News & Stories for Musicians

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at the Labour Unions rally alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Published: 25 September 2024

A photo of orchestra musicians wearing campaign t-shirts and holding placards, with one speaking into a megaphone.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra took Action Short of Strike on Saturday 21 September.

Published: 24 September 2024

MU staff, members and supporters wearing keep Northern Ballet Live t-shirts and Shakespeare masks at an earlier demo in May 2024.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign Takes Action Ahead of First Performance with Recorded Music

Supporters will be leafleting today ahead of opening night for Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the tragedy of lost live music as it uses recorded tracks instead of the orchestra for the first time.

Published: 19 September 2024

A blue butterfly sat on a violin, representing positive change in the orchestral industry.

A Statement from the MU and the Association of British Orchestras on Culture Change in Classical Music

The MU and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future.

Published: 16 September 2024

Person holding up heart shaped hands at a live gig.

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

In this guest blog, Councillor Tom Plater discusses local authority arts and cultural funding, and explores how local councils can still prioritise this where budgets are cut. Tom also sits on our Members' Assembly as a representative for Young Workers and is an MU East South East Committee member.

Published: 16 September 2024

Members of the WNO orchestra stood outside the Wales Millennium Centre at a leafleting demo event in June. One person is holding a megaphone.

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

We welcome the acknowledgement of the crisis facing Welsh arts organisations, and urge Arts Council of Wales to use the additional funding to protect full-time performing jobs at Welsh National Opera.

Published: 13 September 2024

Dark blue background with stars, with a banner reading #keepstrictlylive.

Sign the Petition to Bring Back the Full Strictly Come Dancing Live Band

The Musicians’ Union is calling on musicians and Strictly Come Dancing fans to sign the Keep Strictly Live petition.

Published: 13 September 2024

Successful applicants will receive a showcase and travel fee, as well as a development fund and tailored mentorship programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Working people from across the union movement have backed the MU’s call for increased arts funding to protect jobs and access to world class art for everyone.

Published: 13 September 2024

A conference room full of people with a speaker on the stage.

Union Movement Backs Recommendations in Misogyny in Music Report

Unions call on TUC to lobby government to implement the recommendations from the Misogyny in Music report in full.

Published: 13 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at the Trades Union Congress 2024 event.

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

The TUC voted for a motion highlighting the impact of Brexit on creative industries and calling on the TUC to campaign for a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal.

Published: 10 September 2024

Passport with a US Visa against the background of a flag and map of the United States.

An Update on US Visa Processing Times for Musicians Working Overseas

Dave Webster, MU Head of International, provides an overview of the current situation regarding US Visas, outlining fee increases and potentially severe processing delays.

Published: 05 September 2024

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Set Date for Industrial Action Over Pay Cuts

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra will be taking industrial action on Saturday 21 September, supported by the MU. 

Published: 05 September 2024

Three hands each holding a jigsaw piece which connects.

MU Welcomes News That Creative Scotland Funds Are to Be Reinstated

Following confirmation yesterday from Scotland’s First Minister, Creative Scotland has now received the resources needed to reopen the Open Fund for Individuals, YMI Access to Music Making and YMI Strengthening Youth Music Fund.

Published: 05 September 2024

Samantha Lubin: Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Samantha Lubin reflects on the pride she feels helping others and making a difference, and how being an MU Education Rep aligns with who she is.

Published: 02 September 2024

Golden glitter and confetti caught in a spotlight on stage.

MU Congratulates Errollyn Wallen Who Has Been Appointed Master of the King’s Music

The celebrated composer and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen, is first the Black woman to become Master of the King’s Music, and has been appointed by King Charles III to compose for special royal occasions.

Published: 30 August 2024

Confirmed Schedule Announced for WSWE Members’ Day 2024

MU members across Wales and South West England are invited to the free Members’ Day on 21 September, which will include workshops, networking and more.

Published: 29 August 2024

Two musicians playing keyboard and guitar together.

Helping Musicians in Need: the Royal Society of Musicians

Since it was founded in 1738, the Royal Society of Musicians has been helping musicians who are unable to work due to physical or mental ill health.

Published: 27 August 2024

Dave with his band Ar Log and their instruments.

Benefit in Memory of Musician Dave Burns Raises Funds for Musicians’ Charity

A benefit evening in memory of Welsh folk musician David Burns was recently held in Cardiff. David was an MU member who represented the Union on the TUC, and funds were raised for the charity Help Musicians UK.

Published: 27 August 2024

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Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

We are now looking for members who wish to stand for our Executive Committee (EC) starting in 2025. Find out what being on the EC involves and if you're eligible to stand.

Published: 27 August 2024

Portrait of Balraj Samrai standing on the street.

MU Joins Greater Manchester Music Commission

The Commission, set up in 2021, aims to support and promote music in Greater Manchester’s ecosystem, with the MU being represented by North of England Regional Committee member Balraj Samrai.

Published: 22 August 2024

A fiddle player playing with an accordion player as part of a folk music performance.

Take Part in European Folk Day on 23 September

Folk musicians are encouraged to take part in the 2nd annual European Folk Day taking place on 23 September 2024.

Published: 22 August 2024

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

We are deeply concerned to learn that Creative Scotland has closed the Open Fund for Individuals due to the Scottish Government budget cuts.

Published: 21 August 2024

Tribute to Rosanne Goldman

Rosanne was a passionate musician and inspirational educator, who pioneered momentous change for disabled teachers and helped others overcome their struggles with health and wellbeing through music. This tribute has been provided by her daughter, Gavriella.

Published: 20 August 2024

Young female teacher sat with a pupil in a music room where he plays an electronic keyboard.

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

We welcome news of this new grant for specific Music Hub organisations, which comes after sustained advocacy from the MU, working alongside Music Mark and the ISM.

Published: 20 August 2024

A graphic with yellow and white design elements and black text.

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 20 August 2024

MU Takes on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to Fight Against Cuts to Popular Live Band

We are calling on musicians and Strictly fans to share their support for a fully live Strictly band using the hashtag #KeepStrictlyLive.

Published: 15 August 2024

Claire performing with an acoustic guitar on International Workers’ Day in 2022 in Manchester.

Tribute to Claire Mooney

The Musicians’ Union pays tribute to Claire Mooney, iconic songwriter, activist and former North of England Regional Committee member.

Published: 15 August 2024

Multiple raised hands against a bright, white sky, each holding a piece of a wooden jigsaw puzzle. A teamwork, problem-solving concept.

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Musicians from across the UK recently came together in London for the first meeting of the Union’s new Members’ Assembly, which will explore MU policy issues and campaigns from diverse perspectives.

Published: 09 August 2024

Large wooden sign saying ‘home of Eisteddfod 2024’ on a field in Pontypridd.

MU Attends Eisteddfod 2024 For the First Time

The National Eisteddfod, which celebrates Welsh culture and language, takes place this week in Pontypridd and the MU will be present for the first time as we work to develop the Union's Welsh language provision. Members are also invited to meet their regional officials there on 9 August.

Published: 08 August 2024

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

Creative unions, including the MU, have written to the new First Minister of Wales expressing deep concern regarding the current and future state of the arts in Wales, calling for more cultural funding across the Country.

Published: 08 August 2024

Wooden meeple figures in varying colours, concept of diversity and equality in society.

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

We actively oppose all forms of racism and Islamophobia, and we are here for all our Global Majority and Muslim members affected by recent events. Any members with concerns regarding safety in fulfilling engagements are advised to contact their regional office for advice.

Published: 08 August 2024

Wooden figures in a circle to represent equality.

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

TUC Midlands has released a statement against the racist riots taking place across the UK.

Published: 08 August 2024

Hands typing on a computer keyboard using an AI program.

MU Signs Letter from Creators’ Rights Alliance to AI Tech Companies

Along with 20 other organisations, the MU has signed a letter from the Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) to AI tech companies about the use of creators’ work to develop AI systems.

Published: 07 August 2024

Musicians' Union staff and members holding Pride flags at a Pride march.

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

The Musicians' Union has reached 35,000 members this year, marking a milestone in its continued growth.

Published: 01 August 2024

Stage curtains opened a crack, showing theatre and lights behind.

MU Hails Campaigners Who Saved Historic Oldham Theatre

We’re pleased to learn that Oldham Coliseum Theatre is now set to re-open in time for the 2025 pantomime season, following a successful grassroots campaign to save the historic venue from closure.

Published: 31 July 2024

Highlights From the MU at Tolpuddle Festival 2024

At this year’s Tolpuddle festival - which celebrates the trade union movement with a joyful range of workshops, performances and more - the MU’s Campaign & Organising Support Official took to the stage for a panel on Creative Arts, as well as joining members in the traditional banner march.

Published: 30 July 2024

Touring crates lined up outside on a cobbled street.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Although over half of surveyed musicians told us that touring the EU was no longer financially viable for them, we have been working with the new Labour Government to address the concerns raised, and are hopeful that the barriers can be addressed.

Published: 30 July 2024

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MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign Takes Action Ahead of First Performance with Recorded Music

A Statement from the MU and the Association of British Orchestras on Culture Change in Classical Music

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

Sign the Petition to Bring Back the Full Strictly Come Dancing Live Band

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Union Movement Backs Recommendations in Misogyny in Music Report

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

An Update on US Visa Processing Times for Musicians Working Overseas

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Set Date for Industrial Action Over Pay Cuts

MU Welcomes News That Creative Scotland Funds Are to Be Reinstated

Samantha Lubin: Why I Became an MU Education Rep

MU Congratulates Errollyn Wallen Who Has Been Appointed Master of the King’s Music

Confirmed Schedule Announced for WSWE Members’ Day 2024

Helping Musicians in Need: the Royal Society of Musicians

Benefit in Memory of Musician Dave Burns Raises Funds for Musicians’ Charity

Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

MU Joins Greater Manchester Music Commission

Take Part in European Folk Day on 23 September

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

Tribute to Rosanne Goldman

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Takes on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to Fight Against Cuts to Popular Live Band

Tribute to Claire Mooney

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

MU Attends Eisteddfod 2024 For the First Time

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

MU Signs Letter from Creators’ Rights Alliance to AI Tech Companies

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

MU Hails Campaigners Who Saved Historic Oldham Theatre

Highlights From the MU at Tolpuddle Festival 2024

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey