News & Stories for Musicians

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

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

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

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

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

Arts Council Northern Ireland Emphasises Value of Arts in Response to Letter Against Proposed Cuts

Last month the MU wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland over proposals that could see the funding available from Arts Council Northern Ireland cut by 10%, the Arts Council have responded in agreement to some of the key messages.

Published: 23 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

Two young Black musicians sat talking to each other in a recording studio.

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

Earlier this week the MU’s Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official Natalie Witts-Kilshaw attended an expert panel, hosted by Music Support, discussing mental health first aid in the music industry and the recording is now available to watch back.

Published: 18 May 2023

Young woman deep in thought wearing yellow headphones against a warm yellow background.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

To mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week we’re sharing information and resources about what the MU does to support mental health and wellbeing.

Published: 15 May 2023

Three people sat in an airport with suitcase and an acoustic guitar.

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

The additional information from the EU Commission on touring with portable instruments and supplementary equipment will provide some clarity for MU members.

Published: 04 May 2023

Kelly Wood, Paul Smith, Annabella Coldrick and Jeremy Pritchard post panel at Liverpool Sound City 2023.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

The MU led an insightful panel discussion at this year’s event on the UK live sector’s new relationship with Europe.

Published: 04 May 2023

Woman, facing away, holding her hand up to represent no or stop.

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

Email your MP to protect parts of the Workers Protection Bill that will help end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 03 May 2023

Northern Ireland Parliament and Government building in Stormont, Belfast.

MU Writes to Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Over Proposed Arts Council Funding Cuts

MU Acting Regional Organiser for Northern Ireland Sam Dunkley has written to the Secretary of State on behalf of the MU urging cuts to the Arts Council budget to be reversed.

Published: 27 April 2023

Sam Dunkley speaking into a microphone during his speech at the rally.

MU in Action at Northern Ireland Arts Funding Cut Rally

Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland Sam Dunkley called on ministers to stop proposed arts cuts in Northern Ireland during his speech at this week’s Belfast rally.

Published: 26 April 2023

Violin, acoustic guitar and percussion instruments on tiled carpet representing European folk style.

MU Joins the European Folk Network

The MU has joined the pan-Europe organisation supporting folk and traditional music and culture across Europe.

Published: 21 April 2023

Close up of 'Fund the Arts' placard from one of the MU's previous Arts Council Funding marches.

MU Responds to Proposed Cuts to Arts Council of Northern Ireland Budget

Arts organisations in Northern Ireland have been told that their annual funding available from the Arts Council could be cut by 10%.

Published: 21 April 2023

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

MU delegate Tom Plater explores the impact of Government arts funding cuts on young people in this speech to TUC Young Workers’ Conference 2023.

Published: 18 April 2023

MU Success at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union motion on protecting workers from sexual harassment on public transport was voted a TUC Young Workers’ Forum priority campaign for 2023-24.

Published: 17 April 2023

Kelli-Leigh sits on stage at the MU Members' Conference, a blue background behind her. She has one hand raised in the air as she speaks into a microphone.

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

In Kelli-Leigh’s resonant keynote speech at the MU Members’ Conference, she discussed her journey to standing up for what she believes in, and discovering others going through the same.

Published: 17 April 2023

Outside of BBC headquarters building London.

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

The MU believes the BBC is signalling a reset of the consultation process and the union will enter talks with them on the basis that discussion will focus on alternatives to the job cuts.

Published: 13 April 2023

Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

Out of focus back of seated audience members head, watching a play on stage.

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

The Anything Doesn’t Go campaign aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in UK theatres, calling on venue management to take a more proactive approach via the new Charter.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

MU Responds to Leaked Documents on Future of BBC Performing Groups

The Musicians’ Union responds to leaked documents about the BBC Performing Groups published by classical music blog Slipped Disc.

Published: 04 April 2023

External shot of the BBC head office in London.

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

The BBC’s u-turn on the BBC Singers is positive news. However, their future and 43 jobs in the BBC Concert, Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras are still at risk.

Published: 03 April 2023

Acoustic guitar and sheet music stand next to some chairs in an empty music classroom.

Joint MU-NEU Music Education Motion Passed at NEU Conference

The motion and speech highlighted the importance of arts and music education in schools and the need for proper funding.

Published: 03 April 2023

Close up of a women's hand playing piano.

Karen Marshall: Women’s History Month, Female Composers and Me

MU member and music educator Karen Marshall tells us about her educational book Her Story which celebrates the piano music of 29 lost, but inspiring female composers.

Published: 29 March 2023

A hand reaches out to touch the power switch on a large amplifier, the switch is glowing red.

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

After distributing £1.37m to musicians in 2022, the MU’s Recording & Broadcasting department reflect on why this was a particularly high year, and advise members who are yet to receive their payments.

Published: 29 March 2023

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

The FEU Calls For an Independent Appointment Procedure for BBC Board

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

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

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

Arts Council Northern Ireland Emphasises Value of Arts in Response to Letter Against Proposed Cuts

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

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

MU Writes to Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Over Proposed Arts Council Funding Cuts

MU in Action at Northern Ireland Arts Funding Cut Rally

MU Joins the European Folk Network

MU Responds to Proposed Cuts to Arts Council of Northern Ireland Budget

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

MU Success at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

MU Responds to Leaked Documents on Future of BBC Performing Groups

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

Joint MU-NEU Music Education Motion Passed at NEU Conference

Karen Marshall: Women’s History Month, Female Composers and Me

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022