News & Stories for Musicians

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POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

The cultural institution Brixton Hill Studios has confirmed that they have been granted a lease renewal, following campaigning efforts and support from organisations across the industry including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 17 July 2023

Three rocks balanced on top of each other on the beach, concept of balance and harmony.

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

The Balancing Act Survey is aimed at all workers in music, opera, dance and theatre. It is open to all genders, parents and carers, as well as those who do not currently have caring responsibilities.

Published: 14 July 2023

The outside roof detail of the London Coliseum theatre in Covent Garden, the previous home of ENO.

Sign The Petition to Protect Jobs at English National Opera

Call on Ministers to provide more funding to support English National Opera and protect jobs in the orchestra, chorus and stage crews.

Published: 14 July 2023

Nigel Braithwaite on stage, behind a podium, making his speech to conference holding a walking aid. Behind him is the TUC blue presentation screen with a text display of his speech.

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

Our Delegates Nigel Braithwaite and Fiona Branson spoke on the importance of protecting accessible ticket offices at UK railway stations, as well as defending the rights of disabled freelance musicians.

Published: 12 July 2023

MU Fights for English National Opera's Future

We are continuing to make the case for the English National Opera (ENO), writing to key stakeholders and emphasising the impact that hastily made plans and underfunding will have on the wider classical music industry.

Published: 10 July 2023

The Houses of Parliament on a bright Summer evening, lit up with some bright orange lights.

Recipients of Parliamentary Jazz Awards Announced for 2023

The Parliamentary Jazz Awards which were announced on Tuesday 4 July celebrate and recognise the vibrancy, diversity, talent and breadth of the jazz scene throughout the United Kingdom.

Published: 10 July 2023

Customers bring served at the ticket office inside Marylebone railway station in London.

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

The MU is supporting RMT in its opposition to plans by Government and train companies to close ticket offices across the rail network. Have your say by taking part in a public consultation and signing the official petitions.

Published: 07 July 2023

Utako Toyama smiling in front of a blue presentation screen saying TUC LGBT+ Conference 2023.

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

MU Delegate Utako Toyama spoke about the importance of mental health in relation to trans and non-binary inclusion at work - a motion supported by the NUJ and passed unanimously.

Published: 03 July 2023

Closeup of notepad for agenda kept on table in empty corporate conference room.

The FEU Calls For an Independent Appointment Procedure for BBC Board

The Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU), of which the Musicians’ Union is a member, has released a statement calling for a new, independent body which represents licence fee payers.

Published: 30 June 2023

BBC Portland Place in the day time, with some people walking in and out of the building

BBC Write to MU General Secretary Confirming Progress on Performing Group Sustainable Future

The BBC have written to the MU with updates on how they plan to provide a sustainable future for their performing groups, and we remain in meaningful discussion with them following months of uncertainty for our members.

Published: 27 June 2023

Band in recording studio booth, with technician in foreground by mixing desk.

Help Save Brixton Hill Studios From Closure by Writing to MP

MU members are encouraged to write to Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy with their concerns using a template letter, as it faces imminent closure due to extortionate rent increases and lack of negotiation.

Published: 22 June 2023

A close up of a Black musician holding a saxophone.

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

To commemorate Windrush Day - which this year marks 75 years since the arrival of the Windrush in Britain - we revisit MU member Millicent Stephenson’s story, along with additional information and resources.

Published: 22 June 2023

Black background with golden glitter and confetti to represent a celebration.

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

We look back on the Union’s rich history and the battles won and lost over the decades.

Published: 20 June 2023

Microphone against a dark background with rainbow light

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

As part of Pride month we’d like to highlight resources for the LGBT+ community and allies in the music industry, including the second season of Come Play With Me’s podcast which focuses on queer conversations in music.

Published: 19 June 2023

Performer Susanne Xin in front of an audience, next to a microphone and table.

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

Use your power to support musicians seeking sanctuary this Refugee Week with our list of helpful resources.

Published: 19 June 2023

Young Black female musician playing drums in a recording studio.

MU Responds to Government Plans to Grow Economy and Boost Creative Industries

The plans aim to grow the economy and boost UK creative industries by £50 billion.

Published: 15 June 2023

Music stand holding open music books with chairs and an acoustic guitar in the background.

Arts Council England Confirms New Music Hub Geographies

Arts Council England (ACE) has confirmed that from September 2024 there will be 43 Music Hubs in England, down from the current 116. Here MU National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing Chris Walters looks at the implications for members.

Published: 13 June 2023

William Shakespeare statue in Leicester Square, London.

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

The MU will join other members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions to show solidarity in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 14 June.

Published: 07 June 2023

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

The breach was of a third-party system, not the BBC's own servers and systems and relates to BBC employees and individuals engaged by the BBC on a PAYE basis.

Published: 06 June 2023

Member only Read more about BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

The outside roof detail of the London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

The motion was passed on Thursday 8 June and called for Arts Council England to end its requirement for the English National Opera to establish a primary base out of London.

Published: 05 June 2023

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

The guide provides tips and important information for owners in relation to the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits.

Published: 02 June 2023

Fair Score Signals New Phase of Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

Explore what Composers Against Buyouts has achieved in the last two years, and why we're taking on the next phase of the campaign under the new banner Fair Score.

Published: 01 June 2023

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

There will be events across the country where you can find out all you need to know about getting paid as a recording musician, with some dates also open to non members and plus ones.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of a home recording studio with speakers, laptop keyboard and midi keyboard.

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

The MU and the UK Council of Music Makers welcomes the Intellectual Property Office’s announcement of a new voluntary code to improve metadata and transparency for music creators in another milestone for Fix Streaming.

Published: 01 June 2023

Two musicians on a stage lit with purple lighting, one on a microphone and phone in the background on a deck.

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

The new membership for musicians escaping famine, conflict and persecution means that refugees can now join the MU for one year for free, and access all the union’s advice and services to help build their lives in the UK.

Published: 01 June 2023

Howard Rogerson dressed in a white suit as conductor, on stage with the orchestra facing a seated audience.

Howard Rogerson: The Importance of Access to Free and Meaningful Music Education

In this insightful blog, long standing MU member Howard Rogerson reflects on how free access to quality music education was crucial for his lifelong career in music.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of woman sat playing acoustic guitar in front of open laptop

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

Government is establishing an industry working group to explore fair pay for musicians and music creators from streaming in a win for the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 30 May 2023

Microphone in front of the bands instruments standing ready on a stage for a live performance.

MU Meets With Mayor of London Team to Discuss Racial Profiling Of Live Events

The discussion focused on the allegations of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police, where venues were pressured into cancelling shows by predominantly Black artists and artists who perform music of Black origin.

Published: 24 May 2023

A view panning over rooftops indicating dense housing in an area of Lewisham.

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

A classical musician who had to move out of her London flat following noise complaints has started a petition calling for clarification around music practice in relation to statutory nuisance laws, which the MU has followed up with a letter to Lewisham Council.

Published: 23 May 2023

A keyboard is propped up at a diagonal angle with rainbow lights highlighting the different keys, the background is dark.

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

Two young Black musicians sat talking to each other in a recording studio.

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

Earlier this week the MU’s Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official Natalie Witts-Kilshaw attended an expert panel, hosted by Music Support, discussing mental health first aid in the music industry and the recording is now available to watch back.

Published: 18 May 2023

Black male rapping with microphone in camo jacket and glasses with a small crowd in the background.

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

The MU is deeply concerned that claims of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police have once again surfaced.

Published: 18 May 2023

Young woman deep in thought wearing yellow headphones against a warm yellow background.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

To mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week we’re sharing information and resources about what the MU does to support mental health and wellbeing.

Published: 15 May 2023

MU Urges Lambeth Council to Reopen O2 Brixton Academy

The proposed permanent closure of the venue would be not only an unnecessary reaction, but a huge blow to the music scene in London and beyond.

Published: 05 May 2023

Three people sat in an airport with suitcase and an acoustic guitar.

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

The additional information from the EU Commission on touring with portable instruments and supplementary equipment will provide some clarity for MU members.

Published: 04 May 2023

Outside of the London Coliseum, current home of the ENO.

MU and Entertainment Unions Call on Arts Council England to Safeguard ENO's Future

The MU, Equity and Bectu have called upon Arts Council England to produce a realistic strategy for the English National Opera which remains under threat.

Published: 04 May 2023

Kelly Wood, Paul Smith, Annabella Coldrick and Jeremy Pritchard post panel at Liverpool Sound City 2023.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

The MU led an insightful panel discussion at this year’s event on the UK live sector’s new relationship with Europe.

Published: 04 May 2023

Woman, facing away, holding her hand up to represent no or stop.

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

Email your MP to protect parts of the Workers Protection Bill that will help end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 03 May 2023

Busker Charlotte Campbell, a white woman with long blonde hair sings in an outdoor location, smiling into the microphone and strumming an acoustic guitar.

Singer-Songwriter Charlotte Campbell on Making Connections Through Busking

For Charlotte Campbell, busking is so much more than a career stepping stone. It’s a medium that offers immediacy and a powerful way to connect with her audience. We follow her career from the BRIT School to the Southbank.

Published: 03 May 2023

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POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

PiPA Launch Survey on Work-Life Balance For Those Working in the Arts

Sign The Petition to Protect Jobs at English National Opera

MU Delegate Highlights From TUC’s Disabled Workers Conference 2023

MU Fights for English National Opera's Future

Recipients of Parliamentary Jazz Awards Announced for 2023

Take Action Against Potential Closure of Nearly 1,000 UK Rail Ticket Offices

MU Motion on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Passed at TUC LGBT+ Conference

The FEU Calls For an Independent Appointment Procedure for BBC Board

BBC Write to MU General Secretary Confirming Progress on Performing Group Sustainable Future

Help Save Brixton Hill Studios From Closure by Writing to MP

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

MU Responds to Government Plans to Grow Economy and Boost Creative Industries

Arts Council England Confirms New Music Hub Geographies

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

Fair Score Signals New Phase of Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

Howard Rogerson: The Importance of Access to Free and Meaningful Music Education

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

MU Meets With Mayor of London Team to Discuss Racial Profiling Of Live Events

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

MU Urges Lambeth Council to Reopen O2 Brixton Academy

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

MU and Entertainment Unions Call on Arts Council England to Safeguard ENO's Future

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

Singer-Songwriter Charlotte Campbell on Making Connections Through Busking