News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a line up of different saxophone players in a jazz club background.

Council of Music Makers Urges Support for ‘Broadest Cross-Section of Our Industry’

The UK Council of Music Makers, of which the MU is a part, has released a statement welcoming the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund, and expressing its hopes for the future.

Published: 30 July 2020

Photograph of a jazz band performing outdoors.

£53M of New Funding Announced for Arts and Culture in Wales

The Welsh Government announced today that it will be investing £53 million to help Wales’ diverse culture sector deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 30 July 2020

Photo of musician singing into a microphone on the stage with bright white lights behind.

Provisional Timetable for Easing Lockdown in Scotland Announced

The announcement includes hopes for outdoor events and concerts from 24 August, and live music venues and theatres from 14 September.

Published: 30 July 2020

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Musicians in Liverpool Encouraged to Take Survey Into City’s Music Sector

Musicians based in Liverpool are being asked to contribute to essential research into the effects of Covid-19 on the region’s musicians and music makers.

Published: 29 July 2020

Photograph of the houses of parliament, viewed from across Westminister bridge and the Thames on a bright, blue day.

Further Details on the Cultural Recovery Fund Announced

Key highlights from the Government’s most recent announcement on how organisations can apply for the £880m being made to organisations in the arts sector in England.

Published: 29 July 2020

Photograph of a young group of musicians hanging out and rehearsing.

Final Set of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Released

Young Guns Network (YGN), have added five more articles to their commission mission series – aiming to inspire, educate and interest young people aged 18-30 in music.

Published: 28 July 2020

Photograph of Scottish-Sudanese singer/songwriter Eliza Shadad wearing a red jacket and standing in front of a red background.

The MU Summer Of Live: Our Livestream Festival For Musicians in Need

How we hosted the first in a series of live online music events to raise money for musicians hit by the Covid-19 crisis, by Neil Crossley.

Published: 28 July 2020

We’ve Joined the 48-Hour Boycott Against Twitter’s Inaction

We’ve joined the 48-hour Twitter “walkout,” against Twitter’s inaction this weekend, following a series of tweets inciting violence against Jewish people, posted by grime artist Wiley.

Published: 27 July 2020

Photo of a concert happening indoors at a grassroots music venue, with the band silhouetted against yellow stage lights.

£2.25M to be Distributed to Grassroots Venues in England

The Government have announced that £2.25M of the £1.57BN emergency arts fund will be made available to grassroots music venues in England.

Published: 27 July 2020

Photograph of a person holding a guitar and writing in a notebook

Proposed Changes to PRS for Music’s Governance

PRS for Music is proposing some significant governance changes which, in the opinion of the MU, could be beneficial to songwriters and composers.

Published: 24 July 2020

Photograph of a woman playing piano, concentrating hard on the work.

List of Black Owned and Black Led Ventures in the Music Industry

The shesaid.so community have shared their recommendations for Black-owned businesses, Black leaders, thinkers and activists to support.

Published: 24 July 2020

Photo of a big concert celebration with bright lights and cheering crowds

Further Financial Support for Culture Sector in Northern Ireland Announced

In welcome news, the Department for Communities has announced a £4m support package for the arts, creative industries and cultural sector in Northern Ireland.

Published: 24 July 2020

Photograph of a woman sat looking intently at a laptop, golden light on a home office setting in the background

New Series of BBC Lockdown Learning Sessions Opened to FEU Members

The FEU is offering places to members on a series of twice-weekly Lockdown Learning development webinars led by the BBC.

Published: 23 July 2020

Scotland and Northern Ireland Lobbying Update

Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Organiser, Caroline Sewell, reports on how the region has been, "lobbying hard at local and national level to ensure that the interests of our members remain firmly on the political agenda.”

Published: 23 July 2020

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Highlighting The Need for More Support

Wales and South-West England Regional Organiser, Andy Warnock, reports on how the region has been, engaging and meeting with Welsh Government ministers and officials on a regular basis for several months, and what they hope to achieve.

Published: 23 July 2020

female singer with Acoustic Guitar playing in the Street

Select Committee Report Argues for Fairer Rewards for Musicians

A report released today by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has picked up on many of the key issues for musicians that we raised in June, calling on the Government to act now.

Published: 23 July 2020

Photograph of three different musicians, with the text

Join for £1 Scheme Extended to Former MU Members

Former members who left the MU five or more years ago can now join again and pay just £1 for their first six months of MU membership.

Published: 22 July 2020

Our Letter to the Prime Minister in Support of NEU’s Anti-Racism Recommendations

We’ve sent a letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson in support of the National Education Union’s (NEU) five recommendations for urgent action to tackle racism.

Published: 22 July 2020

Two people sitting in the car moving to live music facing the sun

Scottish Government Gives Green Light For Live Drive-in Events

The Scottish government have given the go ahead for live events to be held as drive-in entertainment from Wednesday 22 July.

Published: 21 July 2020

Third Round of PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund Opens to Support Black Musicians

This targeted round of funding recognises the Black music community is disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, and is open for applications from UK-based Black music creators from 16 July to 10 August.

Published: 21 July 2020

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Special Covid-19 Episodes of Elevate Podcast Released

Elevate Music and Help Musicians have teamed up to create three special episodes of the Elevate Music Podcast, exploring life for musicians during the pandemic.

Published: 21 July 2020

New Series of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Published

Young Guns Network (YGN), have added five more articles to their commission mission series – aiming to inspire, educate and interest young people aged 18-30 in music.

Published: 21 July 2020

Photograph of a couple of guitars set back stage in an indoor venue

Indoor Performances May Return in England From 1 August

On Friday 17 July, the Prime Minister announced that indoor live performances (with social distancing) should be able to resume in England from Saturday 1 August.

Published: 20 July 2020

Photograph of the Manchester skyline at sunset

Deep Sadness as Key Manchester Venues Close Doors

Key Manchester venues Deaf Institute and Gorilla have announced their permanent closure, due to financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 17 July 2020

Two adults having a discussion in sign-language

Drake Music Hosts Conversation on Making Online Music Education Accessible

Drake Music is a national arts charity working in music, disability and technology – they’ve publishing findings from their most recent working group meeting on online accessibility.

Published: 16 July 2020

Photograph of a red MP3 player from the early '00s with headphones.

MP3 Turns 25 Years Old This Week

14 July marked 25 years since the file format was officially given its name. This week, music industry figures including our own Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl, reflect on the file that changed the music industry.

Published: 16 July 2020

Photograph of a musician in a facemask, holding a guitar and looking fed up.

Music Students Needed for Research Into Covid-19 and Practice Motivation

Music students are invited to take part in Trinity Laban's cross-arts research, which is investigating the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on virtual learning and teaching experiences.

Published: 16 July 2020

a female student and teacher playing piano

New Advice for Teachers Returning to Workplaces

In light of the new Government guidance meaning teachers can begin face to face lessons again in England, we’ve published new advice on returning to work as a teacher.

Published: 14 July 2020

Black female singer wearing headphones is performing and recording a song in a music studio.

The MU is Supporting the Campaign to #MakeWomenVisible

We’ve joined 65+ organisations who are calling on the Government to #MakeWomenVisible as lockdown is lifted.

Published: 14 July 2020

Movement in contact improvisation at Feldenkrais workshop

Changing Habits Through Your Feldenkrais Practice

Emma Alter, tutor for our regular (now Zoom based) Feldenkrais classes, discusses, how we can get up close and curious with our habits, and discover more about how we work.

Published: 14 July 2020

Photograph of a young man sat at a piano

New Series of Articles to Inspire Young People in the Music Industry Released

Ten new articles have been published by the Young Guns Network (YGN), aiming to inspire, educate and interest young people aged 18-30 in music.

Published: 13 July 2020

The Government Endorses Industry-Led Guidance for Music Production

Music production guidance is now available to enable professional music production to restart with confidence and clarity.

Published: 10 July 2020

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Richard Steggall has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in response to the recent announcements regarding the guidance on playing wind and brass instruments.

Published: 10 July 2020

Musician is playing a guitar on stage outdoors

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

Outdoor live performance in front of audiences permitted in England under new Government performing arts guidance.

Published: 10 July 2020

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-Two

In part-two of Sam’s blog on monetising livestreamed performances, he talks with Artistic Director Kenneth Killeen about what the future may look like for venues, performers, and monetized livestreamed performances.

Published: 09 July 2020

Female violinist playing at a garden wedding

Playing at Weddings: Hold the Macerena

MU National Organiser for Live Performance, Dave Webster, discusses how it does now seem possible for some live music to take place at weddings in England only – however it’s unlikely that anyone will be doing The Macerena any time soon.

Published: 09 July 2020

Stands for music note standing in the church

Advice for Organists in Places of Worship

New guidance from the Government means that organists can now practice in places of workship, as long as the right measures are in place.

Published: 09 July 2020

Photograph of the house of parliament, with the sun rising in the background

MPs Join the MU to Beg the Chancellor Not to Ignore the Excluded

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how, after a busy week in parliament, the big news is the Government's announcement of a £1.57bn package of financial support for the arts sector.

Published: 09 July 2020

Input Needed on Fair Pay for Performers Campaign

The PayPerformers campaign are looking for participants for their survey, help inform their work with your anonymous contribution.

Published: 09 July 2020

Government Announces that in England Live Performances can Take Place Outside

From the weekend of 11 July, live performances can take place outside in England.

Published: 09 July 2020

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Council of Music Makers Urges Support for ‘Broadest Cross-Section of Our Industry’

£53M of New Funding Announced for Arts and Culture in Wales

Provisional Timetable for Easing Lockdown in Scotland Announced

Musicians in Liverpool Encouraged to Take Survey Into City’s Music Sector

Further Details on the Cultural Recovery Fund Announced

Final Set of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Released

The MU Summer Of Live: Our Livestream Festival For Musicians in Need

We’ve Joined the 48-Hour Boycott Against Twitter’s Inaction

£2.25M to be Distributed to Grassroots Venues in England

Proposed Changes to PRS for Music’s Governance

List of Black Owned and Black Led Ventures in the Music Industry

Further Financial Support for Culture Sector in Northern Ireland Announced

New Series of BBC Lockdown Learning Sessions Opened to FEU Members

Scotland and Northern Ireland Lobbying Update

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Highlighting The Need for More Support

Select Committee Report Argues for Fairer Rewards for Musicians

Join for £1 Scheme Extended to Former MU Members

Our Letter to the Prime Minister in Support of NEU’s Anti-Racism Recommendations

Scottish Government Gives Green Light For Live Drive-in Events

Third Round of PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund Opens to Support Black Musicians

Special Covid-19 Episodes of Elevate Podcast Released

New Series of Inspirational Articles for Young People in the Music Industry Published

Indoor Performances May Return in England From 1 August

Deep Sadness as Key Manchester Venues Close Doors

Drake Music Hosts Conversation on Making Online Music Education Accessible

MP3 Turns 25 Years Old This Week

Music Students Needed for Research Into Covid-19 and Practice Motivation

New Advice for Teachers Returning to Workplaces

The MU is Supporting the Campaign to #MakeWomenVisible

Changing Habits Through Your Feldenkrais Practice

New Series of Articles to Inspire Young People in the Music Industry Released

The Government Endorses Industry-Led Guidance for Music Production

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-Two

Playing at Weddings: Hold the Macerena

Advice for Organists in Places of Worship

MPs Join the MU to Beg the Chancellor Not to Ignore the Excluded

Input Needed on Fair Pay for Performers Campaign

Government Announces that in England Live Performances can Take Place Outside