News & Stories for Musicians

Diverse group of people standing together and supporting each other

FEU Calls for an Income Guarantee to Protect Workers in the Arts and Media

The Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU) have published this open letter, calling on Government to introduce an income guarantee for freelance and self-employed workers for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Published: 23 March 2020

MU General Secretary Sends Personal Message to Members Affected by Coronavirus Outbreak

In the video message, which was published across the MU’s social channels this morning (Monday, 23 March), Horace Trubridge announced the measures the MU would take to alleviate the pressure on musicians.

Published: 23 March 2020

Photograph of musician at home working on notation.

Income Tax Deferral for the Self-Employed

If you are self employed, Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021.

Published: 23 March 2020

Applications Open for New Coronavirus Hardship Fund for MU Members

In response to the widespread cancellation of work that has hit our profession as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have taken the decision to set up a £1M hardship fund that members with genuine and pressing hardship can apply to.

Published: 22 March 2020

Kids playing in an imaginary band to support their music teacher

Your Child's Music Teacher Needs You

If your child is learning an instrument, there's no need to stop because of school closures or social distancing. Ask your child's teacher about moving the lessons online.

Published: 20 March 2020

Music Industry Issues Call to Chancellor for Help During Coronavirus Outbreak

Music industry and charity leaders – including the MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge – have signed a joint open letter to the Chancellor, asking for a package of urgent measures to help the crisis-hit sector fight the impact of the coronavirus.

Published: 20 March 2020

Bandcamp to Waive Own Revenue Shares This Friday

The music sharing platform will not be taking a share of profits from midnight to midnight (Pacific Time) on 20 March, in a 24-hour drive to put money directly into artists’ pockets.

Published: 20 March 2020

Arts Council Northern Ireland Publishes Coronavirus Response

Arts Council Northern Ireland have stated that their priority is to support people who work in the arts through the challenges they may face over the coming months as a result of Coronavirus.

Published: 20 March 2020

Scottish Government Announces Support for Scottish Businesses

Scottish Government has announced a further package of support which will be available for Scottish businesses.

Published: 19 March 2020

Photograph of small lighthouse in the Welsh countryside

Arts Council Wales Outlines Response to COVID-19

Arts Council Wales have updated their Coronavirus response page to outline their funding response going forward.

Published: 18 March 2020

Photo of sun shining on a bunch of spring flowers.

Chancellor Offers Financial Support to Music Venues

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has acknowledged that grassroots music venues across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges to remain in business, as they fight to continue promoting live music in the long-term.

Published: 18 March 2020

Photograph of woman sneezing into a tissue.

MU Calls on Government to Properly Protect Freelance Workers

We are calling on Government to properly protect freelance workers affected by or self-isolating due to coronavirus.

Published: 18 March 2020

Photograph of a map of the United Kingdom and Ireland

ACE, Creative Scotland and ACW Publish Advice in Response to the Coronavirus

Three major funding bodies for England, Scotland and Wales have published advice for creative businesses and individuals which members may find useful.

Published: 16 March 2020

Photograph of a green forest with the setting sun shining through the branches

Mental Health: Support for Musicians

There is a lot going on in the world right now. So we wanted to take a minute to talk about the mental health support that is out there for musicians, wherever you are and wherever you work.

Published: 16 March 2020

Photograph of audience of theatre goers watching a play.

Advice for Members in Response to Closure of West End and Regional Theatres

Now that the government are advising against mass gatherings of people, UK Theatre and SOLT have taken the decision to close venues across the UK.

Published: 16 March 2020

Photograph of pregnant woman sitting in a park.

On Discrimination: Understanding Discrimination and the Law

The MU looked at discrimination, harassment and the law at the second On Discrimination: Debriefs session in partnership with shesaid.so.

Published: 13 March 2020

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan Calls For Better Support for Freelance Workers

Candidate for Labour Party Deputy Leader Dr Rosena Allin-Khan has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on behalf of Musicians’ Union members, calling for better support for freelance workers.

Published: 13 March 2020

Budget 2020 Coronavirus Measures: What Do They Mean For You?

The Government has today announced its budget for the coming months, with a focus on dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak.

Published: 11 March 2020

Photograph of crowd in a small music venue dancing to the music.

Government Announces Welcome Rates Relief for Music Venues in 2020

We’re delighted at the news that grassroots music venues with a rateable value of below £51,000 will not have to pay business rates this year.

Published: 11 March 2020

Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Working in Poland

Nearly a third of Poland has been declared an LGBT+ free zone, as 100 local authorities have said they will not promote LGBT+ tolerance or acceptance. This includes funding NGOs working to promote equality.

Published: 10 March 2020

Photograph of buildings across the skyline in Austin, Texas

Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

Following the cancellation of this years’ SXSW festival in Austin Texas, members invited to the Showcase are advised that unless they are in possession of a valid ‘O’ or ‘P’ work visa they should not attend.

Published: 09 March 2020

Photo of young brass band preparing to play. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Future of Funding for Culture in Dorset: Have Your Say

Dorset Council are proposing significant changes to how funding is awarded to organisations in the culture, community, and voluntary sectors in the county.

Published: 06 March 2020

Photograph of man raising conductors baton.

Support the Classical Music Sector by Taking ACE’s Diversity Survey

Arts Council England (ACE) have recently launched a survey to explore diversity in the classical music sector.

Published: 05 March 2020

Photograph of a person playing guitar on an outdoor stage.

Arts Council Northern Ireland Releases Annual Funding Survey Results

Arts Council Northern Ireland recently published its findings from a survey of 102 arts and culture organisations in receipt of funding through its Annual Funding Programme.

Published: 05 March 2020

New PACT Agreement

We are delighted to have reached a three-year agreement with the Producers Alliance for Cinema & Television (PACT) which went live 1 March 2020.

Published: 05 March 2020

Discount for MU Members at Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Un-Convention Manchester is a conference for those who create and champion independent music. They are offering a 50% discount on tickets to MU members.

Published: 03 March 2020

Photograph of a placard being held up at a march, reading SOS and painted like a European flag

MU Call For Reciprocal Musicians’ Passport to Protect Musicians Working in the EU More Urgent Than Ever

Proposed immigration plans that could cover musicians have come to light and are circulating online.

Published: 21 February 2020

Fight Not Over for Edinburgh Music Service

City of Edinburgh Council has passed a budget that includes significant cuts to our instrumental music service. But the fight is not over yet.

Published: 21 February 2020

Photograph of Henry singing and playing a nord piano keyboard at the Pride In London contest

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

MU member and session pianist and vocalist Henry Newbury (winner of Pride’s Got Talent) talks about his personal experience in establishing a career as a professional musician.

Published: 20 February 2020

Photograph of various members of the Musicians' Union in Finland stood with MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge

Musicians' Union of Finland Visits the MU's London HQ

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge was delighted to welcome a team from the Musicians’ Union of Finland to our London HQ this week.

Published: 20 February 2020

Photograph of people rehearsing in a band environment.

It's Heart Unions Week: Here's What We're Thankful For

It’s Heart Unions Week! A celebration of trade unions and the work they do every day giving people a voice at work and in the halls of power.

Published: 15 February 2020

Photograph of a group of children singing in a school classroom setting. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Join the Call Against City of Edinburgh Council’s Incapacitating Music Service Cuts

Members and music lovers are encouraged to sign our petition, calling on City of Edinburgh Council to let every child learn music, in the wake of the council’s proposition of significant cuts to its instrumental music service.

Published: 14 February 2020

Photo of children learning on percussion instruments in a group setting.

The MU Partners up With ‘Learn to Play Day’ for Second Year Running

Learn to Play Day is a nationwide initiative to get people of all ages and abilities playing a musical instrument and will take place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2020.

Published: 14 February 2020

Photograph of vintage style model record player, and silly animal hanging from ceiling holding a vinyl record

PPL Report Record High of £86.7m in International Collections

The MU today welcomed the news that music licensing company PPL has collected £86.7m in international monies in 2019 and achieved a growth of £15.8m on the total secured in 2018.

Published: 07 February 2020

Photograph from the back of the MU Orchestral Conference, looking across members' heads to the panel discussion. Photo credit: Shutterstock

MU Orchestral Conference Focuses on Support Needed for Sustainable Careers

The fifth annual MU Orchestral Conference was held in Manchester last week. It focused on sustainable careers – from supporting musicians’ mental and physical health to reaffirming Orchestras’ fundamental place in society.

Published: 07 February 2020

MU Nominates Keir Starmer as Leader and Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

The MU has announced its nomination of Sir Keir Starmer as Leader and former MU member Dr Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader for the upcoming Labour Party leadership elections.

Published: 06 February 2020

Concern Over Threat to Future of BBC Funding

The MU is concerned by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nicky Morgan’s confirmation that the government is considering the removal of the BBC licence fee over the long-term yesterday morning.

Published: 06 February 2020

Musicians playing in a home studio setting. Photo credit: Shutterstock

MU Signs Up to Keychange Initiative and Pledges to Work Towards Fifty-fifty Gender Representation

PRS Foundation’s Keychange initiative has now opened up to organisations within the music industry, having previously focused on music festivals and major events.

Published: 05 February 2020

Photograph of children practising string instruments in classroom setting.

Benedetti Foundation Opens Applications for Teacher Training and Student Workshop Weekend in Dundee

The Benedetti Foundation will be back in Scotland in March, with their next full Benedetti Sessions weekend taking place in Caird Hall, Dundee.

Published: 03 February 2020

Photograph of sign held up at protest reading

The Fight to Protect Musicians’ Rights Continues Beyond Brexit Day

The UK is out of the European Union as of Friday 31 January. But the fight to protect musicians working in the EU is far from over. More than ever, the campaign for the Musicians’ Passport needs your support.

Published: 31 January 2020

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features

FEU Calls for an Income Guarantee to Protect Workers in the Arts and Media

MU General Secretary Sends Personal Message to Members Affected by Coronavirus Outbreak

Income Tax Deferral for the Self-Employed

Applications Open for New Coronavirus Hardship Fund for MU Members

Your Child's Music Teacher Needs You

Music Industry Issues Call to Chancellor for Help During Coronavirus Outbreak

Bandcamp to Waive Own Revenue Shares This Friday

Arts Council Northern Ireland Publishes Coronavirus Response

Scottish Government Announces Support for Scottish Businesses

Arts Council Wales Outlines Response to COVID-19

Chancellor Offers Financial Support to Music Venues

MU Calls on Government to Properly Protect Freelance Workers

ACE, Creative Scotland and ACW Publish Advice in Response to the Coronavirus

Mental Health: Support for Musicians

Advice for Members in Response to Closure of West End and Regional Theatres

On Discrimination: Understanding Discrimination and the Law

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan Calls For Better Support for Freelance Workers

Budget 2020 Coronavirus Measures: What Do They Mean For You?

Government Announces Welcome Rates Relief for Music Venues in 2020

Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Working in Poland

Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

The Future of Funding for Culture in Dorset: Have Your Say

Support the Classical Music Sector by Taking ACE’s Diversity Survey

Arts Council Northern Ireland Releases Annual Funding Survey Results

New PACT Agreement

Discount for MU Members at Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

MU Call For Reciprocal Musicians’ Passport to Protect Musicians Working in the EU More Urgent Than Ever

Fight Not Over for Edinburgh Music Service

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

Musicians' Union of Finland Visits the MU's London HQ

It's Heart Unions Week: Here's What We're Thankful For

Join the Call Against City of Edinburgh Council’s Incapacitating Music Service Cuts

The MU Partners up With ‘Learn to Play Day’ for Second Year Running

PPL Report Record High of £86.7m in International Collections

MU Orchestral Conference Focuses on Support Needed for Sustainable Careers

MU Nominates Keir Starmer as Leader and Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

Concern Over Threat to Future of BBC Funding

MU Signs Up to Keychange Initiative and Pledges to Work Towards Fifty-fifty Gender Representation

Benedetti Foundation Opens Applications for Teacher Training and Student Workshop Weekend in Dundee

The Fight to Protect Musicians’ Rights Continues Beyond Brexit Day