News & Stories for Musicians

Double bass leaning against a wooden chair.

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

Although the absolute ban on musicians travelling with a double bass on TGV trains in France has been reversed, there are some restrictions members need to be aware of.

Published: 04 March 2025

Young Black woman smiling at an open laptop at home surrounded by pens and a note pad.

New Career Opportunities for Creative Freelancers in the West and South West of England

West of England Music and Arts’ Cultural Education Hub is offering up to 12 grants as part of its Creatives in Schools programme, and Black South West Network have opened applications for their CultureBiz Connect Incubator Programme.

Published: 03 March 2025

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

In a special blog to mark World Hearing Day 2025, audiologist Matthew Allsop shares practical tips on how musicians can protect their ears, as well as the latest updates in hearing protection technology.

Published: 03 March 2025

A pair of headphones in a neon pink light.

'Is This What We Want?' Album Protests Proposed Changes to Copyright Law

Over 1000 musicians back ‘silent’ album in protest against UK government proposals to allow tech firms to train AI models on creative work.

Published: 27 February 2025

Two people sat having a coffee in a coffee shop, with laptop, phones and notebooks.

New One-to-One Advice Surgeries and Online Events Announced for MU North of England Members

One-to-one advice sessions will take place in Birkenhead, Manchester and York in the coming months, and online events will occur throughout the year, to help members familiarise themselves with the range of MU benefits available to them.

Published: 27 February 2025

Close up of hand turning the volume button on an amp.

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Read MU member and bass player Gary Toogood’s experience of using the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, and the difference between off the shelf ear plugs and custom ear protection.

Published: 27 February 2025

The outside of the Senedd building in Wales.

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

The MU welcomes the announcement of an additional £4.4m for arts, culture and publishing in Wales as part of the Welsh Government Final Budget for 2025/26.

Published: 26 February 2025

The MU’s Presence on X/Twitter

The MU will be focusing on other social media platforms and our X feed will not be monitored.

Published: 26 February 2025

A female music teacher sitting at a piano with a young girl teaching her how to play.

Advice for Music Teachers on the Central Digital Platform and Procurement Act 2023

The MU has been approached by a number of musicians who teach in schools, concerned about the introduction of the government’s Central Digital Platform. MU Education Official, David Barnard, has reviewed the legislation in consultation with a solicitor and has produced a summary for members.

Published: 25 February 2025

silhouette of raised hands in the crowd at an outdoor music festival, lit by orange and yellow spotlights.

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

The UnMute roster, which was developed with help from the MU, is a new initiative designed to empower disabled musicians and improve access to live performance opportunities. Applications are now open.

Published: 24 February 2025

Rapper Nate Ethan wearing a white sweatshirt, blue jeans and a white baseball cap.

Nate Ethan for LGBT+ History Month: "We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone"

Nate Ethan Watson is a trailblazing artist and advocate, recognised by the BBC as the UK’s first transgender rapper. In this guest blog, he shares his experiences navigating the music industry and reflects on how it can be reshaped for the better.

Published: 24 February 2025

Nick performing onstage in front of a Genesis Connected banner.

Tribute to Nick Smith

A highly successful bass player, friend, and teacher, Nick (doctor_bass) was a long term member of the MU. This tribute has been provided by his sisters, Kathryn and Alison.

Published: 21 February 2025

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

On Saturday 22 February, musicians, students and alumni will be gathering to publicly protest the proposed closure of Cardiff University's School of Music.

Published: 21 February 2025

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

London cityscape with Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower at sunset.

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

The MU’s Head of Communications and Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez, reports on a busy month of highlighting musicians’ issues in parliament, with updates relating to streaming, music education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Published: 20 February 2025

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at the launch in London.

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

The newly launched campaign, led by the National Education Union with support from the MU, urges political change to restore the place of arts subjects in schools.

Published: 19 February 2025

Utako Toyama singing and playing piano to a crowd, in front of a red curtain and flowers.

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Utako is a multi-award-winning composer and MU member who promotes diversity, equality, and world peace through her music. In this guest blog, she discusses why visibility and allyship is important not just in the music industry, but for society as a whole.

Published: 17 February 2025

A silhouette of a man speaking into a megaphone as part of a trade union protest.

Heart Unions Week 2025

Explore some of the Union’s highlights from the last 12 months as part of Heart Unions week.

Published: 14 February 2025

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

Music education and arts funding need urgent investment to protect jobs and the future of music.

Published: 13 February 2025

MPs and representatives from the CMM, sat along a table for dinner at Parliament, to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

It comes at a crucial point in Creator Remuneration Working Group negotiations to fix streaming and get a better deal for musicians and music creators.

Published: 13 February 2025

Shaftesbury Avenue London in the evening, with signs advertising different West End shows lighting up the street.

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

The Society Of London Theatres (SOLT) have failed to resolve outstanding issues with the MU regarding triggering of effects and AMD pay. Although ongoing for several years, we have now reached an impasse and as such, here are our recommendations to affected members.

Published: 13 February 2025

Three vocalists in a recording studio singing into a microphone.

Music Streaming: What Does a Fair Deal for Musicians Look Like?

How are musicians paid for music streaming and what could a fair deal look like? MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 11 February 2025

Young woman playing Mandolin at home while writing music.

Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

The Alan Surtees Trust has opened its 2025 round of funding for folk and traditional music performers aged 16 to 30. The Trust will make four awards of up to £2,000 per person and applications close 30 April.

Published: 10 February 2025

Musician Kat Browning holding a clarinet and smiling.

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Katmuss, the resident bass clarinettist for Folk Clarinet Quartet, The Tradinettes, shares their experience of dealing with mental health issues and rediscovering a sense of community through the MU and its LGBT+ network.

Published: 10 February 2025

MU Head of Education and Wellbeing, Chris Walters, passing a microphone to a young member to speak about their motion at the last Delegate Conference in 2023.

Represent the Views of Musicians in Your Region: Apply to Attend MU Delegate Conference 2025

MU Delegate Conference 2025 will take place in Liverpool, on Tuesday 22 July and Wednesday 23 July 2025. Applications to attend as a delegate are now open, and members have until Sunday 27 April to apply.

Published: 07 February 2025

Close up of young, Black male musician, singing into a microphone on a stage.

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

A survey by Black Lives In Music, the Musicians’ Union, UK Music, LIVE, and the Mayor of London, has been launched to investigate reported race inequality, bias and over-policing of music events in London. 

Published: 07 February 2025

Official poster from the TUC. A cartoon image of a man with a crutch and arm in a sling, surrounded by hearts with crosses in, representing a bandage. Text at the bottom reads “Safe Sick Pay”.

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on union members to take part in a day of action on Friday 7 February to campaign for an increase in statutory sick pay.

Published: 06 February 2025

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

This week Labour-affiliated unions, including the Musicians’ Union, met Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss workers’ rights.

Published: 06 February 2025

Exterior of Cardiff University's Grade II listed main building.

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

Cardiff University has recently announced proposals to close its School of Music. The MU will be supporting members in relation to the relevant consultations, and those affected are urged to get in touch with the regional office as soon as possible.

Published: 06 February 2025

Peter smiling while playing drums and singing into a microphone.

Tribute to Peter Downing Cox

Peter was a talented drummer and vocalist, who was a member of the MU for 57 years.

Published: 05 February 2025

Female violin player performing under a spotlight on a dark stage.

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

Last week MU General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, gave powerful evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee as part of the ongoing Misogyny in Music enquiry.

Published: 03 February 2025

A musician singing into a microphone on stage.

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

In this blog for LGBT+ History Month, ALIA shares their experience as a queer independent musician and how the MU has supported their journey.

Published: 01 February 2025

Two men in a recording studio pointing at the computer screen.

Council of Music Makers: Help Us Fix Streaming Webinar

Join the Council of Music Makers for a free webinar on how to ensure everyone involved in making music is properly credited, paid and able to understand how their streaming service works.

Published: 30 January 2025

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in the evening.

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, to discuss a range of topics including our fix streaming campaign, the need for protection of creators’ rights in relation to AI, and more.

Published: 30 January 2025

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

Award winning musician, composer and MU member, Arowah, shares how starting a meditation practice in Zen Buddhism transformed their music practice, and how self-compassion helps them navigate the challenges of working in the music industry.

Published: 28 January 2025

Close up of a white t-shirt with red writing saying “Sunderland is a music city”, next to a leaflet saying “A music strategy for Sunderland 2025-2030”.

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

Sunderland is only the second city in the UK to join the international Music Cities Network, which offers its members collaborative opportunities, resources, and advocacy.

Published: 27 January 2025

An abstract sound wave graphic in a woman's hand.

MU Continues to Lobby Government Ahead of New AI Copyright Proposals

The MU will be submitting a detailed response in relation to the current proposals on copyright in AI and music. Members are also strongly encouraged to share their views in the consultation, which closes 25 February.

Published: 24 January 2025

Exterior of the Glasshouse International Centre for Music from the river.

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

Last week MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl attended an economic growth summit, where British music and film exports, grassroots venues and more, were promised investment as part of a new support package to drive growth in the creative industries.

Published: 24 January 2025

Close up, side view, of an old piano with ivory keys.

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species

The Ivory Act 2018 has now been extended to cover the common hippopotamus, killer whale, narwhal and sperm whale. These Regulations, which come into force on 28 January, may impact those who intend to sell, purchase or hire musical instruments containing ivory.

Published: 21 January 2025

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Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

New Career Opportunities for Creative Freelancers in the West and South West of England

Changing Mindsets: Prioritising Hearing Health in the Music Industry

'Is This What We Want?' Album Protests Proposed Changes to Copyright Law

New One-to-One Advice Surgeries and Online Events Announced for MU North of England Members

My Experience with the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme: “I Should Have Invested in a Set of Molded Earplugs Years Ago”

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

The MU’s Presence on X/Twitter

Advice for Music Teachers on the Central Digital Platform and Procurement Act 2023

Opportunity for Disabled Musicians to Join New UnMute Artists Roster

Nate Ethan for LGBT+ History Month: "We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone"

Tribute to Nick Smith

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Heart Unions Week 2025

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

Music Streaming: What Does a Fair Deal for Musicians Look Like?

Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Represent the Views of Musicians in Your Region: Apply to Attend MU Delegate Conference 2025

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

Tribute to Peter Downing Cox

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

Council of Music Makers: Help Us Fix Streaming Webinar

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

MU Continues to Lobby Government Ahead of New AI Copyright Proposals

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species