News & Stories for Musicians

Young women sat at a piano in an auditorium.

MU Welcomes Cardiff Music School’s Decision to Remain Open and Urges More Support for Arts in Higher Education

Proposals to close the School of Music at Cardiff University won’t go ahead, but further work is needed on the detailed plans and culture across Wales.

Published: 04 June 2025

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar against a window.

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

Published: 04 June 2025

Close up of a child in a red jumper at a drum kit, in a music classroom with other pupils and a tutor.

Welsh Government to Fund National Music Service for a Further Three Years

The MU welcomes the news, although funding levels still aren’t sufficient to meet the Welsh Government's ambitions for music education.

Published: 04 June 2025

Two young musicians in a home studio, one at a desk recording on keyboard with microphone, the other sat behind her playing an acoustic guitar.

MU Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Freelance Creative Workers in Scotland

The MU is calling for immediate action following the publication of a damning new report by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and Scottish creative industry unions, which revealed that only 6% of over 800 creative freelancers surveyed would describe their working conditions as “good”.

Published: 03 June 2025

Members and visitors to last year's MU stall at the festival, holding instruments and banners.

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025

The MU returns to Derby Silk Mill Festival on Saturday 7 June. This landmark event celebrates the Midlands Labour movement – uniting people in honour of past struggles and present-day solidarity with marches, talks and activities for the whole family.

Published: 02 June 2025

A bouquet of flowers resting on an empty theatre seat.

Stop the Closure of Riverside Theatre in Northern Ireland

The MU is concerned to learn of the proposal to close The Riverside Theatre in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, and urges members to get involved by signing the petition and joining the peaceful protest taking place on Tuesday 3 June 2025.

Published: 02 June 2025

Four hands holding up signs of logos: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

Promoting music on social media can be a challenge for musicians who are not digital natives. But by following a few key steps, artists can create a dedicated community of fans.

Published: 30 May 2025

Black and white image of a band on a large stage, performing to a crowd outside. From the perspective of the drummer.

MU Joins Industry Wide Call for £10 Million Investment in UK Music Export and Exchange

The MU has joined over sixty music sector organisations in signing an open letter to government, calling for urgent and sustained investment in music export and exchange initiatives.

Published: 29 May 2025

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

A student in a classroom playing violin as part of a music workshop.

MU Launches Survey to Negotiate Rates for Orchestral Education Work

Take part in the survey for Orchestral members delivering education, learning and participation work for orchestras under the Association of British Orchestras (ABO)/MU agreement.

Published: 27 May 2025

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Young male musician, sat cross legged on the bedroom floor, playing acoustic guitar to his young baby.

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

PiPA and Come Play With Me, supported by the MU, are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for parents and carers who work in music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Published: 21 May 2025

Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

MU members and staff at one of last years Pride marches, waving MU flags and banners during the event.

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Saturday 17 May, is “The Power of Communities”.

Published: 16 May 2025

A South Asian musician holding an electric guitar and playing a midi keyboard while sat at a desk.

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

South Asian music creators, managers, executives, and behind-the-scenes professionals are encouraged to contribute their experiences to the new survey - and be in with a chance of winning AKG K271 headphones or free studio time!

Published: 15 May 2025

Shakespeare themed campaign placards saying

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

An update for members regarding ongoing contract negotiations for orchestral musicians at Northern Ballet, following the company’s decision to use non-Union agreements for some performances.

Published: 15 May 2025

MU representatives and a politician standing on the steps at Stormont in Northern Ireland.

MU Meets with Key Figures in Northern Ireland to Discuss Impacts of AI

Officials from the MU Scotland & Northern Ireland team met with Sian Mulholland MLA and Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, to discuss the potential impacts of generative AI on the music industry.

Published: 15 May 2025

EU and UK flags flying in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace, London.

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

As over 500 UK and EU music organisations back an open letter to political leaders, MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on the growing industry pressure to fix post-Brexit touring barriers, ahead of key EU-UK talks.

Published: 14 May 2025

Male musician composing an electronic music score at a computer and laptop.

MU Raises Concerns Over Potential Impact of US Film Tariffs on UK Musicians

Although deals are yet to be agreed, the imposition of tariffs on films produced outside of the US could severely impact the UK’s film and television industry, which currently invests around £80m in musicians.

Published: 13 May 2025

Person performing on stage in a wheelchair, singing into a microphone with the band behind them, golden confetti streaming around them.

Apply Now: International Showcasing and Mobility Opportunities for 2026

Members can now apply to showcase at Folk Alliance International in New Orleans, and Eurosonic in Groningen 2026. Plus a new pilot programme to support mobility and exchange across the Nordic region, UK and Ireland is opening this August.

Published: 09 May 2025

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Festival, supporting members and engaging with key industry topics between Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 May in Brighton.

Published: 08 May 2025

Naomi Pohl holding a sign saying 'Don't let AI steal our music - make it fair' in front of Parliament with a large demo group.

MU Joins Demo to Highlight Creators’ AI Concerns Ahead of Parliament Debate

The MU took part in a demo outside parliament today, organised by UK Music, to highlight creator and performer concerns about the potential impact of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) on their rights and future careers.

Published: 07 May 2025

Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

This webinar, exclusive for MU members, uses recent campaigning at Welsh National Opera as a case study to explore how empowering orchestral musicians in the workplace can drive change — serving as a practical introduction to workplace activism in the sector.

Published: 30 April 2025

Member only Read more about Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

A vocal microphone in front of a laptop with music software on the screen.

UK Music Launches Survey into Value of Music to UK Economy

Take the 2025 UK Music Creators’ Survey - and be in with a chance of winning a £100 voucher.

Published: 28 April 2025

Sign inside an airport saying U.S. Customers and Border Protection.

Watch Arts Info Point’s Advice Webinar on Touring and Travelling in the USA

Members wishing to understand more about entering the US, following recent press reports and administrative changes, can now watch the recording of a recent webinar hosted by Arts Info Point.

Published: 24 April 2025

Leon Slater, sat smiling in an armchair.

Tribute to Leon Slater

Leon Slater was a highly accomplished saxophonist who was devoted to his music. He was a member of the MU for over fifty years and had a life-long passion for jazz. This tribute has been provided by Leon’s wife and family.

Published: 24 April 2025

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo in Cardiff.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra vote to accept a new agreement, following a year of tough negotiations and months of high-profile campaigning to protect Wales’ largest arts organisation.

Published: 22 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

The MU and buskers gathered in Leicester Square to mark what could be the last day of busking in the area, following a noise abatement notice from the City of London Magistrates' Court.

Published: 17 April 2025

A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

Jazz North has announced a series of free, online workshops and forums exclusively for artists based in the North of England.

Published: 14 April 2025

Musicians in Northern Ballet Orchestra playing live as part of a demo.

Northern Ballet Management is Now Using Non-Union Contracts

Northern Ballet management continues to use non-union contracts for some performances.

Published: 11 April 2025

The entire cast of Peter Grimes, on stage at the curtain call, showing as empty orchestra pit.

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra took to the stage on opening night of Peter Grimes on Saturday 5 April, to address the audience about the need for better funding.

Published: 10 April 2025

An aerial view of Birmingham in the West Midlands.

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

TUC Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have come together to sign a partnership deal with creative industries trade unions, securing fair pay and working conditions for creative workers employed through the combined authority.

Published: 10 April 2025

A busy nightclub in London with people dancing.

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy

London councils that block pubs, restaurants and music venues from opening later could see their decisions overturned by the mayor of London under new powers from the Government.

Published: 09 April 2025

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MU Welcomes Cardiff Music School’s Decision to Remain Open and Urges More Support for Arts in Higher Education

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

Welsh Government to Fund National Music Service for a Further Three Years

MU Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Freelance Creative Workers in Scotland

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025

Stop the Closure of Riverside Theatre in Northern Ireland

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

MU Joins Industry Wide Call for £10 Million Investment in UK Music Export and Exchange

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

MU Launches Survey to Negotiate Rates for Orchestral Education Work

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

MU Meets with Key Figures in Northern Ireland to Discuss Impacts of AI

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

MU Raises Concerns Over Potential Impact of US Film Tariffs on UK Musicians

Apply Now: International Showcasing and Mobility Opportunities for 2026

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

MU Joins Demo to Highlight Creators’ AI Concerns Ahead of Parliament Debate

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

UK Music Launches Survey into Value of Music to UK Economy

Watch Arts Info Point’s Advice Webinar on Touring and Travelling in the USA

Tribute to Leon Slater

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

Northern Ballet Management is Now Using Non-Union Contracts

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy