News & Stories for Musicians

Naomi Pohl speaking into a microphone next to George Peretz KC on a panel at Labour Conference.

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Read our highlights from this Autumn’s Labour and Conservative Party Conferences.

Published: 06 October 2022

A man is sat in front of a music stand, making a gesture to an unseen student about the use of his throat.

Proudly Representing Musicians Who Teach This World Teachers’ Day

Wednesday 5 October 2022 is World Teachers’ Day, a significant day for the MU. We have over 7,800 in our education section, and represent even more musicians who teach – in schools, as private teachers, and in many other capacities.

Published: 05 October 2022

Black male musician wearing cap and headphones sat in recording studio with mic and acoustic guitar.

TUC Midlands To Set Up New Black Activists Network and Steering Group

If you are a Global Majority MU member and based in the Midlands area we need you to take up the seat to represent the Union.

Published: 04 October 2022

Musicians and Mental Health First Aid Training: Why do it?

World Mental Health Day takes place 10 October and to mark this, MU member Louise Braithwaite talks about her MU supported mental health first aid training and how we should all try listening for that little bit longer.

Published: 30 September 2022

Portrait of keynote speaker Kelli-Leigh with yellow graphic: Kelli-Leigh at MU Members' Conference 2022.

Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

The MU is proud to welcome Kelli-Leigh to our Members' Conference as a keynote speaker on day two to talk about how she fights for equality in the music industry.

Published: 29 September 2022

A rock artist with an electric guitar and long hair sings into a microphone on stage. The grunge singer performs at a concert in the spotlight.

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Two thousand artists and creative arts workers started to receive a basic income this September as part of a pilot scheme in Ireland.

Published: 26 September 2022

Red lit photo of a woman singer on stage at a small venue, looking out to the crowd

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

UK Music report This Is Music 2022 reveals the UK music industry’s contribution to the economy is going up, but there’s a long way to go to recovery.

Published: 23 September 2022

A view of Liverpool docks looking empty in the early morning

Meet the MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

Meet the Musicians’ Union at the Labour and Conservative party conferences to talk about the big challenges facing musicians – and invite your MP to do the same.

Published: 23 September 2022

DJ Paulette wearing a T-shirt saying 'I am Black History'

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

DJ Paulette will be closing day one of the MU Members’ Conference 2022 in Leeds with an exclusive set for delegates.

Published: 23 September 2022

Young Black man in recording studio at mixing desk.

Revisit Some of the MU’s Most Interesting and Important EDI Stories

Ahead of Black History Month in October, we’ve put together a list of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) 'in case you missed it’ highlights from the past 12 months.

Published: 21 September 2022

Mayor Tracy Brabin smiling, with graphic: Mayor Tracy Brabin at MU Members' Conference 2022

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union is delighted to welcome West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin as a keynote speaker on day one of Members’ Conference.

Published: 20 September 2022

Out of focus picture of a busy UK high street with cars, taxis and pedestrians visible.

TUC launches £15 National Minimum Wage Campaign

Show your support for a £15 minimum wage with the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Published: 20 September 2022

Naomi Pohl with other General Secretaries on the front line of the We Demand Better march with banner.

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the union’s policy priorities and industrial strategy this autumn.

Published: 15 September 2022

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Musician and MU Executive Committee Vice Chair Andi Hopgood explores common mental health challenges facing musicians ahead of a Members’ Conference panel on how the music industry is supporting musicians to stay mentally healthy.

Published: 15 September 2022

TUC Holding Series of Town Hall Meetings on We Demand Better Campaign

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) are holding a series of meetings as part of their autumn of Action at Town Halls across Wales and England.

Published: 12 September 2022

Black and white image of young Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen’s Passing and Period of National Mourning

The MU is saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and joins the country in paying its respects.

Published: 09 September 2022

Black music creator sat at mixing desk/laptop in a recording studio.

POWER UP Announce New Partnership With Arts Council of Wales

The partnership will offer digital masterclasses to Black music creators based in Wales and industry professionals based outside of London. It will also begin the process of setting up a Welsh Black Music Action Group.

Published: 08 September 2022

Birmingham Central library in Centenary Square Birmingham, UK with Commonwealth Games sign.

New Video from TUC on Innovative Commonwealth Games MOU

The video highlights the success of the landmark pledge which ensured diversity, fair pay and support for creative sector workers during the Birmingham Games.

Published: 07 September 2022

Black and white image of recording studio featuring microphone, guitars, amps, mixer and drumkit.

Reminder Information on MU Insurance Benefits

Important updates and reminders regarding the MU’s insurance schemes.

Published: 05 September 2022

A woman wearing headphones and making music using her computer at home.

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

The MU is one of many supporters of the new programme which offers an introduction to Ableton software. From beginner to career, it aims to help improve the percentages of female identifying producers and songwriters in the Music Industry.

Published: 02 September 2022

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

Black and white image of outstretched hand, representing no and harassment.

New Resources Added to MU’s Online Bullying and Harassment Advice Page

We have updated our advice page to include information on stalking, staying safe online and new resources provided by The Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Published: 31 August 2022

Person teaching another to play acoustic guitar, close up of instrument on both of their knees.

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

It’s that time of year again, the start of a brand new school year. In preparation, we’ve put together a top ten resource checklist, reminding all of our music educators what the MU’s Education Department may be able to help you with.

Published: 31 August 2022

Musicians, Yoga and its Unexpected Benefit

Creator of the Musicians’ Yoga Essentials course and MU member Veronika Klírová shares her yoga journey and how its helped her career as a musician.

Published: 25 August 2022

A conductor raises a hand towards a choir stood on a stage, facing outwards they appear to be singing.

The Power Of Musical Healing

Music plays a vital role in wellbeing and there is a wide range of help out there for music teachers and musicians.

Published: 24 August 2022

A small child grins as they raise two small sticks to play on a very small toy drum.

Participants Sought for Research into Lives and Careers of Mothers, Carers and Performers in Scotland

A researcher at the University of West of Scotland is looking to connect with female performing artists (from across music genres and performing arts fields) who live in Scotland and have pre-school age children.

Published: 24 August 2022

Portrait of Audio Engineer Working in Music Recording Studio.

MU Signs BECTU’s Race to Be Heard Open Letter to Ofcom

The Race to be Heard campaign by BECTU aims to get UK broadcasters to create an independent racism reporting body for the broadcasting industry.

Published: 17 August 2022

Electricity meter with one pound coins in front. Concept for energy supplier, high bills, price rise, cost of living, inflation and fuel poverty.

MU Joins Calls for Emergency Budget

The Union also supports Labour’s proposal to freeze energy bills, which are currently due to increase in October and again in January.

Published: 17 August 2022

Close up of CJ's hands playing steel guitar with pics on fingers against a lit up dark background.

Pedal Power: The Story of CJ Hillman

CJ Hillman is one of the finest session players in his field, valued by artists for his tasteful playing and for always serving the song.

Published: 17 August 2022

Black and white image of a man in silhouette on stage, under the spotlight with a guitar.

Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

Here MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl provides members with an in-depth analysis of the CMA’s report on music streaming, including top line statistics and where we should now focus our campaigning efforts moving forward.

Published: 15 August 2022

Dollar bills visible in busker's guitar case on cobbled street.

MU Backs Buskers in Birmingham Noise Ban

The Union fiercely opposes a new ‘noise ban’ in Birmingham which will see buskers face a £1,000 fine for performing in key city center areas.

Published: 12 August 2022

Young French woman with a cloth face mask photographed in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during the Coronavirus pandemic..

France Lifts All Covid Restrictions

This latest update received by the MU sets out the new Covid provisions in France.

Published: 11 August 2022

Female teacher is sitting with one of her students in a music lesson at school. He is learning to play the keyboard and is wearing headphones.

A National Music Service for England: Responses to the Proposal

One week on from The Fabian Society’s proposal for a new National Music Service, we look at press feedback and what key publications have to say.

Published: 11 August 2022

Hands touching sound mixing desk buttons.

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

The team has administered its biggest ever distribution this month and have already paid out over £730k this year so far.

Published: 11 August 2022

Brightly dressed protestors raise banners with Extinction Rebellion symbols and words such as

Climate and Environment: Sustainable Practices and Challenges for Touring Musicians

As Covid-19 restrictions dissipate but the environmental crisis grows, we’ve been looking at the artists engaging in sustainable practices and the challenges they face as they return to touring.

Published: 10 August 2022

Wooden blocks making the shape of a house, featuring images for clothing, housing, food and medical items, representing the building blocks of essential daily life.

Cost Of Living Crisis: What The MU Is Doing

Along with working alongside the TUC to call for an immediate emergency budget, we have also launched a new advice and information hub for members.

Published: 09 August 2022

Black and white close up image of mixing desk and open laptop in soft focus.

Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

Tell the Competition and Markets Authority what you think about the decision not to go ahead with a full market investigation into music streaming.

Published: 08 August 2022

Music teacher points at a score as a child looks and plays on a trumpet

New Proposals for a National Music Service Released by the Fabian Society

The MU has worked with the Fabian Society, who have released the report today, recommending that Labour in Westminster creates a National Music Education Service for England.

Published: 04 August 2022

Organist with painted nails playing a pipe organ, closeup view of hands and keys.

The MU Deal for RCO Members

The organ is alive and well in the 2020s. And if you play it, MU membership is cheaper than ever.

Published: 03 August 2022

Portrait of composer Mark Gordon against plain background.

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts

Music Works host Katie Manasse spoke to composer Mark Gordon about the Composers Against Buyouts campaign.

Published: 01 August 2022

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The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Proudly Representing Musicians Who Teach This World Teachers’ Day

TUC Midlands To Set Up New Black Activists Network and Steering Group

Musicians and Mental Health First Aid Training: Why do it?

Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

Meet the MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

Revisit Some of the MU’s Most Interesting and Important EDI Stories

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

TUC launches £15 National Minimum Wage Campaign

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

TUC Holding Series of Town Hall Meetings on We Demand Better Campaign

Queen’s Passing and Period of National Mourning

POWER UP Announce New Partnership With Arts Council of Wales

New Video from TUC on Innovative Commonwealth Games MOU

Reminder Information on MU Insurance Benefits

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

New Resources Added to MU’s Online Bullying and Harassment Advice Page

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

Musicians, Yoga and its Unexpected Benefit

The Power Of Musical Healing

Participants Sought for Research into Lives and Careers of Mothers, Carers and Performers in Scotland

MU Signs BECTU’s Race to Be Heard Open Letter to Ofcom

MU Joins Calls for Emergency Budget

Pedal Power: The Story of CJ Hillman

Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

MU Backs Buskers in Birmingham Noise Ban

France Lifts All Covid Restrictions

A National Music Service for England: Responses to the Proposal

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

Climate and Environment: Sustainable Practices and Challenges for Touring Musicians

Cost Of Living Crisis: What The MU Is Doing

Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

New Proposals for a National Music Service Released by the Fabian Society

The MU Deal for RCO Members

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts