News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a piano keyboard with warm fairy lights spread out across the keys.

Welcoming RSL's New and Inclusive Classical Piano Syllabus

Contemporary art exam board RSL have announced a new classical piano syllabus – the first of their new series of classical syllabi – and it is inclusive of the rich diversity of music teachers and students.

Published: 30 November 2020

Photograph of a number of music stands set up with scores on them, although the background is blurred out and we can't see specific notes on the scores.

Diversity and Inclusion Work at RSL

Norton York – RSL Awards Founder and Chairman – talks about how working with the MU helped focus RSL’s efforts on diversity and inclusion.

Published: 30 November 2020

Photograph of an assortment of percussive instruments set out for use in a classroom.

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Over the last week we’ve updated our advice for music teachers working in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to reflect changes to – and clarifications we’ve received on – the Coronavirus restrictions across the UK.

Published: 30 November 2020

Jess Gillam with her saxophone on the beach

Jess Gillam: Bringing the Saxophone to the Forefront of Classical Music

Saxophonist Jess Gillam has been hailed by classical music critics since her scintillating performance at the Proms.

Published: 29 November 2020

Kojo Samuel in his studio, smiling, sitting next to a guitar and a Korg MS2000 synth

How Becoming a Music Director Took Kojo Samuel to Glasto

From the Sugababes to Stormzy... Music director Kojo Samuel gives us an insight into what the MD job actually entails and how he started working with the stars.

Published: 29 November 2020

Life in the LSO: First Violin Maxine Kwok-Adams on Her Orchestral Career

With her dynamic style and vibrant Twitter feed Maxine Kwok-Adams defies expectations of what an orchestral musician should be. Here she discusses her dream job with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO).

Published: 28 November 2020

Drill rappers Skengdo x AM (Terrell Doyley and Joshua Malinga)

Why Are Drill Rappers Criminalised for Making Music?

Drill music has been demonised in the press, but silencing young, predominantly black musicians is discriminatory and won't stop gang violence.

Published: 27 November 2020

Matthew Halsall: Musician, Bandleader and Manchester Label Founder

Gifted trumpeter, bandleader and founder of Gondwana Records: how Manchester-based Matthew Halsall is at the heart of UK jazz.

Published: 27 November 2020

Emily Barker with a guitar standing against a bigtree

Emily Barker: a Singer-Songwriter Who Spans Country, Folk and Blues

From haunting theme tunes to groove-smitten Americana, Aussie-born Emily Barker is a prolific singer-songwriter.

Published: 26 November 2020

Blurred stage, there are purple stage lights and the suggestion of musicians, seen as if looking up from the wooden boarded floor at the bottom.

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

In welcome news for the self-employed, today’s Spending Review from the Government confirms that changes to the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will stay in place.

Published: 26 November 2020

Black and white photograph of an orchestra pit during a theatre performance, we are looking from behind the conductor who is gesturing largely.

New Government Measures Deliver Blow for Live Music in England

The Government’s re-worked three tier system has given us reason for concern, in particular the new cap on capacities for indoor live events under Tiers 1 and 2.

Published: 26 November 2020

Photograph of an old fashioned map of England, focusing around Manchester.

List of Tiers in England Announced by the Government

Members in England can now find out which tier will apply to them when lockdown measures are lifted on Wednesday 2 December, and check it against our advice for musicians under the different levels.

Published: 26 November 2020

Photograph of a woman performing on a guitar and singing, with a webcam set up and recording a live stream of her.

Make Misogyny History

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the role misogyny plays and creating safe workplaces for women.

Published: 25 November 2020

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Musicians’ Union has written to the Government to request more pragmatic and clearer guidance for instrumental and vocal learning during the next period of restrictions in England.

Published: 24 November 2020

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 24 November 2020

The Levaré Quartet: a String Quartet Thriving on Diversity in Post-Brexit Britain

Diversity and spontaneity define the music of the Levaré Quartet, an international ensemble formed by students at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Published: 23 November 2020

Photograph of a number of coloured blocks placed around a black and white photograph of a young girl playing guitar in what appears to be her bedroom. Text reads

Artists Called to Give Evidence in Person at Streaming Inquiry

Musicians Tom Gray, Nadine Shah, Guy Garvey and Ed O’Brien will be giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the economics of music streaming.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of an aerial view of Glasgow, the sky above is blue and the trees are bright green.

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Further clarification from the Scottish Government means that we have now updated our guidance for teachers in Scotland, with more detailed advice for working across the five tier system.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of a young child wearing a facemask, sat at a keyboard.

Third Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Members are encouraged to use the eligibility check and prepare their evidence in advance of the second phase of the Welsh Freelancer Fund opening at 10:00 am on Monday 23 November.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of an empty stage, looking out from the back towards where the audience would be, with bright lights shining down.

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

UK Music’s annual Music By Numbers report reveals the £5.8bn boost to the economy before Covid-19’s catastrophic blow – and renewed calls for Government action to protect the industry.

Published: 18 November 2020

Photograph of a film composer working at a computer with a musical keyboard under the other hand.

New Online Donation Platform for Composers Announced

Sound and Music have received significant funding from the Boltini Trust to lead the development of Music Patron, an ambitious new online platform that will connect composers directly with patrons.

Published: 17 November 2020

Black and white photograph of a conductors hands, holding a baton over the music stand at the head of an orchestra. The musicians in the background are blurred.

Disability History Month: Music Making and the Fates of Disabled People

Conductor and composer Ben Lunn discusses how we need to celebrate “the disabled musicians and artists who exist,” whilst, “making sure disabled people can live in dignity and safety and are able to pursue whatever profession they desire to.”

Published: 17 November 2020

Graphic image includes three brightly coloured squares, one with the text

Calling All Songwriters, Composers and Performers: A #FixStreaming Update

Have your say in the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into music streaming – you now have until Friday 11 December to submit your thoughts.

Published: 17 November 2020

Photograph of MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge stood on a podium, he appears to be mid speech, talking into a microphone.

A Message From MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge explains how, due to our unprecedented times and the Union’s need for stability and continuity, he will be standing again for election to the position of General Secretary for a further term at the beginning of 2022.

Published: 16 November 2020

Photograph of a classroom, the sun is rising from the far window filling the room a golden yellow glow.

Research Fuels Call on Scottish Government to Revise Teaching Policy

Scottish Charity, the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG), points towards research that singing is no more risky than talking, and calls on the Scottish Government to revise their current position on singing, brass and woodwind teaching.

Published: 16 November 2020

Got Five Minutes? Take Action to Fix Streaming Now

This is a defining moment in our industry. Whether you’ve got five minutes or thirty minutes, take action now to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 13 November 2020

Photograph of a musicians hand poised over a mostly blank score, they are holding a pen and have notated a few music notes.

MU at STUC Fringe Event on Building Back Better

MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Caroline Sewell, will be presenting on Thinking outside the box: creative solutions to building back better, online on Sunday 15 November.

Published: 13 November 2020

Photograph of a ferry leaving a port and heading out to sea, the photograph includes an image of the dock we are looking out to the ferry from.

CITES Survey: Does your Instrument Contain Endangered Species

Help DEFRA check what additional efforts may be required as the end of the transition period approaches, by completing this short survey.

Published: 12 November 2020

Photograph of white, iPhone style earphones with a bright red background behind them.

MU Advice on Copyright in Education Featured on Podcast

Our London Regional Officer, Natalie Witts, appeared on the Music Teachers Association podcast, discussing crucial information that teachers need to know before embarking on virtual Christmas Concerts.

Published: 12 November 2020

Photograph of a man singing guitar in a dimly lit venue, a bright yellow and orange star is illuminated on the wall behind him.

Inc Arts Launches New Fund to Support People who Experience Racism in the Arts

Thanks to support from the UK’s creative sector, the Inc Arts Minds fund will offer free support for the emotional well-being of people who experience racism in the arts.

Published: 12 November 2020

Photograph of an empty recording studio.

New Guidance Document on Music Production During English Lockdown

Umbrella organisation UK Music – of which the MU is a part – has launched a new guide on working safely during Covid-19 in workplaces for music and music video production.

Published: 12 November 2020

Photograph of a variety of microphones, each one a different style of vintage, set out in a row on a table. The background is a shiny blue.

Defining Your Own Vocal Identity

This article briefly examines the issues giving rise to gender identity in a voice, and headlines the approaches open to trans*+ musicians in defining their own vocal identity.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of CN Lester, they are sat at a piano singing and playing.

Dos and Don’ts of Working with Trans Colleagues

“You don’t need any special skills to support trans colleagues – we’re looking for the same basic level of respect, empathy, and tact that you would (hopefully) show to any fellow musician.”

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of a musician with a guitar performing outside, their back is to the camera and there are bright green and yellow leaves against a grey sky.

Welsh Government Announces Additional Funding for Cultural Recovery Fund

The Welsh Government announced on Wednesday 11 November that it will be investing a further £10.7m in the Cultural Recovery Fund, including further money for the Freelancer Fund.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of a packed concert taking place indoors, there is red lighting shining through smoke and the band in the distance are blurred.

Birmingham Musicians Encouraged to Complete Live Music Survey

Members in Birmingham are encouraged to fill out BLMP's survey on their experiences in the creative industries, to help protect Birmingham's vibrant music scene and be in with the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of a group of young musicians sat cross legged on the floor, they appear to be rehearsing something and sheet music is spread out on the floor.

Help Musicians Hardship Fund Opens for Third Phase of Applications

The Hardship fund is designed to provide financial support to professional musicians who fall through the gaps of government support or are unable to make ends meet.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of earphones and a microphone resting on a wooden surface.

Updated Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve now received confirmation DCMS that it is okay for musicians to rehearse in their homes under the current lockdown in England.

Published: 11 November 2020

Photograph of a young mother, playing on a guitar whilst being distracted by a toddler who is reaching out to the instrument. They are both smiling.

Discrimination Against Women in SEISS to go Under Judicial Review

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed have pointed out that self-employed women who have taken maternity leave between 2016 and 2019 will miss out in the calculation of their SEISS entitlement

Published: 10 November 2020

Photograph of a woman outdoors, arms raised towards the sun with beautiful countryside in the background, she appears to be swaying to the music.

The MU at the First Ever Boudica Music Conference

Boudica Music Conference will focus on inspiring more womxn and non-binary people to become involved in the music industry.

Published: 10 November 2020

Photograph of a child playing with a tambourine. The background is blurred but seems to suggest that a lesson is taking place.

Updated Advice for Teachers Across the UK

We have rewritten our advice for teachers working in the UK, in response to the current Government restrictions in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.

Published: 09 November 2020

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Welcoming RSL's New and Inclusive Classical Piano Syllabus

Diversity and Inclusion Work at RSL

Advice for Music Teachers Updated for all of UK

Jess Gillam: Bringing the Saxophone to the Forefront of Classical Music

How Becoming a Music Director Took Kojo Samuel to Glasto

Life in the LSO: First Violin Maxine Kwok-Adams on Her Orchestral Career

Why Are Drill Rappers Criminalised for Making Music?

Matthew Halsall: Musician, Bandleader and Manchester Label Founder

Emily Barker: a Singer-Songwriter Who Spans Country, Folk and Blues

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

New Government Measures Deliver Blow for Live Music in England

List of Tiers in England Announced by the Government

Make Misogyny History

The MU Calls on Ministers to Issue Clearer Guidance on Out-of-School Music Learning Under the New Tiered Restrictions

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

The Levaré Quartet: a String Quartet Thriving on Diversity in Post-Brexit Britain

Artists Called to Give Evidence in Person at Streaming Inquiry

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Third Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

New Online Donation Platform for Composers Announced

Disability History Month: Music Making and the Fates of Disabled People

Calling All Songwriters, Composers and Performers: A #FixStreaming Update

A Message From MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

Research Fuels Call on Scottish Government to Revise Teaching Policy

Got Five Minutes? Take Action to Fix Streaming Now

MU at STUC Fringe Event on Building Back Better

CITES Survey: Does your Instrument Contain Endangered Species

MU Advice on Copyright in Education Featured on Podcast

Inc Arts Launches New Fund to Support People who Experience Racism in the Arts

New Guidance Document on Music Production During English Lockdown

Defining Your Own Vocal Identity

Dos and Don’ts of Working with Trans Colleagues

Welsh Government Announces Additional Funding for Cultural Recovery Fund

Birmingham Musicians Encouraged to Complete Live Music Survey

Help Musicians Hardship Fund Opens for Third Phase of Applications

Updated Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

Discrimination Against Women in SEISS to go Under Judicial Review

The MU at the First Ever Boudica Music Conference

Updated Advice for Teachers Across the UK