News & Stories for Musicians

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Lobbying Update: Another Week, Another Brexit Argument

In this week’s lobbying update, find out more about how issues for touring musicians were covered in yesterday’s debate in parliament and what the MU intends to focus on moving forward.

Published: 20 January 2021

A woman standing on a bus looks at her phone. She is wearing headphones and carrying a guitar

How to Fight the Climate Crisis and Be More Sustainable

The environment needs all the help it can get. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at making the MU more sustainable and how you can help.

Published: 20 January 2021

A young musician singing into a microphone behind a protective screen.

MU and The Ivors Academy Respond to Record Label Heads Contributions to Government Streaming Inquiry

The MU and The Ivors Academy have today responded with incredulity to the testimonies of the UK heads of the three major labels during questioning by the Select Committee inquiry into the Economics of Streaming.

Published: 19 January 2021

Black and white photograph from backstage at a festival. We can see a number of musicians playing on stage from behind, and a large outdoor audience facing inwards.

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

In welcome news, Minister for Culture Caroline Dineage confirmed that she is “looking into” possible insurance for music festivals, which would allow them to plan for summer 2021.

Published: 19 January 2021

Photograph of the sun setting over the houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

We received vital coverage on the need for a Musicians' Passport in today’s parliamentary debate. Find out what happened, what our next actions will be, and how you can get involved.

Published: 19 January 2021

Photograph of an accessible entrance sign attached to a brick wall outside a building.

Creating Your Own Access Rider

We recently held an event on “creating your own access rider,” in this article we set out the key learnings for the event – both from artists with personal experience of using access riders, and organisations who work on improving access.

Published: 18 January 2021

Photograph of a woman out on the street, listening to music on her mobile phone.

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming

Middlesex University are exploring the experiences and expectations of performing musicians regarding live streaming music in the wake of Covid-19 with this short survey.

Published: 15 January 2021

Photograph of the Palace of Westminster under a cold blue January sky.

Lobbying Update: A Busy Week on the Brexit Front

In our latest lobbying update, we discuss Brexit – from a lack of clarity over who is responsible for there not being a work permit exemption, to the PM being quizzed on touring in the EU during PMQs.

Published: 15 January 2021

Golden euphonium lies on a brown wooden stage in the light of a spotlight

We Demand Support from the PM for British Musicians Planning to Tour the EU

Our General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, has today written to the Prime Minister highlighting the barriers facing British musicians seeking to tour the EU in the post-lockdown era.

Published: 15 January 2021

Man engrossed in singing into a microphone in a recording studio, he is dressed casually in a hooded jumper and has his arms raised and eyes closed in concentration.

FAC Open Free Series of Events for Music-Artist Entrepreneurs

The Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) is holding a series of “Yeah, but…” free to attend, online, panel events, covering topics from using streaming services to creating a buzz around your work.

Published: 14 January 2021

Photograph of a musician walking, whilst carrying a guitar in a hard case. We can only see the musicians arms and torso, the guitar case is well worn looking.

No ATA Carnet Needed for Touring Between NI and rest of UK

We’ve had confirmation that members based in England, Scotland and Wales do not currently require an ATA Carnet to gig in Northern Ireland, and vice versa.

Published: 14 January 2021

Photograph of Big Ben from across Westminister bridge, traffic is rushing past leaving blurred lights behind.

PM Agrees to MPs Meeting to Discuss Agreement for Touring Musicians

Kevin Brennan MP asked the Prime Minister on behalf of our members, if there would be a meeting for senior MPs to discuss an agreement with the EU for touring musicians – to which he agreed.

Published: 13 January 2021

Make a Noise This Wednesday 13 January #InvestInMusicians

Call on the Government to invest in musicians, so that you can continue to make music during the pandemic and bounce back as the industry gets on its feet.

Published: 12 January 2021

Photograph of five women, all looking different from each other, walking through a field with their arms linked around each other.

Call for Evidence on Employer Responses to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

We encourage members to take part in the Fawcett Society’s call for evidence on sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly to make sure that freelance voices are heard.

Published: 12 January 2021

Two women sat in the mountains, raise their arms into the air as the sun rises in front of them.

MU and Equity Campaign on Domestic Abuse

An update on our Safe Space work with Equity – campaigning on domestic abuse, coercion and control.

Published: 12 January 2021

Photograph of a flute left resting on a duet score, left lying open.

New Summer School Scholarship for Young Composers and Music Creators

Faber Music will be supporting ten young composers and music creators, who face socioeconomic barriers, with bursaries to attend Sound and Music Summer School in 2021.

Published: 11 January 2021

Photograph of a drum kit, a person sits behind the drum kit, we can just see their legs, arms and the drum sticks frozen in action.

Leak Confirms that Government Rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians

We’re angry and alarmed to learn the news that the UK Government rejected an EU offer of visa-free touring by British musicians.

Published: 10 January 2021

Three of the familiar, blue plastic European Health Insurance Cards stacked against a pale blue background

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

We’ve received welcome news that the EHIC will not be scrapped as previously thought, but phased out and replaced with the GHIC.

Published: 07 January 2021

Photograph of a keyboard, with a webcam set up over the keys. It appears to be a live stream.

An Urgent Letter to the Chancellor

This week’s lobbying update discusses our letter to Rishi Sunak, requesting that he urgently looks at the situation for musicians.

Published: 06 January 2021

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar on stage, the light shining through is a bright pale blue.

MU Welcomes Recommendations on Live Music in Wales

A new Senedd Committee report into live music in Wales reveals the problems facing musicians and venues, with recommendations to support, strengthen, and grow the sector.

Published: 05 January 2021

Jazz saxophonist performing outdoors at a music festival.

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

An evidence session held today as part of the DCMS’ select committee festivals inquiry raised issues such as how the Cultural Recovery Fund does not benefit musicians, Brexit concerns, and the need for a Covid-proof insurance scheme.

Published: 05 January 2021

Photograph a vintage looking recording studio.

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Members in Glasgow and surrounding areas are encouraged to sign this petition calling on Glasgow City Council to include music studios in the 100% Covid council tax relief awarded to retail, leisure and hospitality.

Published: 04 January 2021

Photograph of a busker, their head isn't visible but they are wearing blue jeans and holding a plugged in electric guitar. In the background an open guitar case has money collected in it.

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

The MU has serious concerns over Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 04 January 2021

The Philharmonia Orchestra performing to a crowd

Why More Game Soundtracks Should be Recorded in the UK

Despite the popularity of game soundtracks, few are recorded in the UK. MU Assistant Secretary General Phil Kear looks at the MU's efforts to change that.

Published: 03 January 2021

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Artificial Intelligence tools have become increasingly prevalent in the creation of recorded and live music in recent years. Will Simpson assesses whether AI is the musician's friend or foe.

Published: 03 January 2021

Photograph of an empty school classroom, the sun is rising through the windows with a red and orange glow

Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Advice for members around school reopenings, following the NEU's position on schools not currently being a safe working environment.

Published: 02 January 2021

Photograph of assorted instrument lining up to be played in a classroom.

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

How the Government’s announcement about tiers in England and school openings may affect musicians.

Published: 30 December 2020

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament

There continues to be no clarity for musicians in the Brexit deal, which has now been voted on in parliament and passed.

Published: 30 December 2020

Photograph of two very small placards held up at a march, they read

Brexit Deal Contains No Detail for Musicians

The Government has now agreed a Brexit deal with Europe and will bring it back to Parliament on Wednesday for MPs to vote on.

Published: 28 December 2020

Working to Protect the Rights and Royalties of Composers

Composers need to be aware of rights grabs. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl reflects on how the Musicians’ Union and its members can fight back.

Published: 26 December 2020

Assessing the Future of Classical Music in the Covid-19 Climate

As some orchestral musicians make a tentative return to work, Andrew Stewart examines the challenges facing the classical music sector.

Published: 25 December 2020

Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Pioneer with a Mission to Introduce Tabla to the Next Generation of Musicians

How instrumentalist, composer and educator Kuljit Bhamra overcame disability to create a rich and diverse music career.

Published: 24 December 2020

Photograph of a singer, who we can not clearly see, silhouetted against bright stage lights on a smokey stage.

Songwriting Virtuosos Launch Masterclass for Creatives Impacted by the Pandemic

Songwriting virtuosos Boo Hewerdine and Findlay Napier have announced the launch of a series of songwriting workshops aimed at creative people in Scotland whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 23 December 2020

Photograph of a small boy playing around with a xylophone

Feldenkrais and Practice: Creativity and Play

In this Feldenkrais and Practise blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how we learn through play.

Published: 23 December 2020

Photograph of a musician performing at an outdoor event. We can only seem them and the neck of their guitar from behind. The sun is setting and the evening lighting is turning on.

Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

Are you applying – or thinking about applying – for Arts Council England music funding? If so, you may want to catch up with a replay of our webinar.

Published: 23 December 2020

Member only Read more about Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

Photograph of an empty Hastings Pier, with a stormy sky in the background.

New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

As our many of our members across London and south-east and east of England fall under the Government’s new tier four level restrictions, we’ve drawn up guidance on how these rules may affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

Photograph of a small boy playing the keyboard at home.

Wales Moves to Alert Level Four

An overview of how the Welsh Government’s alert level 4 restrictions, which have applied since midnight on 19 December, might affect musicians.

Published: 22 December 2020

Photograph of a violin in a travel case.

Brexit Details for Touring Musicians Unlikely Before End of Transition Period

Even if a Brexit deal is agreed before the transition period ends on Thursday 31 December, it is likely to only give basic essentials, with the potential for further detail.

Published: 21 December 2020

Photograph of two colourful suitcases against a bright yellow background.

Flowchart Guide to Working in the EU from 1 January 2021 Published

Members can now consult the flowchart we have compiled, to help with the increased administration that will be involved when working in Europe from 1 January.

Published: 21 December 2020

Photograph of what appears to be an empty theatre pit set up for musicians, with a drum, double bass and electronic keyboard set out.

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

Together with Equity and Bectu, the MU is calling on the government to exempt theatre productions from the Tier 3 regulations and to allow them to open to socially distanced audiences.

Published: 18 December 2020

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Lobbying Update: Another Week, Another Brexit Argument

How to Fight the Climate Crisis and Be More Sustainable

MU and The Ivors Academy Respond to Record Label Heads Contributions to Government Streaming Inquiry

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

Creating Your Own Access Rider

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming

Lobbying Update: A Busy Week on the Brexit Front

We Demand Support from the PM for British Musicians Planning to Tour the EU

FAC Open Free Series of Events for Music-Artist Entrepreneurs

No ATA Carnet Needed for Touring Between NI and rest of UK

PM Agrees to MPs Meeting to Discuss Agreement for Touring Musicians

Make a Noise This Wednesday 13 January #InvestInMusicians

Call for Evidence on Employer Responses to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

MU and Equity Campaign on Domestic Abuse

New Summer School Scholarship for Young Composers and Music Creators

Leak Confirms that Government Rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

An Urgent Letter to the Chancellor

MU Welcomes Recommendations on Live Music in Wales

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

Why More Game Soundtracks Should be Recorded in the UK

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Question Mark Over Schools Reopening

Change to Coronavirus Tiers and Update on Schools

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament

Brexit Deal Contains No Detail for Musicians

Working to Protect the Rights and Royalties of Composers

Assessing the Future of Classical Music in the Covid-19 Climate

Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Pioneer with a Mission to Introduce Tabla to the Next Generation of Musicians

Songwriting Virtuosos Launch Masterclass for Creatives Impacted by the Pandemic

Feldenkrais and Practice: Creativity and Play

Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

New Advice for Members in England’s Tier Four Published

Wales Moves to Alert Level Four

Brexit Details for Touring Musicians Unlikely Before End of Transition Period

Flowchart Guide to Working in the EU from 1 January 2021 Published

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre