News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a recording studio panel with an unattended microphone resting on it.

Safety Advice for Musicians Taking Part in Recording Sessions

We’ve published some studio safety advice for recording session musicians taking part in recording sessions during Covid-19.

Published: 26 May 2020

Photo of a young child, sat outdoors with a ukulele looking dreamily into the distance.

Next Steps: Picturing Possibilities for the Return to Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl examines the question, “When will it be time for musicians to go back to work and what might work look like in the Government’s Covid-19 recovery phases?” in the hope of giving “a very broad-brush idea of what might be possible as we eme

Published: 22 May 2020

Photograph of man playing saxophone at home with a video and audio recording set up.

Support Vital in the Lead Up to Possible Return to Work, a Lobbying Update

MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez explains what we’re doing to lobby the Government for vital support, both in our current situation and as musicians are more able to return to work.

Published: 22 May 2020

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Our Keep Music Alive Campaign Has Over 10,000 Signatures

In May we joined forces with the Ivors Academy to launch a campaign to Keep Music Alive, starting with a petition to #FixStreaming. And we’re overjoyed to report that it’s already reached over 10,000 signatures!

Published: 22 May 2020

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Survey to Understand the Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of Creative Freelancers

The Hub UK and the Creative Industries Federation are looking to develop a new, totally free, mental health support programme – and your answers to their ten-minute survey can help them build something that meets your needs.

Published: 22 May 2020

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Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In this blog we round up articles from popular musicians from Adele to Stormzy, discussing their experiences with mental health.

Published: 22 May 2020

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BBC Academy’s Lockdown Learning Now Open to FEU Freelance Members

The BBC Academy have opened up their training programs to members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions – of which the MU is a part. Our members can now pick up training on a wide variety of programs between 18 May and 31 July.

Published: 20 May 2020

Scottish Members Encouraged to Submit Stories to Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on the culture and tourism sectors. They’re keen to hear from artists, including individual musicians, to bolster their understanding.

Published: 20 May 2020

Inspire Works Uses ACE Funding to Launch New Series of Drumming Workshops

You may remember Inspire Works from our blog, Leading Live Music Workshops Online, in which their co-founder Mike Simpson talked about his own personal experience of moving his teaching to a virtual space.

Published: 20 May 2020

Photograph of a person playing tambourine in a group setting.

New Advice on Online Group Teaching

We’ve published a new advice page with guidance on moving to group teaching online. You can read it now in the teaching online section of our Covid-19 advice pages.

Published: 20 May 2020

Help UK Music Speak for You by Completing This Survey

We’re calling on members to complete UK Music’s annual survey, at a time when it is more important than ever to speak to the Government about the needs of the music industry. It takes nine minutes to complete, and you can enter their prize draw.

Published: 19 May 2020

Over Three-Quarters of Theatre Musicians Face Hardship if Unable to Work Until September

We surveyed our members who work in theatre, and discovered that over 77% of those that responded felt they were likely to be in financial hardship if they aren’t able to return to work until September.

Published: 18 May 2020

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We Support the NEU’s Five Tests for Government Before Schools Can Re-Open

We are supporting the NEU’s five tests for Government before schools can re-open.

Published: 18 May 2020

Support Fair Play Venues Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

Many live music venues are having to fundraise to secure their futures, here is a list of crowdfunders that have been set up for venues which have signed up to our Fair Play scheme. If you are in a position to donate, or to share their crowdfunders on your social channels, please do.

Published: 15 May 2020

New Online Teaching Contract for Adult Students

We’ve added to the contracts we have on offer for online teaching, reflecting the change in teaching conditions that many of our members are currently undertaking.

Published: 15 May 2020

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Keep Music Alive Petition to Fix Streaming Gains Extensive Media Coverage

On Monday 11 May we joined forces with the Ivors Academy to launch a campaign to Keep Music Alive, starting with a petition calling on the Government to fix streaming now. And now it’s gaining traction across the media.

Published: 13 May 2020

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Applications for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme Have Opened

Members who have entered their details into HMRC’s online checker will have been given a date between 13-18 May on which they can apply for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Published: 13 May 2020

Photograph of a person working at a recording studio deck.

Getting Recording Session Musicians Back to Work

To start developing proposals to get UK recording session musicians back to work the MU is meeting with representatives from the major recording studios and media ensemble contractors.

Published: 12 May 2020

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The Life or Death Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination

MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official John Shortell explains why “now is exactly the time to talk about difference and about inequality,” and the disparities which the Coronavirus pandemic has brought into sharp focus.

Published: 12 May 2020

We’re Launching a Campaign to Fix Streaming Now With The Ivors Academy

We’ve joined forces with the The Ivors Academy at a time of crisis for tens of thousands of music creators, to form a new alliance that will campaign to Keep Music Alive.

Published: 11 May 2020

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Welsh Members Encouraged to Take Survey to Develop Online Learning Resources

CULT Cymru are looking to develop their online learning resources to meet new needs that have arisen during the coronavirus pandemic, and would like to hear from members in Wales about what would be useful to them.

Published: 11 May 2020

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New Items Added as MU Auction Approaches Deadline

We’ve received a number of exciting new donations to our auction to raise money for the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund – which will be ending on Wednesday 13 May at 7:00 pm.

Published: 11 May 2020

an illustration for Broken Record appeal featuring a person at their home full of music records

Announcing the #BrokenRecord Appeal and Festival

The Broken Record Appeal aims to support every kind of music creator in need as a result of Coronavirus. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Broken Record Appeal and the associated Festival planned for 24th May.

Published: 11 May 2020

Keep Music Alive poster featuring a female singer performing on stage

Show Your Support for the Campaign to Fix Streaming and Keep Music Alive

The MU is working in partnership with the Ivors Academy to keep music alive, starting with fixing streaming.

Published: 11 May 2020

Red round sign printed on ground at supermarket informing people to keep 2 meter distance from each other to prevent spreading Coronavirus

How Changes to the Coronavirus Lockdown Measures Could Affect Musicians

On Sunday 10 May evening, the Government announced some changes to the Coronavirus lockdown in England.

Published: 11 May 2020

Photograph of the sun shining through trees.

Tribute: Matthew Seligman

Talented Bowie and Soft Boys bassist who played at Live Aid.

Published: 11 May 2020

Tribute: Ian Macpherson

18 August 1935 – 6 April 2020. In the family vernacular, 'Just a wee boy from Kilmarnock', Ian Macpherson was born in 1935 and moved to London with his family in 1946 when his father, the tenor Andrew Macpherson, joined the London Opera Company.

Published: 11 May 2020

Tribute: John Giddings

John Giddings, 89, Timpanist, percussionist and former teacher died on Sunday 2nd June 2019, peacefully at home in Bristol, due to natural causes.

Published: 11 May 2020

Tribute: Pat Benham

South west based guitar player, composer and teacher Pat Benham passed away on 16 May 2019. He was 79 and had been struggling with motor neurone disease for four years. Pat was a warm and popular man, as well as a highly regarded musician, who will be greatly missed.

Published: 11 May 2020

Tribute: Sheik Thompson

"My friend Sheikh, a larger than life character and great jazz musician" – a tribute from Jerry Kadiah

Published: 11 May 2020

New Online Resources for Music Teachers

Three new online resources for music teachers that have been made free for lock down – sheet music downloads, classical music streaming and inspiration from ROSL young musicians.

Published: 07 May 2020

HMRC to Begin Contacting Those Eligible for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme

HMRC is inviting those who believe they may be eligible for the Government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to complete a quick online check.

Published: 06 May 2020

Man and woman working behind the counter at a record shop

Applications Open for Bounce Back Scheme for Business Loans

Small businesses can apply for a Government backed loan of up to £50,000, with no interest charged or repayments needed in the first twelve months. Some self-employed workers and limited company directors may be able to use this as income support.

Published: 06 May 2020

Findings From Latest MU Impact Survey Covered on Sky News

Sky News covered the findings from our latest survey, which suggests that over a third of musicians will fall short of the criteria required for the Government’s assistance schemes.

Published: 06 May 2020

Video Message From Author Philip Pullman for Bidders on MU Auction

Our auction to raise money for the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund has been growing and growing. This week, author Philip Pullman recorded a video message to encourage bidding on the item he donated.

Published: 06 May 2020

Photograph of the UK's HM Treasury building

Impact Survey Identifies Key Gaps in Current Government Support for Self-Employed Workers

Our survey has found that a significant number of our members – the majority of whom are self-employed – will struggle financially, with two-in-five (38%) falling short of the criteria required for the Government’s assistance schemes.

Published: 05 May 2020

illustration with people staying at home in the lockdown socialising from their balconies

Three-Month Subscription Holiday Scheme Opens for Applications

MU members in dire financial need due to disruption from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can now apply for a three-month break in their subscription fees.

Published: 04 May 2020

Leading Live Music Workshops Online: From Hysterical Disasters to Lifting Spirits

Mike Simpson, co-founder of Inspire-works, talks us through his own personal trial and error learning experience of setting up group lessons online, and the surprise benefits that he’s discovered.

Published: 04 May 2020

Scottish Government Opens Hardship Fund for the Newly Self Employed

As part of its second phase of funding to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, the Scottish Government have put £34M behind a hardship fund for those due to miss out on UK Government funding due to being newly self-employed.

Published: 04 May 2020

A female musician holding a guitar and a baby next to her

Call for Evidence From Those Missing out on SEISS Due to Maternity Leave

Campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed are calling on those whose Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claim has been affected by maternity leave. Due to the massive response to their campaign so far, the Government’s deadline for evidence has been extended.

Published: 04 May 2020

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Safety Advice for Musicians Taking Part in Recording Sessions

Next Steps: Picturing Possibilities for the Return to Work

Support Vital in the Lead Up to Possible Return to Work, a Lobbying Update

Our Keep Music Alive Campaign Has Over 10,000 Signatures

Survey to Understand the Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of Creative Freelancers

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

BBC Academy’s Lockdown Learning Now Open to FEU Freelance Members

Scottish Members Encouraged to Submit Stories to Scottish Parliament

Inspire Works Uses ACE Funding to Launch New Series of Drumming Workshops

New Advice on Online Group Teaching

Help UK Music Speak for You by Completing This Survey

Over Three-Quarters of Theatre Musicians Face Hardship if Unable to Work Until September

We Support the NEU’s Five Tests for Government Before Schools Can Re-Open

Support Fair Play Venues Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

New Online Teaching Contract for Adult Students

Keep Music Alive Petition to Fix Streaming Gains Extensive Media Coverage

Applications for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme Have Opened

Getting Recording Session Musicians Back to Work

The Life or Death Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination

We’re Launching a Campaign to Fix Streaming Now With The Ivors Academy

Welsh Members Encouraged to Take Survey to Develop Online Learning Resources

New Items Added as MU Auction Approaches Deadline

Announcing the #BrokenRecord Appeal and Festival

Show Your Support for the Campaign to Fix Streaming and Keep Music Alive

How Changes to the Coronavirus Lockdown Measures Could Affect Musicians

Tribute: Matthew Seligman

Tribute: Ian Macpherson

Tribute: John Giddings

Tribute: Pat Benham

Tribute: Sheik Thompson

New Online Resources for Music Teachers

HMRC to Begin Contacting Those Eligible for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme

Applications Open for Bounce Back Scheme for Business Loans

Findings From Latest MU Impact Survey Covered on Sky News

Video Message From Author Philip Pullman for Bidders on MU Auction

Impact Survey Identifies Key Gaps in Current Government Support for Self-Employed Workers

Three-Month Subscription Holiday Scheme Opens for Applications

Leading Live Music Workshops Online: From Hysterical Disasters to Lifting Spirits

Scottish Government Opens Hardship Fund for the Newly Self Employed

Call for Evidence From Those Missing out on SEISS Due to Maternity Leave