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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

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

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

Naomi Pohl and other trade union leaders outside government buildings in London.

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

This week we met with members of Labour’s new Government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss key MU topics.

Published: 25 July 2024

The Caring Musician: Amber Leight’s Experience as a Musician and Carer

Amber Leight provides care for over 35 hours a week, and works as a musician and music teacher for 17 hours a week. In this guest-blog, she shares her day-to-day experience and challenges.

Published: 25 July 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

View of Big Ben and the houses of parliament in London,.

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

The King’s Speech, which marks the state opening of parliament, took place on Wednesday 17 and set out many promising pieces of legislation that the Labour Party intend to implement.

Published: 18 July 2024

A MU Wales Official holding a sign and handing out flyers to a man and his young baby during a demo outside of The Wales Millennium Centre in June.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera’s orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, in response to proposals that would reduce the employment of the orchestra from a full-time to 85% contract, along with a 15% pay cut.

Published: 17 July 2024

Five people wearing matching t-shirts and standing in front of a big projector screen.

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

The MU’s motion protecting LGBT+ musicians was passed unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024.

Published: 17 July 2024

Young Sounds UK: Keeping Music Accessible for Young People from Low-Income Families

Read about how Young Sounds UK are supporting musical talent and addressing the challenges that young musicians face across the country.

Published: 16 July 2024

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

A dimly lit, empty theatre pit in front of a grand old stage.

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

In this member-only feature, panel moderator and MU Live, Theatre & Music Writers Official Nat Witts-Kilshaw, shares highlights from our recent Getting Into Theatre event, which includes resources and invaluable first hand advice from industry professionals.

Published: 11 July 2024

Member only Read more about Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Black and white image of Gil sat at a piano in his younger years.

Tribute to Gil Martin

Gilbert Alexander Martin was a successful and highly accomplished pianist, as well as a lifelong member and supporter of the Musician's Union. He passed away on 29 May 2024. This tribute has been provided by Gil’s daughters, Gillian and Susan.

Published: 11 July 2024

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

Having been so heavily involved in forming Labour policy and the manifesto, we look forward to working with the new Government to implement meaningful change for the country and for musicians.

Published: 11 July 2024

Colourful wooden symbols of people and figures in wheelchairs against a dark background, representing equality, diversity and inclusion.

MU Becomes Disability Confident Employer

The MU has recently become a Disability Confident employer. We want to recruit and retain amazing people and by joining the Government's voluntary Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to practically demonstrate our commitments to supporting disabled workers.

Published: 11 July 2024

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

More leading figures from music and the arts sign the Union’s open letter in support of Young RWCMD, as the Senedd Petitions Committee call for urgent action to protect the programme.

Published: 04 July 2024

Yellow headphones on yellow background. Listening concept.

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Member Heidi Fardell has been a one-to-one instrumental tutor for over 20 years. Drawing on her own experiences, she shares why music lessons can often invite conversations on health and wellbeing, and how to listen and recognise when students may need signposting to additional support.

Published: 04 July 2024

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

A man explaining something to a woman as they sit in front of a computer screen.

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

MU members living and/or working in Wales can now apply for 6 months of free mentoring sessions with CULT Cymru.

Published: 28 June 2024

Protesters calling for the freedom of Toomaj Salehi with flags and posters.

Sign the Petition to Free Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi From Prison

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has had his death sentence overturned, but still remains in prison. Sign the petition to call for his immediate release.

Published: 27 June 2024

People holding 'protect WNO' posters outside of The Wales Millennium Centre.

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

The MU is balloting its members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra for a mandate for industrial action.

Published: 25 June 2024

Musicians holding placards as part of a demo to protect the Welsh National Opera orchestra.

Protect WNO Campaign Backed by Senedd Members

Welsh National Opera orchestra members took their petition to the Senedd with support from Rhianon Passmore MS.

Published: 25 June 2024

Hand putting a blank white slip into a white sealed box, representing voting.

What to Ask MP Candidates Campaigning for the General Election

Make sure your local candidates for MP know the issues that matter to you – and to all musicians across the UK.

Published: 24 June 2024

Exterior of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Cardiff

Famous Names Sign Open Letter in Support of RWCMD's Junior Department

Famous names including Alistair McGowan and journalist Cathy Newman, as well as award-winning songwriters, playwrights and other prominent figures in the music industry, have signed an open letter in support of the Young RWCMD programme at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Published: 21 June 2024

People gathering in Durham to march at the Miners' Gala.

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024

MU members are invited to march at Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday 13 July - the world's biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit and working class life.

Published: 21 June 2024

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All News and Features

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

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

The Caring Musician: Amber Leight’s Experience as a Musician and Carer

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

Young Sounds UK: Keeping Music Accessible for Young People from Low-Income Families

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Tribute to Gil Martin

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

MU Becomes Disability Confident Employer

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

Sign the Petition to Free Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi From Prison

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

Protect WNO Campaign Backed by Senedd Members

What to Ask MP Candidates Campaigning for the General Election

Famous Names Sign Open Letter in Support of RWCMD's Junior Department

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024