News & Stories for Musicians

Northern Ballet demo in October, members are holding signs saying keep northern ballet live.

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

The International Federation of Musicians backs Northern Ballet Sinfonia in a message of solidarity signed by over 20 musicians’ unions worldwide

Published: 05 November 2024

Tribute to Elmer Cole

Elmer Cole was a highly accomplished flautist. He was also a member of the English National Opera for over 40 years and the MU for over 50. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Frances.

Published: 04 November 2024

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

The Musicians' Union reacts to the Labour Government's new budget and explores what it could mean for the creative industries, music and musicians.

Published: 31 October 2024

A folk band playing at Band on the Wall in Manchester.

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Un-Convention 112th music conference and showcase returns to Manchester on November 21 and 22, for which MU members are able to get discounted tickets.

Published: 30 October 2024

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WNO orchestra players holding up placards that say 'Protect WNO'.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

Email your political representatives to support musicians campaigning to protect Welsh National Opera jobs and secure the company’s future, including touring in England and Wales.

Published: 30 October 2024

Black and grey image of a small rock show at an underground/grassroots venue.

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

The letter states how artists have previously been locked out of support mechanisms offered to other parts of the industry, and calls for a blanket ticket levy on arena events to help musicians progress in the sector. Members can show support for the letter by signing the MU and FAC’s petition.

Published: 29 October 2024

A woman sat at a piano, smiling as she teaches a young girl how to play.

Help Protect Instrumental Music Services in Scotland

Instrumental Music Services across Scotland are under threat. Help protect their existence and the livelihoods of their workforce by contacting your local authority councillors and MSPs, to demand that government grants to cover instrumental music tuition are used only as they are intended.

Published: 28 October 2024

A female musician with a guitar performing at a festival to a crowd in Austin, Texas.

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

PRS Foundation have released a new impact report demonstrating how the International Showcase Fund (ISF) helps music creators across the country to develop their careers and contribute to the wider UK economy.

Published: 24 October 2024

Outstretched human hand holding the graphic of a blue brain in it's palm. AI concept.

Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI

Over 10,500 creatives have signed a statement to artificial intelligence (AI) companies, calling for explicit creator consent and fair remuneration when training generative AI systems. Umbrella body UK Music, of which the MU is a founding member, has also signed.

Published: 23 October 2024

An activist holding a Love Music Hate Racism sign as part of a protest in the UK.

This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

Join the Love Music Hate Racism campaign this Black History Month and show your support for the antiracist movement.

Published: 22 October 2024

A hand stamping a passport at border control.

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed.

Published: 22 October 2024

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

Northern Ballet orchestra musicians performing as part of a demo.

MU Statement on Northern Ballet and Opera North Partnership

The MU is deeply concerned to learn that Northern Ballet have announced plans which may cut their long-standing orchestra players.

Published: 18 October 2024

Hand stopping wooden dominos from falling, a proactive concept.

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Worker Protection Act 2024, which comes into force on 26 October, introduces a new Preventative Duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers and employees.

Published: 17 October 2024

Craig Charles, Richard Kemp CBE, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their family, on stage at the Awards evening. The audience are giving a standing ovation.

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Chris Amoo, longstanding MU Member and one of the founders of seminal Liverpool four piece The Real Thing, has received a major honour inside Black History Month. The MU would like to extend its congratulations to Chris, his bandmates and family on this long overdue accolade.

Published: 17 October 2024

A female at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Sarah Sayeed: "Members' Assembly is a Tangible Platform For Me to Have my Voice Heard"

Musician, composer and songwriter Sarah Sayeed shares her experience of joining the MU and what her role on the Members' Assembly means to her as a British South Asian female artist.

Published: 16 October 2024

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

A musician busking on the street with a crowd around him.

Have Your Say on the Future of Busking in Edinburgh

Take part in a two-minute survey about busking in Edinburgh to make sure artist needs are represented in future council decisions.

Published: 15 October 2024

Tribute to Eileen Hurst

Eileen Hurst was a successful multi-instrumentalist and lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union, who continued performing with bands well into her late 80s. This tribute has been provided by her daughter, Alison.

Published: 11 October 2024

Have Your Say: How is Generative AI Impacting You as a Creative?

The MU is supporting the The Alan Turing Institute with its new CREAATIF survey, which explores the impacts of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on creative workers. Take part to share your experiences and help shape future AI policy regulation.

Published: 10 October 2024

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

We welcome the Labour Government's new Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that strengthen the collective voice of workers across the UK.

Published: 10 October 2024

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

Labour affiliate union general secretaries standing outside 11 Downing Street.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Meets Chancellor Rachel Reeves as Part of TULO Delegation

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, along with general secretaries from unions across the country, met with Chancellor Rachel Reeves to discuss economic policy affecting workers, including the issues of music streaming and live music venues.

Published: 03 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

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Tonic Music Announces Exclusive Online Peer Support Group for Parents and Carers

MU members who are parents and/or carers can now join a six-week group for mental health support and career guidance.

Published: 30 September 2024

A women sat on a beach at sunset smiling while listening to headphones.

BAPAM’s Free Health Clinics for Musicians and Industry Professionals Now Open Around the UK

With BAPAM’s Glasgow clinic returning in October, we’re reminding members that the health charity for the performing arts now runs clinics UK-wide in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gateshead, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Published: 27 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Calls on Labour Government to Back Fair Remuneration From AI

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl outlines three measures that Government must take to protect the UK music industry.

Published: 26 September 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at the Labour Unions rally alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Published: 25 September 2024

A photo of orchestra musicians wearing campaign t-shirts and holding placards, with one speaking into a megaphone.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra took Action Short of Strike on Saturday 21 September.

Published: 24 September 2024

MU staff, members and supporters wearing keep Northern Ballet Live t-shirts and Shakespeare masks at an earlier demo in May 2024.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign Takes Action Ahead of First Performance with Recorded Music

Supporters will be leafleting today ahead of opening night for Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the tragedy of lost live music as it uses recorded tracks instead of the orchestra for the first time.

Published: 19 September 2024

A blue butterfly sat on a violin, representing positive change in the orchestral industry.

A Statement from the MU and the Association of British Orchestras on Culture Change in Classical Music

The MU and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future.

Published: 16 September 2024

Person holding up heart shaped hands at a live gig.

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

In this guest blog, Councillor Tom Plater discusses local authority arts and cultural funding, and explores how local councils can still prioritise this where budgets are cut. Tom also sits on our Members' Assembly as a representative for Young Workers and is an MU East South East Committee member.

Published: 16 September 2024

Members of the WNO orchestra stood outside the Wales Millennium Centre at a leafleting demo event in June. One person is holding a megaphone.

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

We welcome the acknowledgement of the crisis facing Welsh arts organisations, and urge Arts Council of Wales to use the additional funding to protect full-time performing jobs at Welsh National Opera.

Published: 13 September 2024

Dark blue background with stars, with a banner reading #keepstrictlylive.

Sign the Petition to Bring Back the Full Strictly Come Dancing Live Band

The Musicians’ Union is calling on musicians and Strictly Come Dancing fans to sign the Keep Strictly Live petition.

Published: 13 September 2024

Successful applicants will receive a showcase and travel fee, as well as a development fund and tailored mentorship programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Working people from across the union movement have backed the MU’s call for increased arts funding to protect jobs and access to world class art for everyone.

Published: 13 September 2024

A conference room full of people with a speaker on the stage.

Union Movement Backs Recommendations in Misogyny in Music Report

Unions call on TUC to lobby government to implement the recommendations from the Misogyny in Music report in full.

Published: 13 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at the Trades Union Congress 2024 event.

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

The TUC voted for a motion highlighting the impact of Brexit on creative industries and calling on the TUC to campaign for a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal.

Published: 10 September 2024

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Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

Tribute to Elmer Cole

The MU's Reaction to Labour’s First Budget

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

Help Protect Instrumental Music Services in Scotland

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI

This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

MU Statement on Northern Ballet and Opera North Partnership

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Sarah Sayeed: "Members' Assembly is a Tangible Platform For Me to Have my Voice Heard"

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

Have Your Say on the Future of Busking in Edinburgh

Tribute to Eileen Hurst

Have Your Say: How is Generative AI Impacting You as a Creative?

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Meets Chancellor Rachel Reeves as Part of TULO Delegation

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Tonic Music Announces Exclusive Online Peer Support Group for Parents and Carers

BAPAM’s Free Health Clinics for Musicians and Industry Professionals Now Open Around the UK

MU Calls on Labour Government to Back Fair Remuneration From AI

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign Takes Action Ahead of First Performance with Recorded Music

A Statement from the MU and the Association of British Orchestras on Culture Change in Classical Music

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

Sign the Petition to Bring Back the Full Strictly Come Dancing Live Band

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Union Movement Backs Recommendations in Misogyny in Music Report

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement