selling live tickets is 31 March, from 1 April this will increase again to 20%.

Published: 17 March 2022

MU Advice on Increase in Fuel Prices

From April 2022, the MU will update its mileage rates to reflect the fuel and cost of living crisis.

Published: 16 March 2022

Girl in red checked shirt wearing over ear headphones, one hand to one ear, also looking down at a studio mixing desk

Concern Over Moonbug Entertainment's Performing Rights Royalties

MU and The Ivors Academy condemn demands by Moonbug Entertainment that composers hand over performing rights royalties.

Published: 15 March 2022

Banner reading Make Peace Make Music in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukraine flag.

MU Takes Further Action to Support Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine

The EC has agreed on a £10,000 donation on behalf of members to support ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and we have some suggestions for those wishing to email MPs about the refugee crisis.

Published: 14 March 2022

Three young musicians performing on a stage at BBC Introducing, synth, keyboard and microphones are present.

Defending the BBC

Musicians’ Union General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing the BBC, and why union members must come together to fight for our public broadcaster’s future once again.

Published: 14 March 2022

Help Musicians Launches New Bullying and Harassment Helpline for the UK Music Industry

A new helpline that supports those suffering bullying and harassment within the UK music industry has launched today, providing support, guidance and advice through specialist advisors.

Published: 10 March 2022

An adults two hands and arms are typing on a rose gold laptop, the screen content is not visible. They also have a cup of coffee and a phone on the table.

FIM and PEARLE Launch New Tool to Help Instruct Musicians With Instruments Containing Endangered Species

The MU’s European colleagues at FIM and PEARLE develop tool to assist musicians determine what they need to do if they have an instrument containing endangered species.

Published: 09 March 2022

Rebecca Garton pictured sitting on vintage suitcase

Rebecca Garton Shares Her Experiences as a Woman of Colour in the Music Industry

This International Women's Day R&B singer-songwriter Rebecca talks about her experiences as a woman in the industry, and shares her advice on what to hold on to, to continue to thrive.

Published: 08 March 2022

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

It has been confirmed today that Naomi Pohl has been elected as MU General Secretary.

Published: 08 March 2022

Close up of Harpsicord key made out of ivory.

Ivory Ban – Latest Update

The Government has announced a registration process for items containing Ivory.

Published: 04 March 2022

Close up of woman with light brown hair holding a mobile phone to her right ear, the back ground is dark and out of focus.

Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

The Tackling Sexual Harassment in the Workplace toolkit is a free resource available to both employers and employees.

Published: 04 March 2022

a person on their laptop looking for music teachers in MU directory

Promote Your Teaching Practice Using Our Member Directory

If you’re a musician who teaches, the MU Member Directory is a great way to advertise your skills and for potential students to find you.

Published: 02 March 2022

Train waits at busy st Pancras train station as passengers travel

Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

The data from this survey will be used to lobby for the St Pancras Eurostar terminal in London to become a designated port for instruments requiring a MIC certificate to travel. Opening up a quick and affordable way for these musicians to access Europe for work.

Published: 02 March 2022

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

We know that MU members are very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and keen to express solidarity and take action in support of the country and its people.

Published: 02 March 2022

Open passport showing country stamps, lying over a map of the world.

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

Watch the recording of the Touring in the EU post Brexit event from 24 February 2022.

Published: 01 March 2022

A hand is posting something into a red postbox

General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

The MU Executive Committee has reluctantly voted to reject a motion from 20 members received on Tuesday 22 February requesting that the deadline for receipt of General Secretary election ballot papers be extended by a minimum of one week.

Published: 28 February 2022

Festival crowd with woman in white top on someone's shoulders with their arms in the air.

Discount on Flesh Queer Festival for MU members

MU members can receive a 10% discount on tickets for Flesh Festival, the UK’s first queer electronic music and camping festival.

Published: 25 February 2022

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

The Unsigned Guide have released a 36 page Essential Guide to Music Funding aimed at emerging and unsigned artists and bands.

Published: 25 February 2022

Four older children sat around a table with a blue drum kit in the background. One child has his hand raised and the female teacher is pointing to him in response.

Government Ignores Music and Arts in New HE Funding Announcement for England

Musicians may also be adversely affected by changes to student loan repayments, while the next generation could be penalised by proposals for minimum grades to access student loans.

Published: 25 February 2022

Man wearing blue face mask in leather jacket with short hair, looking out of a window waiting to get off a bus.

MU Expresses Concern at Impact Upon Musicians Following End of Covid-19 Restrictions

The MU, whilst welcoming in principle the scrapping of restrictions taking effect from today in England, has expressed serious concerns about how the end of free testing may affect its members.

Published: 24 February 2022

Two same-sex parents embracing a new born baby. Both woman have red/pink in their hair and are looking down and smiling at the baby in the middle of them.

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Following a decision at the last MU delegate conference, parental grants for members are now offered per-child in the case of multiple births or adoptions.

Published: 24 February 2022

Woman sitting at open laptop smiling with headphones on.

Creative Ambitions for Freelancers Programme

The Creative Ambitions skills development and support programme is now open and available to those based in Scotland.

Published: 24 February 2022

A blue sticker on the floor of a bridge above a train station, the sticker reads

Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

The Prime Minister announced on Monday 21 February that Covid-19 restrictions and free mass testing will end in England. Scotland has also announced changes. Restrictions in Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be reviewed.

Published: 23 February 2022

Dark street, with bright and colourfully illuminated shop fronts

FIM Speaks Out Against Egyptian Musicians’ Union Disregard of Fundamental Rights

The MU supports the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) in calling out the Egyptian Musicians’ Union’s systematic attack on the mahraganat music genre.

Published: 21 February 2022

2 silver fold up chairs on blue yoga mats.

Feldenkrais: Working With, or Moving Past Fear of Pain

In this repost of her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter responds to a question raised in one of her classes about fear of movement due to pain.

Published: 18 February 2022

A hand holding a white megaphone in front of a pink background.

March Against Racism – National Demonstration

On 19 and 20 March, World Against Racism will be marching in Glasgow, London and Cardiff.

Published: 16 February 2022

$Close up of pile of CDs, showing rainbow colours in the refraction of the light.$

MU Evolves its Copyright Registration Service

After member feedback and as part of our commitment to the climate, we’re no longer issuing CDs. Instead, we’re offering sound advice on how members can best protect themselves.

Published: 16 February 2022

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Trans Day of Visibility: The Joy of Learning to Love Ourselves

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

Reforming Access to Work Motion Passed at TUC Disabled Workers Conference

Promote Your Teaching Practice with a Clear Brand Story

MU Responds to Chancellor’s Spring Statement

Concert For Ukraine

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Adds Name to TUC’s Call for Employment Bill Following P&O Scandal

Naomi Pohl Formally Takes Up Role of MU General Secretary

Take Part in the Consultation on Government’s Plans for Higher Education Music and Arts in England

MU Marks International Women's Month by Supporting the All Things Equal Manifesto

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU Reacts to Admission From Lord Frost

MU Member Motions Passed at TUC Women’s Conference

UK Music Write to The Chancellor Ahead of VAT Increase For Live Tickets

MU Advice on Increase in Fuel Prices

Concern Over Moonbug Entertainment's Performing Rights Royalties

MU Takes Further Action to Support Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine

Defending the BBC

Help Musicians Launches New Bullying and Harassment Helpline for the UK Music Industry

FIM and PEARLE Launch New Tool to Help Instruct Musicians With Instruments Containing Endangered Species

Rebecca Garton Shares Her Experiences as a Woman of Colour in the Music Industry

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

Ivory Ban – Latest Update

Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

Promote Your Teaching Practice Using Our Member Directory

Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

Discount on Flesh Queer Festival for MU members

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

Government Ignores Music and Arts in New HE Funding Announcement for England

MU Expresses Concern at Impact Upon Musicians Following End of Covid-19 Restrictions

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Creative Ambitions for Freelancers Programme

Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

FIM Speaks Out Against Egyptian Musicians’ Union Disregard of Fundamental Rights

Feldenkrais: Working With, or Moving Past Fear of Pain

March Against Racism – National Demonstration

MU Evolves its Copyright Registration Service