News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a small child looking out a window onto a Spring like scene, a rainbow has been painted on the glass.

We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Along with over 3,000 other signatories, we’ve signed ExcludedUK’s letter calling for support in the Spring Budget for the 3.8m people who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s support scheme.

Published: 02 March 2021

Photograph of a music event outdoors. The guitarist is gesturing dramatically from the stage with pick and electric guitar, and you can see a drum kit with a drummers hands behind.

Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

We’ve published further details on the Government’s roadmap for easing lockdown, and how the different stages are likely to be relevant to musicians.

Published: 02 March 2021

View of Waverly Hill in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh standing empty.

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

The Scottish Government today outlined a four-stage approach for the easing of lockdown, taking us up to the end of April. After that, the plan is to return to a localised tier system.

Published: 23 February 2021

The sun is setting over the Scottish Parliament buildings as they stand in Holyrood, Edinburgh.

MU Endorses Monica Lennon MSP for Next Leader of Scottish Labour

The S&NI Regional Committee has voted to endorse Monica Lennon MSP in her bid to become the next leader of Scottish Labour.

Published: 23 February 2021

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

The PM has today set out his ‘roadmap’ for lifting Covid-19 restrictions in England. We'll be updating advice for musicians over the next week.

Published: 22 February 2021

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Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

An update on our Invest in Musicians campaign – which has been running for almost a year now – and what our plans are moving forwards.

Published: 19 February 2021

Photograph of a guitarist performing on a stage under blue toned stage lights.

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

An update on PRS for Music which clarifies various aspects of their licences for online ticketed events.

Published: 18 February 2021

Photograph of the houses of parliament taken in the evening.

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union, have welcomed the UK Government’s firm commitment to solve the critical issues facing touring post-Brexit.

Published: 18 February 2021

A collage of image and graphic, a photograph of Rishi Sunak in a leather jacket and sunglasses, with the addition of an open mouth rockstar symbol and large text reading

Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

With two weeks to go until the next budget, getting our message through to Rishi Sunak is more important than ever.

Published: 17 February 2021

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Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

The TUC and Stand Up To Racism have called for a day of mobilisation on Thursday 18 February, using the day to build awareness and participation in preparation for UN Anti Racism Day on 20 March.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a musician playing an acoustic double bass outdoors. The camera is looking up the double bass' neck from below, and the musician is looking away with a concentrated expression.

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened

Help Musicians UK (HMUK) have opened their Do It Differently Fund for another round of applications on 15 February, offering support for professional musicians of all genres and disciplines.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a drummer playing in silhouette against smoke and bright golden light.

Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

Power Up is a new ambitious, long-term initiative which will support Black music creators and industry professionals and executives, as well addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.

Published: 17 February 2021

A closeup photograph of a closeup stage light, we can see four bright, glowing white lights against a black backdrop of stage rigging.

New Definitive Guide to Funding Music Projects in the UK Launched

Remi Harris has launched a new, definitive guide to funding music projects in the UK, which can now be purchased from her website.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a string quartet, we can't see the musicians except for the arms holding the instruments. There is a violin in close view, behind is a blurred viola and cello.

Music Lecturer to Hold Day of Lectures in Fundraising Drive for our Hardship Fund

The Verdun Allen Music Foundation will be fundraising for our Covid-19 Hardship Fund with a special day of lectures on Saturday 27 February.

Published: 17 February 2021

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We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Concerned at the UK Government’s intentions to review the human rights framework and judicial review, we have come together with numerous organisations, charities and trades unions to present a joint statement.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograpgh of a function band from behind, they appear to be playing a gig in a small venue. We can see the back of a guitarist, and two singers standing further from the camera.

Additional £9M in Funding Announced for Scotland’s Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund

The Scottish Government have announced an additional £17.5 million to support creative freelancers and the events sector, including a welcome £9 million allocation to the Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a violin contained in a travel case. The travel case is resting open in the photo with the violn visiable.

Amended Brexit Guidance for Musicians with Portable Musical Instruments

It has been confirmed today by DCMS Minister Caroline Dinenage MP that musicians travelling into and around the EU with portable musical instruments are not required to obtain a Carnet.

Published: 16 February 2021

Photograph of semi closed blinds covering a window.

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

We’ve released our joint research with The Ivors Academy today, revealing how the majority of shielding musicians, songwriters and composers who we surveyed do not feel they can return to work until they are vaccinated.

Published: 16 February 2021

Major Milestone for the Fix Streaming Campaign

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge and The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies gave evidence in the fifth session of the music streaming inquiry.

Published: 12 February 2021

Stack of travel cases used to transport musical equipment.

MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

Whilst the MU lobbied hard against Brexit, the agreement reached with the EU means that currently ATA Carnets (a travel document needed for instruments and equipment) are a reality for musicians working in the EU.

Published: 11 February 2021

A photograph of two musicians sat in a studio next to a recording desk, they are both looking at the camera and one is holding a coffee.

Fifth Music Streaming Inquiry to be Broadcast Live

Watch Musicians’ Union General Secretary Horace Trubridge give evidence in the fifth session of the music streaming inquiry today from 2:30 pm.

Published: 10 February 2021

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Lobbying Update: Piling on the Pressure

Another week, another Brexit debate in parliament about touring musicians and yet more pressure being put on the Government to sort the situation out.

Published: 09 February 2021

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EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Despite our correspondence with airline EasyJet, we have been unable to persuade them to amend their new baggage policy, which will come into play from 10 February 2021.

Published: 08 February 2021

Two sets of drum sticks lie on different instruments in a percussion section set up but with absent musicians.

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Musicians’ Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians, are jointly calling for improved touring arrangements after Brexit.

Published: 08 February 2021

Close up of a performer at a festival, we can only see the foot of the performer in converse shoes, near a row of pedals - the rest of the photo looks out to an audience stood outdoors.

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

Leading music publisher Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) has announced the appointment of a group of external advisors to work with the company, with a particular focus on initiatives around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Published: 04 February 2021

Photograph of a little kid painting a rainbow onto a big glass window.

The TUC Are Demanding Pay Rises for Keyworkers

The TUC are campaigning for a pay rise for key workers, and will be kicking off a planning and strategy call on Tuesday 9 February at 6:00 pm.

Published: 04 February 2021

Woman waits by a train with a guitar strapped to her back, she is looking at her watch. Photo credit: Shutterstock

US Immigration Roll Backs

In this blog MU National Organiser Live Performance, Dave Webster, discusses how US President Biden has started to roll back on some of the executive orders brought in by President Trump.

Published: 03 February 2021

Photograph of a small baby in a floor seat, a musician is leaning over them playing guitar.

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Campaigning organisation Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) have published a new report on the impact of Covid-19, focusing on groups which are currently underrepresented in the sector.

Published: 03 February 2021

New Charity Offers Grants For Period-Instrument Ensembles

In response to widespread concert cancellations since March 2020, former City director and classical music lover Tina Vadaneaux has founded a new charity, Continuo Foundation (“Continuo”).

Published: 02 February 2021

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Lobbying Update: Feeling like Groundhog Day, But The Impact is Real

With the budget coming up on 3 March, getting our message through to Rishi Sunak is more important than ever and we thank every member who has been involved in this effort.

Published: 02 February 2021

Photograph of a sandy coloured electric guitar laid out on a wood table with a loop of amplifier cable and earphones also displayed.

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced

PRS for Music have announced that PRS members performing their own works in a small online ticketed concert can now obtain a free licence.

Published: 02 February 2021

Photograph of a musician, we can not see their face, in a grey t-shirt, stretching their hands.

New Series of Performance Health CPD Webinars Announced by BAPAM

BAPAM have released their plans for a series of webinars on performance health, to be held monthly on Wednesday evenings, with ticket prices ranging from £10 - £25.

Published: 29 January 2021

A number of instruments in hard cases proped at the side of a stage, looking slightly chaotic.

Lobbying Update: Practical Action

This week, we’ve been focussed on practical ways in which we can move the issue of Brexit forward – following weeks of arguments between the UK and the EU over where the fault lies for the lack of agreement over movement for musicians.

Published: 28 January 2021

Photograph of a person watching a live streamed gig on a mobile phone in their house.

Guidance on the PRS Online Event Licensing Tariff

PRS for Music has announced a new tariff for online ticketed events, so we’ve published an explainer on what’s going on and what musicians need to know.

Published: 28 January 2021

Photograph of a guitar leaning against a wooden chair, blurred in the background is a sunny classroom with a circle of students playing more guitars.

Student Members Encouraged to Participate in Research Study

Canterbury Christ Church University are carrying out a research project on undergraduate students’ experiences and perceptions of instrumental and singing teaching. Those who can are encouraged to participate by completing their survey.

Published: 26 January 2021

Photograph of a miniature placard held up at a protest, it reads

Evidence on Challenges Musicians Face as a Result of the Brexit Deal Presented to House of Lords

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge spoke to members of the House of Lords about the challenges facing musicians working in the EU as a result of the Brexit Deal.

Published: 25 January 2021

Portrait photograph of Lord Holmes, he wears a blue suit against a plain grey background and a serious expression.

Work Arrangements for UK Musicians in the EU: The Show Must Go On

In this blog, originally posted on Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE’s website and reposted here with his kind permission, he discusses how music is an important part of all of us – and a massive cultural export for the UK which must be protected.

Published: 25 January 2021

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

A number of major labels took centre stage in the latest session of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s music streaming inquiry.

Published: 25 January 2021

Photograph of a group of musicians sitting to play. The photograph is taken from the floor, and the primary focus is on the shoes of the musicians closest to the camera.

Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

Following rumours that the Government has plans to further water down workplace rights, including rest breaks, paid holiday entitlement and time spent on-call – we’ve released a joint statement with eleven other unions.

Published: 25 January 2021

Photograph of a teacher working with a student in a classroom, the student is playing onto a keyboard and the teacher is smiling encouragingly.

Government Extends Consultation on T Levels to 31 January

The MU has registered concerns about the Government’s new T level qualifications not including music, and we encourage members to respond before the deadline on 31 January.

Published: 22 January 2021

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We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

MU Endorses Monica Lennon MSP for Next Leader of Scottish Labour

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened

Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

New Definitive Guide to Funding Music Projects in the UK Launched

Music Lecturer to Hold Day of Lectures in Fundraising Drive for our Hardship Fund

We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Additional £9M in Funding Announced for Scotland’s Creative Freelancers Hardship Fund

Amended Brexit Guidance for Musicians with Portable Musical Instruments

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

Major Milestone for the Fix Streaming Campaign

MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

Fifth Music Streaming Inquiry to be Broadcast Live

Lobbying Update: Piling on the Pressure

EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

The TUC Are Demanding Pay Rises for Keyworkers

US Immigration Roll Backs

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

New Charity Offers Grants For Period-Instrument Ensembles

Lobbying Update: Feeling like Groundhog Day, But The Impact is Real

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced

New Series of Performance Health CPD Webinars Announced by BAPAM

Lobbying Update: Practical Action

Guidance on the PRS Online Event Licensing Tariff

Student Members Encouraged to Participate in Research Study

Evidence on Challenges Musicians Face as a Result of the Brexit Deal Presented to House of Lords

Work Arrangements for UK Musicians in the EU: The Show Must Go On

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

Government Extends Consultation on T Levels to 31 January