News & Stories for Musicians

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

Violin, acoustic guitar and percussion instruments on tiled carpet representing European folk style.

MU Joins the European Folk Network

The MU has joined the pan-Europe organisation supporting folk and traditional music and culture across Europe.

Published: 21 April 2023

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

MU delegate Tom Plater explores the impact of Government arts funding cuts on young people in this speech to TUC Young Workers’ Conference 2023.

Published: 18 April 2023

MU Success at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union motion on protecting workers from sexual harassment on public transport was voted a TUC Young Workers’ Forum priority campaign for 2023-24.

Published: 17 April 2023

Kelli-Leigh sits on stage at the MU Members' Conference, a blue background behind her. She has one hand raised in the air as she speaks into a microphone.

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

In Kelli-Leigh’s resonant keynote speech at the MU Members’ Conference, she discussed her journey to standing up for what she believes in, and discovering others going through the same.

Published: 17 April 2023

Outside of BBC headquarters building London.

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

The MU believes the BBC is signalling a reset of the consultation process and the union will enter talks with them on the basis that discussion will focus on alternatives to the job cuts.

Published: 13 April 2023

People at the ENO joint Unions demo from November 2022 holding signs reading Fund the Arts.

MU Welcomes Latest English National Opera Funding News

The Musicians’ Union welcomes opportunity for additional funding for English National Opera, but warns it still represents a significant real-terms cut.

Published: 12 April 2023

Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

Out of focus back of seated audience members head, watching a play on stage.

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

The Anything Doesn’t Go campaign aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in UK theatres, calling on venue management to take a more proactive approach via the new Charter.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

MU Responds to Leaked Documents on Future of BBC Performing Groups

The Musicians’ Union responds to leaked documents about the BBC Performing Groups published by classical music blog Slipped Disc.

Published: 04 April 2023

External shot of the BBC head office in London.

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

The BBC’s u-turn on the BBC Singers is positive news. However, their future and 43 jobs in the BBC Concert, Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras are still at risk.

Published: 03 April 2023

Acoustic guitar and sheet music stand next to some chairs in an empty music classroom.

Joint MU-NEU Music Education Motion Passed at NEU Conference

The motion and speech highlighted the importance of arts and music education in schools and the need for proper funding.

Published: 03 April 2023

Close up of clasped hands resting on table at a committee meeting.

A Statement on the MU’s Vote in Labour NEC Meeting

On Tuesday at the Labour Party National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting the MU voted in favour of the motion removing NEC backing for Jeremy Corbyn standing as an MP. The MU’s Executive Committee was consulted in advance and a decision was taken by email vote.

Published: 30 March 2023

Close up of a women's hand playing piano.

Karen Marshall: Women’s History Month, Female Composers and Me

MU member and music educator Karen Marshall tells us about her educational book Her Story which celebrates the piano music of 29 lost, but inspiring female composers.

Published: 29 March 2023

A hand reaches out to touch the power switch on a large amplifier, the switch is glowing red.

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

After distributing £1.37m to musicians in 2022, the MU’s Recording & Broadcasting department reflect on why this was a particularly high year, and advise members who are yet to receive their payments.

Published: 29 March 2023

Microphone in radio studio and red 'on air' sign.

How to Get Your Music Played on the Radio

Getting your music played on national radio has never been easy and it’s getting even tougher. Here’s how to improve your chances.

Published: 28 March 2023

Naomi Pohl and Jack Apperley holding the Singers petition outside of the BBC offices.

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and conductor Jack Apperley have delivered a copy of the Save the BBC Singers petition to BBC Director General Tim Davie.

Published: 28 March 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

Tall green glass building with the letters BBC spelt out on the front, Portland Place in London

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Following intense discussions with the MU, a petition reaching over 120,000 signatures, and musicians and supporters rallying against the proposed job cuts, the announcement comes as very welcome news.

Published: 24 March 2023

Orchestral instruments on an empty stage.

Britten Sinfonia Launch Play On Donation Appeal

The East of England Orchestra has launched the £1 million appeal following withdrawal of its funding as an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.

Published: 23 March 2023

Black and white photo of female conductor from behind with hands raised.

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

In this guest blog, Her Ensemble member, orchestral and chamber musician Christine Anderson shares her experiences and thoughts on women and diversity within the classical music industry.

Published: 23 March 2023

Plans to Axe BBC Singers Threaten Future of Freelancers and Young Singers Across the UK

Mezzo Lorna Price explains what BBC proposals to axe BBC Singers means for hundreds of freelancers and in particular, young musicians starting their careers.

Published: 23 March 2023

General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage in front of a CMM banner.

Council of Music Makers Calls on Labels, Publishers and Streaming Platforms to Unite on Streaming Reforms

The Council of Music Makers, which includes the Musicians’ Union, is calling on industry to unite to fix streaming.

Published: 22 March 2023

Birmingham UK Skyline. Market, St Martins Church, Rotunder and The Bullring.

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

Create change in the Musicians’ Union, in your sector or in the wider music industry - submit a motion to MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 21 March 2023

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

BBC Singers explain who they are, what they do, and why the UK’s only full-time professional choir is crucial to the future of classical music.

Published: 20 March 2023

Close up of single microphone on stage in front of out of focus crowd.

How to Overcome Performance Anxiety

With over 70% of UK musicians suffering from anxiety in their public-facing work, leading UK performance and speaking coach Jimmy Cannon talks about root causes, quick fixes and long-term solutions to the issue.

Published: 20 March 2023

shadow of a musician on stage with microphones

Depping Out: an Essential Guide for Function Band Musicians

Practical and legal implications to consider when depping out gigs as a function band.

Published: 17 March 2023

BBC Maida Vale studios- a historical and iconic music recording studios in West London.

Petition to Save the BBC Singers Reaches 120,000 Signatures

Since the BBC announced cuts to its employed Performing Groups last Tuesday, significant public and industry support has been expressed for the BBC Singers and the three affected BBC orchestras: the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Philharmonic.

Published: 16 March 2023

Black and white image of Jon Hart on stage from behind facing crowd.

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, award-winning acoustic artist and MU member Jon Hart shares his experiences of breaking through conformity, and explains how although career success may come and go, music as true self-representation is always a constant.

Published: 16 March 2023

Hand holding the red dispatch box outside Downing Street ahead of revealing the budget in the House of Commons.

MU Achieves Budget Success on Orchestra and Theatre Tax Relief

Theatre and Orchestra tax relief will be maintained at current levels for another two years.

Published: 15 March 2023

Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians

Our members and approved contractors contributed to some of the soundtracks of the very best films won and nominated.

Published: 15 March 2023

Child playing a recorder, reading intently from a music stand.

Arts Council England Proposes Reduced Number of Music Hubs

A proposal to reduce the number of Music Hubs from 116 to 43, to be accomplished by merging the existing Music Hub areas, is out to public consultation until 31 March. Anyone with an interest in Music Hubs should complete the consultation.

Published: 14 March 2023

Three teenage students at a drum lesson.

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Assessing how peri music teachers are coping with education cuts, the cost of living crisis and the ongoing erosion of music provision in schools.

Published: 13 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers performing in a concert

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

Musicians and supporters are rallying behind BBC Singers and Orchestras affected by proposed job cuts – taking action, sharing on social media, and keeping the issue in the press.

Published: 10 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers gather at Madia Vale

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – here's what the union is doing and how you can show your support.

Published: 10 March 2023

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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

MU Joins the European Folk Network

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

MU Success at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

MU Welcomes Latest English National Opera Funding News

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

MU Responds to Leaked Documents on Future of BBC Performing Groups

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

Joint MU-NEU Music Education Motion Passed at NEU Conference

A Statement on the MU’s Vote in Labour NEC Meeting

Karen Marshall: Women’s History Month, Female Composers and Me

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

How to Get Your Music Played on the Radio

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Britten Sinfonia Launch Play On Donation Appeal

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

Plans to Axe BBC Singers Threaten Future of Freelancers and Young Singers Across the UK

Council of Music Makers Calls on Labels, Publishers and Streaming Platforms to Unite on Streaming Reforms

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

How to Overcome Performance Anxiety

Depping Out: an Essential Guide for Function Band Musicians

Petition to Save the BBC Singers Reaches 120,000 Signatures

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

MU Achieves Budget Success on Orchestra and Theatre Tax Relief

Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians

Arts Council England Proposes Reduced Number of Music Hubs

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals