News & Stories for Musicians

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Universities Cut Arts Courses

The MU is saddened to see large-scale cuts to arts courses at two universities following ongoing Government funding cuts and anti-arts rhetoric.

Published: 14 June 2022

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Channel 4 Ain’t Broke Initiative Launches with Call for Action

Campaigning organisation We Own It have launched a campaign to protect Channel 4 from privatisation, following Nadine Dorries’ recent announcement of plans to privatise the channel.

Published: 14 June 2022

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Carol Jack Releases Tool-Kit For Female Singers Over 40

The online tool-kit features advice from over 16 expert speakers, including the MU’s General Secretary Naomi Pohl, giving female singers over 40 the tools and strategies needed to “take back the mic.”

Published: 14 June 2022

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A Tribute to Frank White, 29 January 1938 – 2 April 2022

James Thompson pays tribute to Frank White, one of the finest baritone saxophone players in the UK and member of the MU for over sixty years.

Published: 10 June 2022

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MU Disappointed in New Equality Stats Regarding Female Festival Headliners

New BBC research has found that music festival lineups are still not balanced in terms of gender equality, with only 13% of UK headliners being female.

Published: 08 June 2022

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Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

PPL are supporting the MEAA in trying to lobby for change in Australia so that orchestras can receive their PPL equivalent PPCA.

Published: 08 June 2022

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

The UK Ivory Act enforces a near total ban on elephant ivory sales from 6 June 2022.

Published: 08 June 2022

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Open Letter Questioning Funding Cut to PRS Foundation Published

Following PRS for Music’s decision to cut funding for the PRS Foundation from 2024, a petition has been launched. Now an open letter from 50 grassroots music organisations has been published.

Published: 06 June 2022

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Remembering #TheShowMustBePaused: Two Years on in the Music Industry

The MU’s Education and Equalities Officer Rose Delcour-Min reflects on the changes at the MU and in the music industry since #TheShowMustBePaused and Blackout Tuesday in 2020.

Published: 02 June 2022

5 people holding instruments up against a grey background, only the hands on display. Left to right, acoustic guitar, drum symbol, maracas, vinyl disks and drum sticks.

We Make Music Libraries Launch Crowdfunder

The new initiative aims to get musical instruments into public libraries across Scotland so people will be able to borrow them for free, just like taking out a book.

Published: 01 June 2022

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Fix Streaming Campaign Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks through the latest developments in the campaign to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 31 May 2022

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Accessibility Information for the 18 June ‘Demand Better’ March and Rally

Join trade union members from across the UK in London on 18 June to demand better. There is information available about public toilets, wheelchair accessible stations, shortened march routes and more.

Published: 30 May 2022

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Downing Street Parties and Cost of Living Crisis

The MU responds to this week’s developments in parliament.

Published: 26 May 2022

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MU Legal Team Helps Several Members Achieve Substantial Settlement

The MU has recently assisted several members in achieving a substantial settlement in a long running dispute.

Published: 26 May 2022

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Re-watch Alison Gordon’s Meditation Session for Musicians’ Mental Health Month

Last month the MU in partnership with YCAT, BAPAM and Help Musicians’ UK launched Musicians’ Mental Health Month and you can now watch a recording of one of the sessions.

Published: 25 May 2022

BBC Publishes Report Emphasising Importance of the BBC’s Orchestras

The BBC’s Classical Music Review emphasises the importance of the BBC's orchestras and its crucial role in the wider classical music ecology, as well as introducing a new Head of Orchestras and Choirs position.

Published: 24 May 2022

A teacher sits at the front of the classroom, gesturing forwards in a deliberate way. A music stand is in front of him, and a drum kit is also in shot.

Scottish Charity Transforms Music Education with New Learning Software

Drake Music Scotland is set to transform music education in Scotland with the launch of innovative new software called Figurenotes, which aims to help learners read music quickly and learn to play instruments straight away.

Published: 24 May 2022

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Working in the EU Post Brexit: Performing in Marbella

In this helpful case study, freelance musician and MU member Martin Ledger talks us through the steps he took along with his band when transporting equipment to perform at a corporate event in Marbella.

Published: 24 May 2022

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Musicians in Newport Encouraged to Complete Short Survey

Take CULT Cymru’s short survey, and help them identify whether there’s an interest in networking between creatives in the Newport area for potential collaboration, community engagement and more.

Published: 24 May 2022

Official portrait of Kevin Brennan MP. Kevin has short brown hair and is wearing glasses, a dark brown striped suit and blue shirt with brown tie.

Kevin Brennan MP Elected as Chair of APPG on Music

The MU welcomes the news that Kevin Brennan MP has been elected by MPs and Peers as the new Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music.

Published: 20 May 2022

Outside of the Welsh Parliament Offices, Cardiff

MU Welcomes New National Plan for Music Education in Wales

The new plan is substantial, detailed and ambitious. It could be a big step forward for both pupils and teachers, and the MU will be watching closely as it is rolled out.

Published: 19 May 2022

POWER UP Is First Recipient of New Changemaker Award

IMPALA have announced that the POWER UP initiative, of which the MU is a partner, has been awarded the Changemaker Award in recognition of its diversity and inclusion work.

Published: 18 May 2022

Man performing on stage with guitar under a brick arch/tunnel way, the crowd are sat watching.

Seed Sessions: Creating Roots For Better Mental Health in Male-identifying Musicians

Artist Nederveen shares his experience of working with Seed Sessions, the community interest company (CIC) combining music-making with counselling sessions for young male-identifying musicians in Bristol.

Published: 18 May 2022

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‘We Demand Better’ National March and Rally on 18 June

The MU will be joining the trade union movement in London to tell this government: we demand better! Members are invited to join us, assembling from 10:30 am at Portland Place in Central London.

Published: 17 May 2022

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Hundreds of Festivals Sign Up to AIF Safer Spaces Campaign

The UK's Association Of Independent Festivals has relaunched its Safer Spaces campaign today, with more than a hundred festivals on board. The aim is to tackle and combat sexual violence at festivals and large-scale music events.

Published: 17 May 2022

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Celebrating IDAHOBIT in the music industry

Today, Tuesday 17 May, the MU celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Published: 17 May 2022

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Acas Updates its Disability Guidance

Public body Acas has updated its disability guidance to provide clear advice on how to support disabled people at work.

Published: 16 May 2022

Collection of 6 retro style microphones on a desk with a sky blue back drop.

MU Speaks to M Magazine Ahead of Proposed Channel 4 Privatisation

The MU’s Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear spoke to PRS’ M magazine about concerns for future payments and changing working practices.

Published: 13 May 2022

Becoming a More Accessible Studio: How One Business Owner Is Igniting Change Within the Industry

Hear the five tips for making your recording studio more accessible, and what we can all learn from helping to remove barriers for musicians. This is a repost from the Crown Lane Studio manager John Merriman's blog.

Published: 11 May 2022

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New London Venue Signs up to MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

London-based venue Loop have signed up to the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme, a national network of Venues that support fair terms and conditions for musicians.

Published: 10 May 2022

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Motion on Being Black in the UK Music Industry Passes at TUC Black Workers Conference

A motion responding to the ‘Being Black in the UK Music Industry’ report has been raised and passed at the TUC Black Workers conference.

Published: 10 May 2022

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A Basic Income for Everybody: Why the Musicians' Union Backs UBI

The MU’s motion backing universal basic income was presented at TUC Young Workers Conference in April. We assess the concept, the history, and the feasibility of UBI.

Published: 10 May 2022

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Further Guidance Provided for Musicians using Eurotunnel

Following concerns raised by the MU on passenger limits, DCMS have provided further clarification around their advice for musicians travelling via Eurotunnel – and confirmed that the passenger limit does not necessarily need to be three-people.

Published: 10 May 2022

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More Work to be Done Following Positive News on International Music Tour Travel Limits

The Government has announced that UK hauliers working on music concerts, sporting and cultural events will be able to make unlimited international trips. However, small haulage companies undertaking medium sized tours with only a small fleet are still bound by the cabotage rules.

Published: 09 May 2022

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MU Welcomes Proposal For Independent Standards Authority

Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for a formal Independent Standards Authority will seek to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment, and drive greater accountability across the UK’s creative industries.

Published: 05 May 2022

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MU Member Nominated at National Diversity Awards

North of England member Claire Mooney has been nominated for a Lifetime Achiever Award at the National Diversity Awards.

Published: 04 May 2022

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Outrage Over Cinderella Closure Announcement on Social Media

The MU has expressed its outrage, along with fellow unions, after musicians, cast and crew engaged on West End’s Cinderella only learnt of its planned closure through social media.

Published: 03 May 2022

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MU Disappointed By Comments From Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games Director Regarding Refugees

The MU joins the TUC, Equity and Bectu in a letter to the Commonwealth Games Committee, expressing concern over comments praising the Governments’ plan to send those seeking refuge in the UK to Rwanda.

Published: 29 April 2022

Rab Noakes, Caroline Sewell, Iona Fyfe and Neil Patterson at STUC Congress

MU Member Success at STUC Congress in Aberdeen

It was a successful week for MU members at the Scottish TUC Congress in Aberdeen.

Published: 29 April 2022

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Scots’ Folk Singer and MU Member Iona Fyfe Wins STUC Equality Award

Iona Fyfe, one of Scotland’s leading folk singers and MU member, received the Equality Award at the Scottish TUC’s annual congress in Aberdeen.

Published: 29 April 2022

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Universities Cut Arts Courses

Channel 4 Ain’t Broke Initiative Launches with Call for Action

Carol Jack Releases Tool-Kit For Female Singers Over 40

A Tribute to Frank White, 29 January 1938 – 2 April 2022

MU Disappointed in New Equality Stats Regarding Female Festival Headliners

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

Open Letter Questioning Funding Cut to PRS Foundation Published

Remembering #TheShowMustBePaused: Two Years on in the Music Industry

We Make Music Libraries Launch Crowdfunder

Fix Streaming Campaign Update

Accessibility Information for the 18 June ‘Demand Better’ March and Rally

Downing Street Parties and Cost of Living Crisis

MU Legal Team Helps Several Members Achieve Substantial Settlement

Re-watch Alison Gordon’s Meditation Session for Musicians’ Mental Health Month

BBC Publishes Report Emphasising Importance of the BBC’s Orchestras

Scottish Charity Transforms Music Education with New Learning Software

Working in the EU Post Brexit: Performing in Marbella

Musicians in Newport Encouraged to Complete Short Survey

Kevin Brennan MP Elected as Chair of APPG on Music

MU Welcomes New National Plan for Music Education in Wales

POWER UP Is First Recipient of New Changemaker Award

Seed Sessions: Creating Roots For Better Mental Health in Male-identifying Musicians

‘We Demand Better’ National March and Rally on 18 June

Hundreds of Festivals Sign Up to AIF Safer Spaces Campaign

Celebrating IDAHOBIT in the music industry

Acas Updates its Disability Guidance

MU Speaks to M Magazine Ahead of Proposed Channel 4 Privatisation

Becoming a More Accessible Studio: How One Business Owner Is Igniting Change Within the Industry

New London Venue Signs up to MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

Motion on Being Black in the UK Music Industry Passes at TUC Black Workers Conference

A Basic Income for Everybody: Why the Musicians' Union Backs UBI

Further Guidance Provided for Musicians using Eurotunnel

More Work to be Done Following Positive News on International Music Tour Travel Limits

MU Welcomes Proposal For Independent Standards Authority

MU Member Nominated at National Diversity Awards

Outrage Over Cinderella Closure Announcement on Social Media

MU Disappointed By Comments From Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games Director Regarding Refugees

MU Member Success at STUC Congress in Aberdeen

Scots’ Folk Singer and MU Member Iona Fyfe Wins STUC Equality Award