News & Stories for Musicians

A hand reaches out to touch the power switch on a large amplifier, the switch is glowing red.

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

After distributing £1.37m to musicians in 2022, the MU’s Recording & Broadcasting department reflect on why this was a particularly high year, and advise members who are yet to receive their payments.

Published: 29 March 2023

Microphone in radio studio and red 'on air' sign.

How to Get Your Music Played on the Radio

Getting your music played on national radio has never been easy and it’s getting even tougher. Here’s how to improve your chances.

Published: 28 March 2023

Naomi Pohl and Jack Apperley holding the Singers petition outside of the BBC offices.

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and conductor Jack Apperley have delivered a copy of the Save the BBC Singers petition to BBC Director General Tim Davie.

Published: 28 March 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

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

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

Tall green glass building with the letters BBC spelt out on the front, Portland Place in London

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Following intense discussions with the MU, a petition reaching over 120,000 signatures, and musicians and supporters rallying against the proposed job cuts, the announcement comes as very welcome news.

Published: 24 March 2023

Black and white photo of female conductor from behind with hands raised.

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

In this guest blog, Her Ensemble member, orchestral and chamber musician Christine Anderson shares her experiences and thoughts on women and diversity within the classical music industry.

Published: 23 March 2023

Plans to Axe BBC Singers Threaten Future of Freelancers and Young Singers Across the UK

Mezzo Lorna Price explains what BBC proposals to axe BBC Singers means for hundreds of freelancers and in particular, young musicians starting their careers.

Published: 23 March 2023

General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage in front of a CMM banner.

Council of Music Makers Calls on Labels, Publishers and Streaming Platforms to Unite on Streaming Reforms

The Council of Music Makers, which includes the Musicians’ Union, is calling on industry to unite to fix streaming.

Published: 22 March 2023

Birmingham UK Skyline. Market, St Martins Church, Rotunder and The Bullring.

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

Create change in the Musicians’ Union, in your sector or in the wider music industry - submit a motion to MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 21 March 2023

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

BBC Singers explain who they are, what they do, and why the UK’s only full-time professional choir is crucial to the future of classical music.

Published: 20 March 2023

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

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

MU Responds to Closure of Oldham Coliseum Theatre

Oldham Coliseum has proposed that it will permanently close on 31 March.

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

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MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

How to Get Your Music Played on the Radio

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

Plans to Axe BBC Singers Threaten Future of Freelancers and Young Singers Across the UK

Council of Music Makers Calls on Labels, Publishers and Streaming Platforms to Unite on Streaming Reforms

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

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

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 Responds to Closure of Oldham Coliseum Theatre

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