News & Stories for Musicians

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

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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

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

MU Education Rep Sarah Tomlinson tells us why she decided to use the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme and why hearing health is important for everyone.

Published: 14 August 2023

Crowd with raised hands in front of small stage for a live performance. Dimly lit with purple stage lights.

Boost Your Career With Fair Play on Tour Event Series Taking Over Grassroots Venues Across the UK

Learn how to protect your rights and your wellbeing with the MU's series of events and masterclasses, taking place in independent Fair Play Venues across all four nations of the UK.

Published: 09 August 2023

Busker sat on a small camping stall in London next to a red phone box, playing acoustic guitar on his knee with a guitar case open for passers-by.

MU Reaffirms Support for Buskers

Further to discussions on Good Morning Britain last week, which considered whether busking should be banned, the MU confirms that it stands firmly against the notion of licensing buskers, and that they deserve respect and recognition for their work.

Published: 04 August 2023

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

Small child wearing ear defenders sits on someone's shoulders while looking at a large concert at a festival

Basic Income North Conference Explores Relationship Between Trade Unions and UBI

Why should trade unions support universal basic income, and what can unions do to support the UBI movement? A panel at the Basic Income North Conference 2023 explored the issues.

Published: 28 July 2023

Colourful paper chain of people in a circle, in the middle of open cupped hands, representing safeguarding and protection.

MU Launch New Safeguarding Resources For Musicians Who Teach

The new resources define best practice in safeguarding for members working with children and vulnerable adults.

Published: 27 July 2023

MU Executive Committe Vice Chair Andi Hopgood, stands and speaks from the mic while holding a small child.

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Delegate Conference wraps up with motions on the Welsh language, future pandemic planning for musicians and the closure of rail ticket offices, with union members using the second day of MU Delegate Conference to vote on a very clear set of policy priorities.

Published: 26 July 2023

A train stands blurred in a train station with bright light and no visible passengers on the platform

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

With Transport Focus’ public consultation on ticket office closures currently ongoing, the MU have passed an emergency motion at the 2023 Delegate Conference to save UK rail ticket offices, showing support and solidarity with the RMT.

Published: 26 July 2023

Delegate conference attendees sit at tables in a bright room.

Solidarity, Music Education and Championing Music on the Agenda on First Day of MU Delegate Conference 2023

A packed first day of MU Delegate Conference including inspiring speeches and important policy decisions on the big issues facing musicians today.

Published: 25 July 2023

Across a long room full of delegates sat at tables, we see Naomi presenting to the group, speaking into a microphone

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

In her opening speech at this year’s MU Delegate Conference, General Secretary Naomi Pohl describes how the Union is making progress in negotiations, campaigning and lobbying – and how we are improving what we do for members all the time. Read her full speech below.

Published: 25 July 2023

A number of touring crates stand on tarmac

Decision on US Visa Proposed Increase in Petition Fees Delayed

Following a January 2023 proposal to adjust fees charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it has now been reported that a final rulemaking will not occur until March 2024, implying that the original proposal will not go ahead in its proposed form.

Published: 18 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Three rocks balanced on top of each other on the beach, concept of balance and harmony.

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

The Balancing Act Survey is aimed at all workers in music, opera, dance and theatre. It is open to all genders, parents and carers, as well as those who do not currently have caring responsibilities.

Published: 14 July 2023

Nigel Braithwaite on stage, behind a podium, making his speech to conference holding a walking aid. Behind him is the TUC blue presentation screen with a text display of his speech.

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Our Delegates Nigel Braithwaite and Fiona Branson spoke on the importance of protecting accessible ticket offices at UK railway stations, as well as defending the rights of disabled freelance musicians.

Published: 12 July 2023

Customers bring served at the ticket office inside Marylebone railway station in London.

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

The MU is supporting RMT in its opposition to plans by Government and train companies to close ticket offices across the rail network. Have your say by taking part in a public consultation and signing the official petitions.

Published: 07 July 2023

Utako Toyama smiling in front of a blue presentation screen saying TUC LGBT+ Conference 2023.

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

MU Delegate Utako Toyama spoke about the importance of mental health in relation to trans and non-binary inclusion at work - a motion supported by the NUJ and passed unanimously.

Published: 03 July 2023

Closeup of notepad for agenda kept on table in empty corporate conference room.

The FEU Calls For an Independent Appointment Procedure for BBC Board

The Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU), of which the Musicians’ Union is a member, has released a statement calling for a new, independent body which represents licence fee payers.

Published: 30 June 2023

A skyline view of Nottingham brick buildings in Nottingham's city centre

BBC Concert Orchestra Partners with Universities of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent

New partnership highlights the creative community input that orchestras can have across regions, improving the life and wellbeing of people in the city and supporting the local music education sector.

Published: 27 June 2023

A close up of a Black musician holding a saxophone.

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

To commemorate Windrush Day - which this year marks 75 years since the arrival of the Windrush in Britain - we revisit MU member Millicent Stephenson’s story, along with additional information and resources.

Published: 22 June 2023

Black background with golden glitter and confetti to represent a celebration.

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

We look back on the Union’s rich history and the battles won and lost over the decades.

Published: 20 June 2023

Microphone against a dark background with rainbow light

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

As part of Pride month we’d like to highlight resources for the LGBT+ community and allies in the music industry, including the second season of Come Play With Me’s podcast which focuses on queer conversations in music.

Published: 19 June 2023

Performer Susanne Xin in front of an audience, next to a microphone and table.

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

Use your power to support musicians seeking sanctuary this Refugee Week with our list of helpful resources.

Published: 19 June 2023

Young Black female musician playing drums in a recording studio.

MU Responds to Government Plans to Grow Economy and Boost Creative Industries

The plans aim to grow the economy and boost UK creative industries by £50 billion.

Published: 15 June 2023

Music stand holding open music books with chairs and an acoustic guitar in the background.

Arts Council England Confirms New Music Hub Geographies

Arts Council England (ACE) has confirmed that from September 2024 there will be 43 Music Hubs in England, down from the current 116. Here MU National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing Chris Walters looks at the implications for members.

Published: 13 June 2023

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

The breach was of a third-party system, not the BBC's own servers and systems and relates to BBC employees and individuals engaged by the BBC on a PAYE basis.

Published: 06 June 2023

Member only Read more about BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

The guide provides tips and important information for owners in relation to the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits.

Published: 02 June 2023

Fair Score Signals New Phase of Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

Explore what Composers Against Buyouts has achieved in the last two years, and why we're taking on the next phase of the campaign under the new banner Fair Score.

Published: 01 June 2023

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

There will be events across the country where you can find out all you need to know about getting paid as a recording musician, with some dates also open to non members and plus ones.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of a home recording studio with speakers, laptop keyboard and midi keyboard.

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

The MU and the UK Council of Music Makers welcomes the Intellectual Property Office’s announcement of a new voluntary code to improve metadata and transparency for music creators in another milestone for Fix Streaming.

Published: 01 June 2023

Two musicians on a stage lit with purple lighting, one on a microphone and phone in the background on a deck.

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

The new membership for musicians escaping famine, conflict and persecution means that refugees can now join the MU for one year for free, and access all the union’s advice and services to help build their lives in the UK.

Published: 01 June 2023

Howard Rogerson dressed in a white suit as conductor, on stage with the orchestra facing a seated audience.

Howard Rogerson: The Importance of Access to Free and Meaningful Music Education

In this insightful blog, long standing MU member Howard Rogerson reflects on how free access to quality music education was crucial for his lifelong career in music.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of woman sat playing acoustic guitar in front of open laptop

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

Government is establishing an industry working group to explore fair pay for musicians and music creators from streaming in a win for the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 30 May 2023

A keyboard is propped up at a diagonal angle with rainbow lights highlighting the different keys, the background is dark.

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

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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

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

Boost Your Career With Fair Play on Tour Event Series Taking Over Grassroots Venues Across the UK

MU Reaffirms Support for Buskers

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Basic Income North Conference Explores Relationship Between Trade Unions and UBI

MU Launch New Safeguarding Resources For Musicians Who Teach

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Conference Backs Emergency Motion to Save UK Rail Ticket Offices

Solidarity, Music Education and Championing Music on the Agenda on First Day of MU Delegate Conference 2023

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

Decision on US Visa Proposed Increase in Petition Fees Delayed

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

The FEU Calls For an Independent Appointment Procedure for BBC Board

BBC Concert Orchestra Partners with Universities of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

MU Responds to Government Plans to Grow Economy and Boost Creative Industries

Arts Council England Confirms New Music Hub Geographies

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

Fair Score Signals New Phase of Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

Howard Rogerson: The Importance of Access to Free and Meaningful Music Education

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News