News & Stories for Musicians

Close up of single microphone on stage in front of out of focus crowd.

How to Overcome Performance Anxiety

With over 70% of UK musicians suffering from anxiety in their public-facing work, leading UK performance and speaking coach Jimmy Cannon talks about root causes, quick fixes and long-term solutions to the issue.

Published: 20 March 2023

shadow of a musician on stage with microphones

Depping Out: an Essential Guide for Function Band Musicians

Practical and legal implications to consider when depping out gigs as a function band.

Published: 17 March 2023

BBC Maida Vale studios- a historical and iconic music recording studios in West London.

Petition to Save the BBC Singers Reaches 120,000 Signatures

Since the BBC announced cuts to its employed Performing Groups last Tuesday, significant public and industry support has been expressed for the BBC Singers and the three affected BBC orchestras: the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Philharmonic.

Published: 16 March 2023

Black and white image of Jon Hart on stage from behind facing crowd.

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, award-winning acoustic artist and MU member Jon Hart shares his experiences of breaking through conformity, and explains how although career success may come and go, music as true self-representation is always a constant.

Published: 16 March 2023

Hand holding the red dispatch box outside Downing Street ahead of revealing the budget in the House of Commons.

MU Achieves Budget Success on Orchestra and Theatre Tax Relief

Theatre and Orchestra tax relief will be maintained at current levels for another two years.

Published: 15 March 2023

Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians

Our members and approved contractors contributed to some of the soundtracks of the very best films won and nominated.

Published: 15 March 2023

Child playing a recorder, reading intently from a music stand.

Arts Council England Proposes Reduced Number of Music Hubs

A proposal to reduce the number of Music Hubs from 116 to 43, to be accomplished by merging the existing Music Hub areas, is out to public consultation until 31 March. Anyone with an interest in Music Hubs should complete the consultation.

Published: 14 March 2023

Three teenage students at a drum lesson.

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Assessing how peri music teachers are coping with education cuts, the cost of living crisis and the ongoing erosion of music provision in schools.

Published: 13 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers performing in a concert

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

Musicians and supporters are rallying behind BBC Singers and Orchestras affected by proposed job cuts – taking action, sharing on social media, and keeping the issue in the press.

Published: 10 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers gather at Madia Vale

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – here's what the union is doing and how you can show your support.

Published: 10 March 2023

Less than 24 hours left to take the Musicians’ Census 2023

Help the Musicians’ Union help every musician: take the Musicians’ Census 2023 and enter a prize draw to win a £300 One4All gift card.

Published: 08 March 2023

The BBC Symphony Orchestra performs on a lit up stage at the last night of the BBC Proms festival of classical music at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

MU Fighting Job Cuts to BBC Singers and Orchestras: Email Your MP for Support

The MU is in urgent talks with the BBC to save musicians’ jobs following the corporation’s proposals to cut employed posts across BBC Singers and three orchestras.

Published: 07 March 2023

Musician playing midi keyboard synthesizer in a recording studio,

There’s Still Time to Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

Artists Samantha Togni and Robin Rimbaud, aka Scanner, explain why the Musicians’ Census is important for all musicians – including DJs and electronic artists.

Published: 07 March 2023

A circle of people seated, two men and two women, the man in the center has a clipboard, representing a discussion or support meeting.

Adam Ficek’s Reflections On The Complexity Of Being a Musician Who Teaches

Last year the MU partnered with Tonic Rider and Help Musicians to provide a Peer Support Group for music teachers. The group was facilitated by musician and psychotherapist Adam Ficek who explains here the benefits of connecting with our peers.

Published: 06 March 2023

Woman center stage performing with an ensemble of other women.

MU Partners With Her Ensemble To Celebrate Women’s History Month 2023

This Women’s History Month the MU is excited to be partnering with Her Ensemble, a free-form group who are challenging classical music norms, gender stereotypes, dress codes and more.

Published: 03 March 2023

Hands holding musical instruments. Left to right, drum sticks, record, maracas, symbol and acoustic guitar.

The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians

As LGBT+ History Month UK comes to an end, The MU and Come Play with Me (CPWM) would like to reaffirm our commitment to creating an industry and society where all LGBTQ+ people can live and work without fear of violence or discrimination.

Published: 02 March 2023

Update on Proposed US Visa Petition Fee increase

The MU and other music industry bodies in the UK have signed a joint letter from UK Music to Kemi Badenoch MP (Secretary of State for Business and Trade), setting out our serious concerns for the future of US touring should the proposed increases in the US become law.

Published: 01 March 2023

Portrait of Linton Stephens sat on a row of chairs next to his bassoon.

Why Every Musician Should Take Part in the Musicians’ Census 2023

Music Works Podcast spoke to MU member Linton Stephens about the first contemporary Musicians’ Census and why every musician should take it.

Published: 01 March 2023

Silicone orange ear plugs with string on white background.

Why I used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

MU Education Section Committee member Sam Murray shares how they used their membership to access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection.

Published: 28 February 2023

The Expo is a buzzing showcase of the latest resources and industry initiatives in music education.

MU at the 2023 Music and Drama Education Expo

MU officials met and spoke to many members working in music education at the UK’s largest exhibition for music educators, which was held 23-24 February in London.

Published: 28 February 2023

Shelves stacked with paper achieve files.

“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census

Today’s Musicians’ Census is not the first time the MU has attempted to capture a comprehensive picture of musical life across the UK and here, University Archivist Karl Magee looks back 75 years to the very first.

Published: 28 February 2023

Cornwall village stretches out down a steep hill towards the sea.

Cornwall Council runs Survey of Cornwall’s Creative Industry

Members in Cornwall are encouraged to take part in Cornwall Council’s survey of the creative industry, with the aim of understanding, growing and strengthening the sector.

Published: 24 February 2023

Multiple instruments including a microphone, an acoustic guitar and a drum, laid out on a grey surface.

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts.

Published: 23 February 2023

A crowd of people making up the Workers Group who attended the meeting, with Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster center.

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting.

Published: 20 February 2023

A Studio condenser microphone in front of a sound engineer working in a studio with multiple screen and midi keyboard.

Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department

The team have completed a long round of Collective Bargaining negotiations with PACT, BBC, ITV, IPA and Sky.

Published: 16 February 2023

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster stand together in front of row of flags of member states attending the ILO.

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

The ILO (International Labour Organisation) brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set Labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all.

Published: 15 February 2023

Small venue with silhouette of crowd and green lights on stage

MU Backs FAC’s 100% Venues Campaign

The FAC’s 100% Venues initiative encourages venues to allow artists to sell merchandise without charging punitive commission fees.

Published: 15 February 2023

Portrait of Andi Hopgood, smiling to camera against a white brick wall.

Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change

This week we’re exploring why musicians and change-makers Andi and Nate are supporting the 2023 Musicians Census.

Published: 14 February 2023

Close up of a Visa document and passport.

Information for Members on Proposed Increase to US ‘O’ and ‘P’ Visa Petition Fees

The MU are shocked to hear that the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the US Department of Homeland Security are proposing huge increases to the Petition fees for US visas.

Published: 10 February 2023

Hands on a clarinet in an informal setting, blurred background

Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists

Following a shift to gender-neutral award categories, replacing separate best male and best female artist awards, the MU responds to this year’s all-male BRITs Best Artist shortlist.

Published: 09 February 2023

Naomi Pohl speaking into a camera at MU Member Conference 2022.

MU General Secretary Update

General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing musicians this winter, and what the union is doing to support members.

Published: 08 February 2023

MU General Secretary Opens This Year's ABO Conference

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened this year’s Association of British Orchestras Conference with a vision for a brighter future for British Orchestras.

Published: 06 February 2023

A black and white image of a woman playing piano in deep concentration

Naomi Pohl Discusses Fix Streaming Campaign on Drowned in Sound Podcast

The MU’s General Secretary appeared on this weeks Drowned in Sound Podcast, which can be accessed on various major streaming platforms about how music streaming needs to be fixed.

Published: 03 February 2023

Musicians Iona Fyfe and Lady Nade Share Why They Back the Musicians’ Census 2023

Two musicians backing the survey explain why the Musicians’ Census 2023 is so important.

Published: 02 February 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

The new partnership will see a new series of LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops and the two organisations working together to create more resources for LGBTQ+ musicians and artists.

Published: 31 January 2023

MU flags visible as part of a larger trade union march moving through a busy street in London.

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Take part in marches and events on 1 February to protest against the Government’s anti-strike laws.

Published: 27 January 2023

John Shortell speaking at the MU members conference, seen from the perspective of multiple cameras and a sound mixing desk.

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

What is our collective role in building equality, diversity and inclusion and why is it a trade union issue? The MU’s John Shortell explains.

Published: 25 January 2023

Person walking through a bright and busy airport wheeling a suitcase.

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers

21 Trade Unions including the MU, UNISON, the RMT and the PCS union have condemned the Government’s attempts to ‘pit’ workers against each other, and are calling for urgent action to end the exploitation of migrant workers, including undocumented people.

Published: 25 January 2023

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

Published: 23 January 2023

White earphones resting on top of a white computer keyboard.

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings

Following on from his recent appearance on BBC Newsnight to discuss what advances in AI could mean for musicians, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear further outlines the protections needed for musicians in the face of new technology.

Published: 20 January 2023

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How to Overcome Performance Anxiety

Depping Out: an Essential Guide for Function Band Musicians

Petition to Save the BBC Singers Reaches 120,000 Signatures

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

MU Achieves Budget Success on Orchestra and Theatre Tax Relief

Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians

Arts Council England Proposes Reduced Number of Music Hubs

How Peripatetic Music Teachers Are Coping in the Post-Covid Lockdown Era

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

Less than 24 hours left to take the Musicians’ Census 2023

MU Fighting Job Cuts to BBC Singers and Orchestras: Email Your MP for Support

There’s Still Time to Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

Adam Ficek’s Reflections On The Complexity Of Being a Musician Who Teaches

MU Partners With Her Ensemble To Celebrate Women’s History Month 2023

The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians

Update on Proposed US Visa Petition Fee increase

Why Every Musician Should Take Part in the Musicians’ Census 2023

Why I used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

MU at the 2023 Music and Drama Education Expo

“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census

Cornwall Council runs Survey of Cornwall’s Creative Industry

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

MU Backs FAC’s 100% Venues Campaign

Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change

Information for Members on Proposed Increase to US ‘O’ and ‘P’ Visa Petition Fees

Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists

MU General Secretary Update

MU General Secretary Opens This Year's ABO Conference

Naomi Pohl Discusses Fix Streaming Campaign on Drowned in Sound Podcast

Musicians Iona Fyfe and Lady Nade Share Why They Back the Musicians’ Census 2023

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

MU Signs Petition Calling on Government to End ‘Rampant’ Exploitation of Migrant Workers

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings