News & Stories for Musicians

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Lobbying Update: SEISS and Furlough Extensions Confirmed

As England heads into a month-long lockdown and the other nations consider their next steps, the MU has welcomed the extension of the furlough and SEISS schemes.

Published: 05 November 2020

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MU Set to Relocate London Main Office

The Musicians’ Union plans to move from its existing London headquarters in the Oval in 2021.

Published: 04 November 2020

Photograph close up to a microphone set up in a recording studio.

Advice for Members on Covid-19 Testing Requests

Our advice to members who are asked to participate in Covid-19 testing, in order to attend recording session engagements.

Published: 04 November 2020

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Survey on Birmingham Clean Air Zone

Support our campaign to lobby the council to mitigate the impact on musicians and associated businesses.

Published: 03 November 2020

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England to Go Under Nationwide Lockdown

A nationwide lockdown has been announced for England, from Thursday 5 November, through to Wednesday 2 December.

Published: 02 November 2020

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Lockdown in England: The Likely Effect on Musicians

A nationwide lockdown has been announced for England, as well as extensions to the Government’s SEISS and furlough schemes which will apply across the UK.

Published: 02 November 2020

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Your Guide to Giving Evidence to the Music Streaming Inquiry

The idea of giving evidence to a Select Committee can be daunting – especially when it’s about something as important and complex as streaming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Published: 30 October 2020

Streaming Inquiry Frequently Asked Questions

Have you got a question about the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the economics of music streaming? Take a look at these FAQs.

Published: 30 October 2020

Have Your Say in Select Committee Inquiry on Music Streaming

MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee want to know how the economics of music streaming are affecting you.

Published: 30 October 2020

Photograph of a group of children playing music in a classroom, they're playing percussive instruments and looking at their teacher attentively.

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Four)

In the fourth part of this blog, Saxophonist, Author and Music Education Consultant Nathan Holder highlights tracks by Black British musicians and how they can be incorporated into comprehensive lesson plans.

Published: 29 October 2020

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UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

Campaigning and lobbying group UK Music – of which the MU is a part – has released the results of its 2020 Workforce Diversity Survey, alongside a clear road map for change.

Published: 29 October 2020

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Arts Council of Northern Ireland Stability and Renewal Programme Opens

The £7.75m Stability and Renewal Programme is now open to support arts and cultural organisations in Northern Ireland.

Published: 29 October 2020

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New Five Tier System for Scotland Unveiled

Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled new Covid restrictions for Scotland today, the new five tier system will come into force from 6:00 am on Monday 2 November.

Published: 29 October 2020

Photograph of a saxophone lesson taking place, we see the teachers back but she is emphasising something with her hands. The student facing us is holding a saxophone and laughing.

The Welsh Economic Resilience Fund

The third round of funding from the Welsh Economic Resilience Fund opens for applications on the afternoon of Wednesday 28 October, members are urged to check the eligibility criteria and apply as soon as they are able.

Published: 28 October 2020

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Connecting with Audiences as an Orchestra During Lockdown

In this blog, originally put together in August, Daniel Trodden – Principal Tuba for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales – talks us through what an orchestral musician’s working life could look like in the new normal.

Published: 28 October 2020

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ABRSM Takes Action to Diversify their Syllabi

ABRSM have updated their Diversity and Inclusion programme to commit to a number of actions, including transforming their syllabus and commissioning new composers – following an open letter from the MU calling for action.

Published: 28 October 2020

An Open Letter on the Threat of Brexit to Creative Working Opportunities

The MU, Equity and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain have urged the Government to come forward with guidance and to stand up for creatives at the ongoing negotiations.

Published: 28 October 2020

Photograph of a young girl, singing into a microphone. The background of the picture is a yellow block of colour, with graphics of different musical notes flying out and away from the girl.

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Three)

In the third part of this blog, Saxophonist, Author and Music Education Consultant Nathan Holder highlights tracks by Black British musicians and how they can be incorporated into comprehensive lesson plans.

Published: 26 October 2020

musicians playing guitar and singing during online concert at home

A Guide to the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ Fund

Jess Partridge, founder and editor of new music group In Stereo, provides invaluable advice for musicians applying for Arts Council England (ACE) Developing Your Creative Practice Fund.

Published: 26 October 2020

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Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

We've extended our grant application advice to now cover Developing Your Creative Practice applications, as well as continuing to offer advice on ACE National Lottery Project Grants.

Published: 26 October 2020

Text reading: We can't leave workers without vital skills in a pandemic: the government must save union learning

Take Action Against Decision to Axe Union Learning Fund

For more than twenty years, the Union Learning Fund has supported trade union learning projects. Now the Government wants to cut its funding – putting the FEU Training programme under threat.

Published: 23 October 2020

FEU Releases Statement on #SaveUnionLearn

The FEU general secretaries have released the following statement on the scrapping of the Union Learning Fund from April 2021.

Published: 23 October 2020

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Further Clarification on Welsh Firebreak

We’ve had further clarification from the Welsh Government on recordings, and broadcast and streamed performances being able to continue during the firebreak.

Published: 23 October 2020

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Chancellor Announces Changes to Job Support Scheme and SEISS

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the next round of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme would rise from 20 to 40% of “people’s incomes” in a statement to the House of Commons.

Published: 22 October 2020

Photograph of a flute player, with just the flute and the performers hands visible. Other musicians are blurred in the background.

Eligibility Criteria for Creative Scotland Hardship Fund Announced

Applications for the £5m Hardship Fund will open for creative freelancers in Scotland at 12:00 pm on Monday 26 October.

Published: 22 October 2020

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Fix Streaming Campaign Covered on Reasons To Be Cheerful Podcast

Our Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to former Labour leader Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd for their podcast on ideas to fix the world.

Published: 20 October 2020

Photograph of MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl sat at a desk, she's holding a magazine but looking into the camera.

MU Deputy General Secretary Selected for Women in Music Roll of Honour

Our Deputy General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, has been selected for Music Week’s Women in Music Roll of Honour – which was published on Monday 19 October.

Published: 20 October 2020

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Welsh Government Announces Two-Week Firebreak Lockdown

On Monday 19 October, the Welsh Government announced that it will be introducing a two-week firebreak lockdown to try and bring Coronavirus under control in Wales.

Published: 20 October 2020

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Further Funding for Individuals in Northern Ireland Announced

Department for Communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced that a further £3m has been allocated to the Arts Council Northern Ireland (ACNI) for distribution to individuals in the arts and creative industries.

Published: 19 October 2020

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ABO and MU Highlight Lack of Financial Support for Freelance Musicians

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the Musicians’ Union (MU) have joined forces to express their deep concern about the lack of support for self-employed musicians during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Published: 15 October 2020

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How Can We Work Towards a Safe Reopening

In this blog, MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge discusses the work the MU is doing towards safely opening up areas of the live performance sector.

Published: 15 October 2020

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Second 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 19 October.

Published: 15 October 2020

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The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Government Inquiry into Music Streaming

The MU and The Ivors Academy have warmly welcomed today’s announcement of a Government inquiry into streaming in the music industry and, in particular, the economic impact music streaming is having on artists and the sustainability of the wider music industry.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of two live performers, only the people's legs and the bottom of the microphone is visible. One of the people is wearing very stand-out brightly pattered trousers.

Scottish Fund for Creative Freelancers Opening Soon

Creative Scotland’s Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers will be opening at 12:00 pm on Monday 26 October, and today they have announced their delivery partners.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of Millicent Stephenson, she is wearing white against a white background whilst holding out a microphone and smiling.

The Journey of a Menopausal Musician

Multi-award winning saxophonist and MU Executive Committee member Millicent Stephenson shares her experiences, ahead of World Menopause Day 18 October.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of a brass instrument being played in an orchestral context. We are close to the instrument, but can see music stands and more musicians blurred in the background.

Musicians' Movement and ISM Letter to the Chancellor

The Musicians' Movement Forum, which has over 16,000 members on Facebook and is a campaigning group led by musicians Phil Meadows and Christopher Barrett, has collaborated with the ISM on a letter to the Chancellor.

Published: 15 October 2020

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CITES: End of Transition Update

If your instrument contains endangered species and you don't yet have Musical Instrument Certificate (MIC), you can apply for one for free.

Published: 14 October 2020

Photograph of a guitar with a mask hanging from the neck, a blue curtain in the background.

Four Week “Circuit Breaker,” Announced for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Executive have announced a number of new restrictions in the form of a four week “circuit breaker” exercise in order to curb the current increase in coronavirus infections.

Published: 14 October 2020

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Three-Tier System of Restrictions in England Announced

Boris Johnson has announced a new three-tier system of restrictions in England, which will come into force on Wednesday 14 October.

Published: 13 October 2020

A pair of headphones resting on a keyboard with a blue background.

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Two)

In the second part of this blog, Saxophonist, Author and Music Education Consultant Nathan Holder highlights tracks by Black British musicians and how they can be incorporated into comprehensive lesson plans.

Published: 13 October 2020

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Lobbying Update: SEISS and Furlough Extensions Confirmed

MU Set to Relocate London Main Office

Advice for Members on Covid-19 Testing Requests

Survey on Birmingham Clean Air Zone

England to Go Under Nationwide Lockdown

Lockdown in England: The Likely Effect on Musicians

Your Guide to Giving Evidence to the Music Streaming Inquiry

Streaming Inquiry Frequently Asked Questions

Have Your Say in Select Committee Inquiry on Music Streaming

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Four)

UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Stability and Renewal Programme Opens

New Five Tier System for Scotland Unveiled

The Welsh Economic Resilience Fund

Connecting with Audiences as an Orchestra During Lockdown

ABRSM Takes Action to Diversify their Syllabi

An Open Letter on the Threat of Brexit to Creative Working Opportunities

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Three)

A Guide to the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ Fund

Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

Take Action Against Decision to Axe Union Learning Fund

FEU Releases Statement on #SaveUnionLearn

Further Clarification on Welsh Firebreak

Chancellor Announces Changes to Job Support Scheme and SEISS

Eligibility Criteria for Creative Scotland Hardship Fund Announced

Fix Streaming Campaign Covered on Reasons To Be Cheerful Podcast

MU Deputy General Secretary Selected for Women in Music Roll of Honour

Welsh Government Announces Two-Week Firebreak Lockdown

Further Funding for Individuals in Northern Ireland Announced

ABO and MU Highlight Lack of Financial Support for Freelance Musicians

How Can We Work Towards a Safe Reopening

Second Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Government Inquiry into Music Streaming

Scottish Fund for Creative Freelancers Opening Soon

The Journey of a Menopausal Musician

Musicians' Movement and ISM Letter to the Chancellor

CITES: End of Transition Update

Four Week “Circuit Breaker,” Announced for Northern Ireland

Three-Tier System of Restrictions in England Announced

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part Two)