News & Stories for Musicians

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Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Reopens

The scheme, which offers hearing check ups, expert advice and custom earplugs at a discounted rate to MU members has now reopened selected clinics across the UK.

Published: 06 October 2020

Photograph of an empty concert stage, with instruments set up to play but no musicians present.

The Chancellor Must be Reminded That “Our Members’ Jobs are Entirely Viable Jobs”

In an ITV News interview today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak suggested that musicians should retrain in different jobs.

Published: 06 October 2020

Panoramic photograph of Parliament Square as the sun sets.

Performance in Parliament Square to Highlight Needs of Freelance Musicians

On Tuesday 6 October, at 12:00 pm, 400 freelance professional musicians will be performing a short extract from Holst’s “Mars,” in Parliament Square – shining a light on the need for targeted support for freelance musicians.

Published: 05 October 2020

Photograph of a microphone, and chairs set out as if a performance was about to take place out doors with no one present at the time.

Welsh Freelancer Fund Opens on Monday 5 October

The Welsh Government’s Freelancer Fund opens for applications at 10:00 am on Monday 5 October and we would urge members to check the guidance and apply as soon as possible.

Published: 02 October 2020

Photograph of a Black man conducting - holding a raised conductors batton, with the photograph focusing on his hands.

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part One)

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: 01 October 2020

Photograph of an audience at what appears to be a music concert. The stage is blurred, and there are bright lights shining out across a crowd who stand with raised arms.

Guide to Creating Your Own Access Rider Released

Arts commissioning program, We Are Unlimited, have released a valuable document on creating a rider to communicate all of your access needs in one place.

Published: 01 October 2020

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The Hub to Hold Free Day of Events to Support Mental Health

Creative consultancy, The Hub, are marking World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October, by holding a day of free online events.

Published: 01 October 2020

Members Discount on Rehearsal and Recording Studios in London

London based online music studio directory, MusicWise, are offering members a 10% discount on their first studio booking – quoting our exclusive discount code.

Published: 01 October 2020

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Government Rebuked in Parliament Over Coronavirus Rules

Boris Johnson has been repeatedly criticised for a lack of clarity in rules and guidance aimed at tackling the pandemic – making things even more difficult for musicians who are trying to piece work together during this difficult time.

Published: 30 September 2020

A photograph of a closed box office, shutters are drawn.

Music in Crisis in Northern Ireland

We’re publishing an open letter in response to the recent announcement from the Northern Irish Executive that effectively bans live music in Northern Ireland.

Published: 29 September 2020

Photograph of an empty stage set up in a band, with double bass, drum kit and piano.

Ask Your MLAs to Support Musicians During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Music is a crucial part of the creative economy in Northern Ireland. Live music is worth £70m in GVA and generates £8m in music tourism. But all this is on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with real consequences for musicians.

Published: 29 September 2020

A white man in a wheelchair is indoors, performing in what appears to be his home on a keyboard, while leaning over to type something into his laptop.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Music Career Ticking Over During Covid-19

Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Music Introducing on Saturday night about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, and ways that musicians can keep creating and working.

Published: 29 September 2020

Photograph of a tiny model piano, placed outside and resting on top of a face mask.

Mask Wearing and Performances: What Are the Rules

Updated – mask wearing indoors is now a requirement in many situations across the UK. For musicians in England this no longer includes when performing.

Published: 28 September 2020

Photograph of the Parliament buildings of Northern Ireland, also referred to as Stormont. The photo is in Golden Hour with a beautiful sunrise sky in the background.

£29 Million Allocated to the Arts and Council Sector in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Executive has allocated £29 million to help the arts and cultural sectors in Northern Ireland endure the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 25 September 2020

Photograph of an old piano, focusing on the keyboard. The instrument looks aged and well used.

Online Event Examining the History of Racism in British Music Open to All

The event, which will involve a screening of 'The RE:IMI UK Music Industry And Racism' video and presentations by music industry organisation representatives, will run online on Monday 28 September.

Published: 25 September 2020

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Highlighting That Musicians Deserve Better

In the Performers’ Alliance All Party Parliamentary Group this morning, we highlighted how yesterday’s announcement from the Chancellor has left many musicians feeling abandoned.

Published: 25 September 2020

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Members in Wales Urged to Apply to Freelance Fund

The Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund – £53 million of support for arts and culture in relation to Covid-19 – includes a specific Freelancer Fund with £7m of funding.

Published: 25 September 2020

Photograph of the UK Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London

Chancellor Responds to Intense Union Lobbying for Additional Job Support Assistance

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today responded to heavy pressure from trade unions including the MU to extend financial support for workers.

Published: 24 September 2020

Coronavirus Presses Mute Button on Music Industry

Our latest Covid-19 impact poll reveals that 34% of musicians are considering abandoning their career in music, while 37% are not sure.

Published: 22 September 2020

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New Statistics Showing Pandemics Effect on Musicians Gain Media Coverage

News sources such as The Guardian and BBC Breakfast have reported on our findings that show one-third of professional British musicians are considering giving up their careers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 22 September 2020

Photograph of a trumpet left resting on a window sill. The window behind the trumpet is closed.

New Covid-19 Restrictions: Key Points for Musicians

Further Covid-19 restrictions for England and Scotland have been announced today with details for Wales and Northern Ireland to come in the next few days.

Published: 22 September 2020

Trumpet player in a red t-shirt performing to an audience who are blurred in the background. Just the hands of the player are visable.

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

New guidance from the Scottish Government means that singers, and brass and woodwind players, can rehearse in groups, provided certain conditions are met.

Published: 18 September 2020

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Brexit – where are we now?

Brexit is back on the agenda in Parliament this week as the Government brought in new legislation, in the form of the Internal Market Bill. What does this mean for you? MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez takes a look.

Published: 18 September 2020

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Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take Survey on Family Life During Covid-19

Campaigning organisation Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) are investigating the impact of Covid-19 on people with parenting and caring responsibilities – help them gather more information by completing this brief survey.

Published: 18 September 2020

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ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

In an update to our story on ATG calling for singers, musicians and other performers to work for free at their venue – the theatre organisation has now confirmed that musicians will be paid for their performances.

Published: 17 September 2020

Q&A From #AskTheMU Streaming Special Now Available to Read Online

We hosted a special Q&A with MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on Wednesday 16 September, and it’s now available to read online.

Published: 17 September 2020

Photograph of an audience, sat looking over on to a stage.

Looking to Reopen on a Larger Scale, a Lobbying Update

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how the MU is backing Government explorations into lessening social distancing for the live sector, and a moonshot audience-testing plan.

Published: 17 September 2020

Photograph of an acoustic guitar on a stand, a face mask is also hanging off the stand, parallel with the guitar.

Further Guidance on the New Restrictions

We’ve produced some further guidance following the Government’s new restrictions – however we are continuing to seek further information from DCMS on how this will impact on our members’ work.

Published: 16 September 2020

Organisations Join Up to Promote Seven Inclusive Principles for Disabled People in Arts & Culture

Several campaigning cultural organisations have joined together to create a new guide for the arts and entertainment sectors to support disability inclusion.

Published: 15 September 2020

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Jess Partridge, founder and editor of new music group In Stereo, provides invaluable advice for musicians applying for Arts Council England (ACE) Project Grant.

Published: 14 September 2020

Photograph of an adult and child practising on a percussive instrument. The image shows only their hands and the skin of the drum.

Application Feedback and Guidance for ACE National Lottery Project Grants

We’re offering advice from an independent funding advisor on Arts Council England (ACE) National Lottery Project Grant applications, on top of our two recent webinars and a new article with detailed guidance on app

Published: 14 September 2020

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

Sensoria Online Scoring Contest Announced

The SensoriaPro Scoring Contest is a unique opportunity for composers to create music to a film trailer/clip and receive feedback from a panel of industry experts.

Published: 14 September 2020

Photograph of a man sat with a child, playing ukulele in what appears to be a home setting with white walls and a house plant.

Members’ Discount on Morrish Solicitors’ Family Law Services

Morrish Solicitors are offering union members and their families in England and Wales a 15% discount on their family law services.

Published: 11 September 2020

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Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Member and orchestral, theatre and chamber musician Louise Braithwaite discusses the effect of coronavirus and misinformation on wind players, and the wider industry.

Published: 10 September 2020

Photograph of a musician playing a flute in a concert like setting, blurred in the background is a score on a stand and a number of other scores behind.

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

The MU has been seeking to clarify the new rules for England in the past 24 hours. We’ve had confirmation that indoor performances in Covid-19 secure venues will be able to continue, but are awaiting further information.

Published: 10 September 2020

Small wooden blocks stacked in a tower, each one with a symbol representing different aspects of healthcare.

Updated: Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo

What artists need to know about the suspension of the new public charge rules and maintenance of visa status.

Published: 10 September 2020

Piano player wearing a black suit seen from behind, piano player is sat at a piano.

Resources for World Suicide Prevention Day

Thursday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day. Many useful resources have been shared on twitter, and below is a round-up that some members may find useful.

Published: 10 September 2020

Photograph of a woman holding a violin in what appears to be an orchestral setting, other stringed instruments can be seen in the blurred background along with a music stand.

Scotland Announces Six Person Restriction

The Scottish Government has announced that gatherings will be limited to a maximum of six people from two households from Monday.

Published: 10 September 2020

Set up for an outdoor concert, there are lights and a microphone is set up with tables and chairs in the background.

New Rules for Social Gatherings in England Announced

We are awaiting further details on what the Government’s new restrictions on social gatherings could mean for musicians in England.

Published: 09 September 2020

Photograph of a musician standing at a train station with a cello

Take This Survey on Developing a Railcard for Musicians

Complete this brief survey to help campaign group Music Declares Emergency in their campaign to create a musician's railcard and encourage sustainable touring.

Published: 09 September 2020

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Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Reopens

The Chancellor Must be Reminded That “Our Members’ Jobs are Entirely Viable Jobs”

Performance in Parliament Square to Highlight Needs of Freelance Musicians

Welsh Freelancer Fund Opens on Monday 5 October

Black History Month: The Playlist (Part One)

Guide to Creating Your Own Access Rider Released

The Hub to Hold Free Day of Events to Support Mental Health

Members Discount on Rehearsal and Recording Studios in London

Government Rebuked in Parliament Over Coronavirus Rules

Music in Crisis in Northern Ireland

Ask Your MLAs to Support Musicians During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Top Tips for Keeping Your Music Career Ticking Over During Covid-19

Mask Wearing and Performances: What Are the Rules

£29 Million Allocated to the Arts and Council Sector in Northern Ireland

Online Event Examining the History of Racism in British Music Open to All

Highlighting That Musicians Deserve Better

Members in Wales Urged to Apply to Freelance Fund

Chancellor Responds to Intense Union Lobbying for Additional Job Support Assistance

Coronavirus Presses Mute Button on Music Industry

New Statistics Showing Pandemics Effect on Musicians Gain Media Coverage

New Covid-19 Restrictions: Key Points for Musicians

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

Brexit – where are we now?

Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take Survey on Family Life During Covid-19

ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

Q&A From #AskTheMU Streaming Special Now Available to Read Online

Looking to Reopen on a Larger Scale, a Lobbying Update

Further Guidance on the New Restrictions

Organisations Join Up to Promote Seven Inclusive Principles for Disabled People in Arts & Culture

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Application Feedback and Guidance for ACE National Lottery Project Grants

Sensoria Online Scoring Contest Announced

Members’ Discount on Morrish Solicitors’ Family Law Services

Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

Updated: Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo

Resources for World Suicide Prevention Day

Scotland Announces Six Person Restriction

New Rules for Social Gatherings in England Announced

Take This Survey on Developing a Railcard for Musicians