News & Stories for Musicians

Naomi Pohl and other trade union leaders outside government buildings in London.

MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

This week we met with members of Labour’s new Government, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss key MU topics.

Published: 25 July 2024

The Caring Musician: Amber Leight’s Experience as a Musician and Carer

Amber Leight provides care for over 35 hours a week, and works as a musician and music teacher for 17 hours a week. In this guest-blog, she shares her day-to-day experience and challenges.

Published: 25 July 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

View of Big Ben and the houses of parliament in London,.

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

The King’s Speech, which marks the state opening of parliament, took place on Wednesday 17 and set out many promising pieces of legislation that the Labour Party intend to implement.

Published: 18 July 2024

A MU Wales Official holding a sign and handing out flyers to a man and his young baby during a demo outside of The Wales Millennium Centre in June.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera’s orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, in response to proposals that would reduce the employment of the orchestra from a full-time to 85% contract, along with a 15% pay cut.

Published: 17 July 2024

Five people wearing matching t-shirts and standing in front of a big projector screen.

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

The MU’s motion protecting LGBT+ musicians was passed unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024.

Published: 17 July 2024

Young Sounds UK: Keeping Music Accessible for Young People from Low-Income Families

Read about how Young Sounds UK are supporting musical talent and addressing the challenges that young musicians face across the country.

Published: 16 July 2024

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

A dimly lit, empty theatre pit in front of a grand old stage.

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

In this member-only feature, panel moderator and MU Live, Theatre & Music Writers Official Nat Witts-Kilshaw, shares highlights from our recent Getting Into Theatre event, which includes resources and invaluable first hand advice from industry professionals.

Published: 11 July 2024

Member only Read more about Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Black and white image of Gil sat at a piano in his younger years.

Tribute to Gil Martin

Gilbert Alexander Martin was a successful and highly accomplished pianist, as well as a lifelong member and supporter of the Musician's Union. He passed away on 29 May 2024. This tribute has been provided by Gil’s daughters, Gillian and Susan.

Published: 11 July 2024

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

Having been so heavily involved in forming Labour policy and the manifesto, we look forward to working with the new Government to implement meaningful change for the country and for musicians.

Published: 11 July 2024

Colourful wooden symbols of people and figures in wheelchairs against a dark background, representing equality, diversity and inclusion.

MU Becomes Disability Confident Employer

The MU has recently become a Disability Confident employer. We want to recruit and retain amazing people and by joining the Government's voluntary Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to practically demonstrate our commitments to supporting disabled workers.

Published: 11 July 2024

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

More leading figures from music and the arts sign the Union’s open letter in support of Young RWCMD, as the Senedd Petitions Committee call for urgent action to protect the programme.

Published: 04 July 2024

Yellow headphones on yellow background. Listening concept.

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Member Heidi Fardell has been a one-to-one instrumental tutor for over 20 years. Drawing on her own experiences, she shares why music lessons can often invite conversations on health and wellbeing, and how to listen and recognise when students may need signposting to additional support.

Published: 04 July 2024

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

A man explaining something to a woman as they sit in front of a computer screen.

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

MU members living and/or working in Wales can now apply for 6 months of free mentoring sessions with CULT Cymru.

Published: 28 June 2024

Protesters calling for the freedom of Toomaj Salehi with flags and posters.

Sign the Petition to Free Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi From Prison

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has had his death sentence overturned, but still remains in prison. Sign the petition to call for his immediate release.

Published: 27 June 2024

People holding 'protect WNO' posters outside of The Wales Millennium Centre.

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

The MU is balloting its members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra for a mandate for industrial action.

Published: 25 June 2024

Musicians holding placards as part of a demo to protect the Welsh National Opera orchestra.

Protect WNO Campaign Backed by Senedd Members

Welsh National Opera orchestra members took their petition to the Senedd with support from Rhianon Passmore MS.

Published: 25 June 2024

Hand putting a blank white slip into a white sealed box, representing voting.

What to Ask MP Candidates Campaigning for the General Election

Make sure your local candidates for MP know the issues that matter to you – and to all musicians across the UK.

Published: 24 June 2024

Exterior of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Cardiff

Famous Names Sign Open Letter in Support of RWCMD's Junior Department

Famous names including Alistair McGowan and journalist Cathy Newman, as well as award-winning songwriters, playwrights and other prominent figures in the music industry, have signed an open letter in support of the Young RWCMD programme at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Published: 21 June 2024

People gathering in Durham to march at the Miners' Gala.

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024

MU members are invited to march at Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday 13 July - the world's biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit and working class life.

Published: 21 June 2024

Fans in a music venue enjoying a concert.

MU Partners with Manchester Festival Beyond The Music 2024

We are delighted to partner with Beyond The Music in Manchester. Our North of England Team will be on hand during the conference to discuss regional issues and are leading an industry panel on misogyny in music.

Published: 21 June 2024

All 40 participants, smiling in a group photo.

POWER UP Announces Year 4 Programme Participants

40 Black music creators and industry professionals have been selected to receive career-changing support in POWER UP’s fourth year.

Published: 20 June 2024

Silhouette of two sound engineers, in front of empty stage at a mixing desk.

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

Adèle smiling in mid movement during a dance practice.

Tribute to Adèle Thompson

A passionate dancer, choreographer, abseil-dancer, stilt artist and teacher, Adèle was an MU member for over 25 years. This is a tribute written by two of her friends and work colleagues.

Published: 18 June 2024

View from the back of the room of all hands raised in a support of our motion at the LGBT+ Conference.

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

The MU sent a delegation to this year’s STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference in May, where our motion on tackling transphobia, ensuring culturally relevant mental health provisions and improvements to the Equality Act passed unanimously.

Published: 17 June 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holding a poster saying 'Labour's New Deal for Working People' at last year's Labour Party Conference.

Labour Party Election Manifesto Makes Clear Policy Commitments to Musicians

The MU welcomes the Labour Party commitments to supporting music and musicians in their manifesto for the General Election on Thursday 4 July.

Published: 14 June 2024

MU delegates and visitors standing outside of the Congress Centre in London for TUC Black Workers' Conference 2024.

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

Our motion for the TUC to support Art Not Evidence and promote the restricted use of creative expression in court was passed at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference.

Published: 14 June 2024

concert crowd in front of bright stage lights.

Apply to Perform at Edinburgh’s Made in Scotland Showcase

Applications are now open for Scotland-based artists to perform their music at the Made in Scotland showcase on 14-15 August 2024.

Published: 11 June 2024

A protest in Birmingham against city council cuts, with protesters waving flags and holding banners.

Brum, Rise Up! Join the MU to Campaign Against Birmingham City Council Cuts

MU Midlands members are urged to join us outside Birmingham City Council House on Tuesday 18 June to demand a reversal of the cuts to the city's vital services, libraries and arts sector.

Published: 11 June 2024

Have Your Say in Shaping the Future of Bristol’s Music Scene

Bristol City Council wants to know how you feel about Bristol's local music. Fill out the survey and support the creation of a self-sustaining music fund.

Published: 07 June 2024

The outside of the old Silk Mill in Derby.

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns to Celebrate Midlands Trade Union Movement

Taking place on Saturday 8 June in the heart of Derby, the annual Silk Mill Festival is an opportunity for the whole of the Midlands Labour and progressive movement to rally in a display of solidarity and confidence.

Published: 05 June 2024

The outside of the London Palladium theatre.

MU Celebrates Majority Female Orchestra in West End’s Largest Pit Band

Over 50% of players in the orchestra for Hello Dolly! at the London Palladium are women. The MU is delighted to see equal representation in what is currently the largest pit band in the West End, and hopes to see other bands following its example.

Published: 05 June 2024

Silhouettes of crowd in front of a small festival stage in blue light.

Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has endorsed the MU’s Access Rider to its membership and will be holding a session to explain what access riders are, why we need them, and why festivals should adopt them as a standard part of all contracting.

Published: 03 June 2024

Two young male musicians playing guitar and drums in a band.

Protect the Junior RWCMD department: Sign the Petition

Members at the Junior RWCMD department are campaigning to keep the college’s junior music and drama programmes open.

Published: 03 June 2024

Birds eye view of a woman on her tablet, sat cross legged next to an open suitcase with a pair of headphones on top of clothes.

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Imperial Hotels means that we are now able to offer our members discounted rooms in selected hotels across London. Over time, we hope to expand this benefit to other locations throughout the UK.

Published: 01 June 2024

A woman handing over her passport and travel documentation to an immigration officer.

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

If you're seeking guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad, you can access Viva La Visa's free advice line.

Published: 01 June 2024

Protesters stood outside the theatre all wearing Shakespeare masks and ruffs, holding up signs saying keep Northern Ballet live.

Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live

Ahead of the first performance of Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet in London earlier this week, members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia dressed as Shakespeare and took to the streets to protest against plans to replace the live orchestra with recorded music.

Published: 30 May 2024

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MU General Secretary Meets the Prime Minister

The Caring Musician: Amber Leight’s Experience as a Musician and Carer

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Key Points From the King’s Speech for Musicians and Wider Industry

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

MU Motion Supporting LGBT+ Musicians Passed Unanimously at TUC LGBT+ Conference 2024

Young Sounds UK: Keeping Music Accessible for Young People from Low-Income Families

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Tribute to Gil Martin

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

MU Becomes Disability Confident Employer

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

Sign the Petition to Free Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi From Prison

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

Protect WNO Campaign Backed by Senedd Members

What to Ask MP Candidates Campaigning for the General Election

Famous Names Sign Open Letter in Support of RWCMD's Junior Department

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024

MU Partners with Manchester Festival Beyond The Music 2024

POWER UP Announces Year 4 Programme Participants

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

Tribute to Adèle Thompson

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

Labour Party Election Manifesto Makes Clear Policy Commitments to Musicians

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

Apply to Perform at Edinburgh’s Made in Scotland Showcase

Brum, Rise Up! Join the MU to Campaign Against Birmingham City Council Cuts

Have Your Say in Shaping the Future of Bristol’s Music Scene

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns to Celebrate Midlands Trade Union Movement

MU Celebrates Majority Female Orchestra in West End’s Largest Pit Band

Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme

Protect the Junior RWCMD department: Sign the Petition

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live