News & Stories for Musicians

The Royal Opera House orchestra wearing yellow FairPay t-shirts outside of the entrance to the building from their leafleting campaign in September..

Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

Following an MU-supported campaign to have their pay restored to pre-pandemic levels, musicians in the Royal Opera House Orchestra (OROH) have accepted a significantly improved pay and conditions offer from the company’s management to settle this year’s dispute.

Published: 21 November 2023

Brightly coloured purple and yellow megaphone facing outwards against a bright pink background.

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

The MU’s new Climate Emergency Action Group have now met twice, and are looking inwardly and outwardly at ways the Union, the wider music industry and the Government can address the climate emergency.

Published: 16 November 2023

A crowd march with union banners, including placards that read

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Add your voice to the call, by writing to English National Opera’s management urging them to reconsider proposals to axe 19 jobs and go part-time.

Published: 16 November 2023

A map of East London with Haggerston marked out in bright yellow

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

The MU are excited to welcome Signature Brew Haggerston to our Fair Play Venue scheme, which invites independent music venues to declare their support for the fair treatment of musicians and their opposition to pay-to-play and unfair ticketing deals.

Published: 15 November 2023

A person in a bright yellow t-shirt reading

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra

Musicians in the Royal Opera House orchestra campaigning for their pandemic pay cut to be restored are considering a new pay offer from management.

Published: 15 November 2023

Close up of a hand holding a Trans Pride flag during a walk or march.

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

This year Trans Awareness Week takes place 13 to 19 November. Here we share some of the latest news and resources to help us all foster a more inclusive and supportive space for Trans and gender non-conforming people.

Published: 13 November 2023

Abstract picture of differently coloured building blocks

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

The MU’s Executive Committee have agreed today on a donation to the Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in Israel and Palestine, as well as releasing the following statement.

Published: 09 November 2023

Many hands overlapping together in a circle, representing partnership and teamwork.

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman will be speaking at the event on Monday 27 November, which brings industry professionals together to discuss pay and jobs in the arts and culture sector. Members are invited to attend, either in person or online.

Published: 08 November 2023

Woman’s fist against a bright yellow background. Women's equality and rights concept.

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

The Worker Protection Bill has passed its final stage in the House of Commons which means it will become law before the end of the year.

Published: 08 November 2023

Interior of the National Rail Ticket office in St Pancras, London.

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

Government has withdrawn all plans to close rail ticket offices, following the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch objecting to the proposals in their entirety. Thank you to all MU members who responded to the consultation.

Published: 08 November 2023

Singer on stage in front of a microphone on a stand and large audience, in blue light.

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

UK Music’s annual economic report, This Is Music 2023, states that the music industry’s contribution to the UK economy was £6.7 billion (GVA) in 2022.

Published: 07 November 2023

People at the ENO joint Unions demo from November 2022 holding signs reading #Behindeverymusician and #LoveENO

Take Action to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company With a Full-Time Orchestra

Write to English National Opera’s management urging them to reconsider proposals to axe 19 jobs and go part-time.

Published: 06 November 2023

Naomi Pohl talks animatedly to two visitors to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has written to the Chancellor and Culture Secretary calling for support for Northern Ballet, English National Opera, Royal Opera House and the wider sector.

Published: 30 October 2023

Members of the ROH Orchestra handing out flyers and holding a banner saying 'Please support the Orchestra #fairpay' before a performance earlier this month.

Royal Opera House Orchestra Set to Take Further Action Short of Strike in Pay Dispute

Musicians in the Royal Opera House orchestra are campaigning to have their pay restored to pre pandemic levels.

Published: 23 October 2023

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

Busy pink desk with notebook, pens, mobile phone, coffee cup

Notice of Political Fund Review Ballot

The MU is required to ballot its members every 10 years on the continuation of its Political Fund. The deadline to complete the latest ballot is in January 2024.

Published: 18 October 2023

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

We have recently reported on how Northern Ballet are being forced to consider using recorded music instead of live orchestra. Our Recording and Broadcasting department are keen to hear from any musicians approached for recording backing tracks.

Published: 17 October 2023

Outside of The London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

Martyn Brabbins has resigned in protest at English National Opera’s plans to axe 19 posts in the orchestra and go part time.

Published: 17 October 2023

A crowd of people holding MU branded signs saying 'Fund the Arts', 'Save the ENO' and '#BehindEveryMusician' from a rally in 2022.

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

The English National Opera plans to axe 19 posts and employ the remaining musicians on part-time contracts.

Published: 13 October 2023

Light shines through the glass ceiling dome, with lines that spiral out in a hub like fashion

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Find out more about the history of the MU Education Reps, and the essential part they’ve been playing since the role was created in 2013. In this feature MU Education Section Committee member Maxim Rowlands talks us through the story as it aligns with his own personal journey.

Published: 10 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Thangam Debbonaire MP at the Labour Party Conference 2023

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Shadow Secretary of State Thangam Debbonaire announces first ever first national cultural infrastructure plan for a future Labour government.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi Pohl at this year's Labour Conference holding a large red sign saying 'There is power in a union'.

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi appears on the large screen at the Labour Party conference, and stands in front of a panel

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl raised Northern Ballet Sinfonia’s campaign to protect their touring work on the main Labour Party Conference stage, at fringe events and MP meetings.

Published: 10 October 2023

Suella Braverman speaking in the Houses of Parliament

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

We are writing a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman demanding that she reconsiders her intention to no longer recognise LGBT discrimination as qualification for asylum, despite around 70 countries continuing to criminalise LGBT+ people.

Published: 05 October 2023

Members of the MU pose joyfully at the 2023 parade in London, with a sign reading Musicians' Union

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further

Following the release of hate crime statistics which show how England and Wales are continuing to become less safe for LGBTQ+ people, the MU points out how dangerous the anti trans narratives being peddled by the UK Government continue to be.

Published: 05 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, and MU Head of International Dave Webster hold up a sign outside the Royal Opera House reading

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Over 2000 people have backed the Royal Opera House orchestra’s campaign after a second day of action short of strike.

Published: 05 October 2023

Clarinet with close up of detached reed mouthpiece.

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

A new London exhibition shows how the dedication and passion of dentist Maurice Porter helped generations of brass and woodwind players perfect and resolve problems with their embouchure.

Published: 02 October 2023

What Does The WGA Strike and Deal Reached Mean for Musicians?

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on what the new Writers’ Guild of America agreement delivers for writers in the States, and what precedent this agreement might set for terms offered by big streaming companies, including in relation to the threat of AI developments.

Published: 29 September 2023

Members of the Royal Opera House Orchestra dressed in their yellow #fairpay t-shirts handing leaflets to audience members as they arrive for the performance.

Support the Royal Opera House Orchestra: Sign the Petition

Sign the petition to support musicians in the Royal Opera House Orchestra, who are taking a second day of action short of strike.

Published: 28 September 2023

School orchestra, with most instruments blurred in the background and a xylophone in focus in the foreground

Ofsted Music Subject Report: MU Response

Ofsted has published a new report into music education in schools in England, revealing serious inequalities in terms of access to instrumental tuition among other findings.

Published: 26 September 2023

Young woman sat on the floor playing acoustic guitar next to her baby.

Update for Self-Employed Women Musicians Regarding Maternity Allowance

The issue of Keeping in Touch (KIT) days for musicians receiving Maternity Allowance is something the MU has previously lobbied on via motions to TUC Womens Conference. Read more about a recent DWP tribunal decision regarding this below.

Published: 20 September 2023

Woman playing acoustic guitar at a table with male musician, paper and pen are on the table next to them.

First Ever UK Musicians’ Census Provides Unparalleled Insight into the Careers of the UK’s Musicians and Music Creators

The Musicians’ Census reveals UK musicians’ average annual income from music work is £20,700 – but nearly half earn under £14,000.

Published: 11 September 2023

Busy school corridor with motion blurred students and staff.

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

More than 100 schools – a number that could increase – have been instructed to shut buildings made with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Contingency planning could affect MU members who teach.

Published: 07 September 2023

Close-up of a musician playing the acoustic guitar outdoors, selective focus on the fretboard of the instrument.

Take Part in EFN’s First European Folk Day

The MU is affiliated with the European Folk Network (EFN) and 23 September will mark a day of celebration to raise the profile of traditional music, dance and storytelling.

Published: 04 September 2023

Naomi Pohl standing outside of number 10 Downing Street, after of discussing AI and its impact on music.

MU General Secretary at 10 Downing Street to Discuss Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Musicians

Add your voice to the union's call: write to your label, publisher or both stating that your consent is required for use by artificial intelligence software to generate music.

Published: 04 September 2023

UK flag with Big Ben and House of Parliament in the background

Jamie Njoku-Goodwin Appointed From UK Music Chief Executive to the Prime Minister's Director of Strategy

Jamie Njoku-Goodwin joined UK Music in September 2020 as Chief Executive and helped steer the sector through the Covid-19 pandemic. He has now been appointed as the Prime Minister’s new Director of Strategy.

Published: 31 August 2023

Empty stage with instruments set up and stage lights, cast in blue light and smoke.

MU Fair Play Scheme: What We’ve Achieved So Far and What’s Next

Kelly Wood, MU National Organiser for Live, Theatre and Music Writers explains what the Fair Play scheme is, why it’s important, and how we’re continuing to help to educate artists, grassroots venues and promoters in what represents a mutually fair deal.

Published: 31 August 2023

AI and data concept idea with an open laptop. Fibre optic connections and virtual data imagery added over the original image.

Culture Committee Report on AI Recognises Concerns of the UK Music Industry

A report published today from the Culture Media & Sport Select Committee on AI in the creative industries reiterates calls from the MU and other music industry bodies to take the government’s proposed copyright exception for AI text and data mining off the table permanently.

Published: 30 August 2023

Secondary school children sat around tables in a classroom, sharing an electronic keyboard having a music lesson.

The MU and NEU: A Shared Belief in Every Child’s Right To Music

MU National Organiser for Education Chris Walters discusses the vital importance of all children being able to access music and arts education in an article for NEU’s Educate magazine.

Published: 30 August 2023

Back of the room at MU Delegate Conference 2023, showing delegates sat down and facing the front table and screens.

Updates to MU Rules 2023

At the 2023 Delegate Conference, 20 changes to the MU Rules were proposed and passed. The updated MU Rules are applicable to all members from 26 July 2023.

Published: 29 August 2023

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Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

TUC’s Creative and Leisure Industries Committee to Host Open Meeting

MU Delighted that Worker Protection Bill Will Now Become Law

Victory for RMT’s Campaign to Save Ticket Offices

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

Take Action to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company With a Full-Time Orchestra

MU Calls on Government to Support Orchestras Affected by Arts Council England Funding Cuts

Royal Opera House Orchestra Set to Take Further Action Short of Strike in Pay Dispute

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Notice of Political Fund Review Ballot

Musicians Approached to Record For Ballet Accompaniment or Opera Backing Track Asked to Contact MU

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

Why I Became an MU Education Rep

Labour Outlines Plans to Champion Music Education, Fix EU Touring and Promote Creative Spaces at Labour Party Conference 2023

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign Spotlighted at Labour Party Conference

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

Hate Crime Statistics Point Towards Need to Rebuild Communities not Divide Them Further

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

What Does The WGA Strike and Deal Reached Mean for Musicians?

Support the Royal Opera House Orchestra: Sign the Petition

Ofsted Music Subject Report: MU Response

Update for Self-Employed Women Musicians Regarding Maternity Allowance

First Ever UK Musicians’ Census Provides Unparalleled Insight into the Careers of the UK’s Musicians and Music Creators

What RAAC-Related School Closures Mean For MU Members Who Teach

Take Part in EFN’s First European Folk Day

MU General Secretary at 10 Downing Street to Discuss Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Musicians

Jamie Njoku-Goodwin Appointed From UK Music Chief Executive to the Prime Minister's Director of Strategy

MU Fair Play Scheme: What We’ve Achieved So Far and What’s Next

Culture Committee Report on AI Recognises Concerns of the UK Music Industry

The MU and NEU: A Shared Belief in Every Child’s Right To Music

Updates to MU Rules 2023