News & Stories for Musicians

MU Express Their Delight at Council’s Rates Cut for Iconic 100 Club

The MU is delighted to learn that Westminster Council has today acted to secure the long-term future of London’s legendary 100 Club with an announcement that the venue will be offered 100% Business Rate Relief from 1 April 2020.

Published: 29 January 2020

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Protect Busking Culture in the West End by Responding to Council’s Consultation

The MU has serious concerns over Westminster County Council's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 27 January 2020

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Business Rates for Grassroots Music Venues Have Been Slashed

Following intensive lobbying from across the UK music industry, the Government have announced details of a 50% reduction in business rates for small and medium sized grassroots music venues.

Published: 27 January 2020

6 MPs on Working in the EU post-Brexit and the Musicians’ Passport

The MU is fighting for a Musicians’ Passport so that you can keep working in the EU post-Brexit. And it looks like the message is getting through.

Published: 27 January 2020

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Release of Charter for Visiting Music Teachers to Help Schools Provide the Best Support

The MU has produced a Charter for Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) in joint partnership with the NEU, to set out what VMTs require from schools to do their jobs effectively.

Published: 23 January 2020

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Tell Your New MP About the Musicians’ Passport

The MU is fighting for musicians’ rights to keep working in the EU post-Brexit. We’re calling for a Musicians’ Passport – and more than 40,000 people have signed the petition to show their support.

Published: 22 January 2020

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ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

English National Opera (ENO) are recruiting five new string players from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background in a positive effort to ensure their Orchestra more fairly reflects our society.

Published: 20 January 2020

Registering to Vote in the Labour Party Leadership Election

MU members should be aware that they are not automatically eligible to vote in the up coming Labour Party leadership election. Members who wish to vote will need to complete the following steps.

Published: 13 January 2020

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Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 Open for Entries

The Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 is open for entries, with five prizes of £100 each up for grabs. The deadline for entries is 14 February 2020.

Published: 08 January 2020

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Possible Delays Entering the US for Iranian Nationals

Performing artists who are Iranian nationals or individuals of Iranian descent should anticipate delays entering the US.

Published: 07 January 2020

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Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Flybe has listened to the concerns of musicians, and following a letter sent by the MU late last year, has amended its cabin baggage terms and conditions to accommodate small instruments.

Published: 06 January 2020

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Change in Flybe’s Musical Instruments on Planes Policy

The MU was disappointed to learn that Flybe’s Musical Instrument Policy has recently been updated, to the detriment of musicians travelling with their instruments.

Published: 16 December 2019

Next Steps for Musicians Following the General Election

The Conservatives have won an overall majority in the general election. It’s now almost certain that we will get a Tory Brexit, which means musicians are likely to face new barriers to working in the EU post-Brexit.

Published: 13 December 2019

Tribute to Kenneth Howell, Trumpet and Flugal Horn Player

This tribute to MU member Kenneth Howell has been provided by his wife Deirdre Howell.

Published: 13 December 2019

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Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) have confirmed that MU members can claim a discount to their flagship conference in February, alongside their announcement that 2020’s conference will be going ‘panel-less’.

Published: 10 December 2019

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7 Things That will Help Your Networking Work Harder for You

Networking is an essential skill for working in the music industry. For some people it’s a lot of fun, for others it feels a little more like hard work.

Published: 10 December 2019

Photograph of Duncan Lamont, celebrated Scottish jazz saxophonist

Tribute to Duncan Lamont

This tribute for celebrated Scottish jazz saxophonist Duncan Lamont, has been written by his son, Duncan Lamont Jnr.

Published: 06 December 2019

Poster with illustration of two women dancing happily reading #ForTheLoveOfMusic, find out more at theMU.org/safespace

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting

A recent MU survey revealed 48% of musicians have experienced sexual harassment at work. Over 85% did not report it.

Published: 06 December 2019

Details for CITES Rosewood Exemption Announced

The MU has learnt today that the CITES rosewood exemptions – which were agreed on at the last CITES meeting in Geneva – will take effect from 14 December 2019.

Published: 06 December 2019

Quiz Your Candidates: Make Sure You’re Voting for the Best Deal for Musicians

In a matter of weeks, the UK will be going to the polls for the third time in four years. The reason? The EU referendum in June 2016, which irrevocably changed our country and our politics and has made it almost impossible for parliament to agree or to function properly.

Published: 04 December 2019

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Over 48% of Musicians’ Union members surveyed have experienced sexual harassment at work. Shockingly, a third of those people say their harassment was related to a protected characteristic, and another 21% said they were not sure.

Published: 03 December 2019

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Third Party Harassment at Work: Protect Freelancers Too

You might have heard about the Musicians’ Union’s campaign to Protect Freelancers Too. In a recent survey of MU members, 48% told us they have experienced sexual harassment at work.

Published: 29 November 2019

Why the Musicians' Union is Supporting #16Days and UN Women's Stand Against Rape Culture

Musicians’ Union Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at how the MU is tackling sexual harassment in musicians’ workplaces, creating Safe Space for musicians to be heard and campaigning to ensure that everyone has an equal level of protection from sexual harassment.

Published: 25 November 2019

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MU Launches The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry

The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry looks at common challenges facing freelance musicians, strategies for meeting them, and how to access support.

Published: 22 November 2019

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Music Industry Contributes £5.2 Billion to UK Economy – new figures reveal

UK Music’s inaugural Music By Numbers report was published today (20 November) and reveals the key role music plays in the economy.

Published: 20 November 2019

Advice for Touring Musicians on US Court Ruling Against Device Probe

Have you ever tried entered the United States and had your smartphone or laptop searched? If so that has now been disallowed.

Published: 18 November 2019

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

Independent Venue Week has announced Anna Calvi as Ambassador for their seventh year.

Published: 14 November 2019

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Clinic Dates

A new partnership between BAPAM and Liverpool Philharmonic is providing free Performing Arts Medicine Clinics at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, new clinic dates have just been announced.

Published: 14 November 2019

Band Involved in Legal Struggle After Name Trademarked Without Their Permission

Because of a trademark registration the original Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band were no longer able to record an album or perform a concert under their own name. They have now won back their name.

Published: 11 November 2019

Teacher and student with a saxophone in a school hall setting

Music Education Hubs to Receive Another Year’s Funding

The MU welcomes the government’s announcement of another year’s funding for music education hubs.

Published: 06 November 2019

Woman waves keyboard around in a gym setting.

New BAPAM Healthy Performance Training Series to be Held in Cardiff

These introductory two-hour sessions are designed for performing arts professionals and students, and will outline risk factors and key strategies to maintain good physical health throughout a sustainable career.

Published: 31 October 2019

Five Free Tickets Available for Birmingham BAPAM Healthy Performance Workshops

These introductory two-hour sessions are designed for performing arts professionals and students and will outline risk factors and key strategies to maintain good health throughout a sustainable career.

Published: 31 October 2019

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MU's Campaign for Sexual Harassment Law Change Featured on Badass Women’s Hour XL

The MU spoke to Badass Women’s Hour XL about sexual harassment in the music industry and our new campaign to change the law to protect freelancers too.

Published: 29 October 2019

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Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM) Call for Regional Champions

SWIM is a new charity dedicated to levelling the playing field for women in music. Based in Scotland, membership is comprised of female music creators and industry professionals, based in Scotland.

Published: 29 October 2019

Photograph of the inside of a club with blurred bar lights.

Sub Club Under Threat

The Sub Club has a global reputation and has been a stalwart of Glasgow’s electronic music scene for the past 25 years.

Published: 29 October 2019

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

Now in its fourth year, The London International Guitar Show (LIGS) will be returning to Kempton Park Racecourse on Sunday 27 October 2019 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Published: 25 October 2019

Photo of person on stage with microphone

Show Your Support for Stronger Laws Against Sexual Harassment that Protect Freelancers Too

A recent MU survey revealed that 48% of musicians have been sexually harassed at work. Take action now for stronger laws to prevent sexual harassment at work that protect freelancers too.

Published: 25 October 2019

Photo of audience at a venue, raising their hands in the air.

Help Build a Bigger Rock and Pop Circuit in East England

If you are or know a venue or promoter based in East England (that’s Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertforshire, Suffolk and Norfolk), we’d urge you to get involved in this music industry research. The deadline has now moved to 10 November.

Published: 24 October 2019

Photograph of guitarist and drummer playing an outdoor gig, taken from the side

Sexual Harassment Widespread Across the UK Music Industry

New data released today (23 October) reveals almost half (48%) of musicians have experienced sexual harassment at work. Alarmingly, over four in five (85%) victims did not report the harassment.

Published: 22 October 2019

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European Social Partners in the Live Performance Sector Celebrate 20 Years of European Social Dialogue

A guest blog by National Organiser Live Performance Dave Webster, originally given as a speech on behalf of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM).

Published: 21 October 2019

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MU Express Their Delight at Council’s Rates Cut for Iconic 100 Club

Protect Busking Culture in the West End by Responding to Council’s Consultation

Business Rates for Grassroots Music Venues Have Been Slashed

6 MPs on Working in the EU post-Brexit and the Musicians’ Passport

Release of Charter for Visiting Music Teachers to Help Schools Provide the Best Support

Tell Your New MP About the Musicians’ Passport

ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

Registering to Vote in the Labour Party Leadership Election

Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 Open for Entries

Possible Delays Entering the US for Iranian Nationals

Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Change in Flybe’s Musical Instruments on Planes Policy

Next Steps for Musicians Following the General Election

Tribute to Kenneth Howell, Trumpet and Flugal Horn Player

Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

7 Things That will Help Your Networking Work Harder for You

Tribute to Duncan Lamont

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting

Details for CITES Rosewood Exemption Announced

Quiz Your Candidates: Make Sure You’re Voting for the Best Deal for Musicians

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Third Party Harassment at Work: Protect Freelancers Too

Why the Musicians' Union is Supporting #16Days and UN Women's Stand Against Rape Culture

MU Launches The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry

Music Industry Contributes £5.2 Billion to UK Economy – new figures reveal

Advice for Touring Musicians on US Court Ruling Against Device Probe

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Clinic Dates

Band Involved in Legal Struggle After Name Trademarked Without Their Permission

Music Education Hubs to Receive Another Year’s Funding

New BAPAM Healthy Performance Training Series to be Held in Cardiff

Five Free Tickets Available for Birmingham BAPAM Healthy Performance Workshops

MU's Campaign for Sexual Harassment Law Change Featured on Badass Women’s Hour XL

Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM) Call for Regional Champions

Sub Club Under Threat

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

Show Your Support for Stronger Laws Against Sexual Harassment that Protect Freelancers Too

Help Build a Bigger Rock and Pop Circuit in East England

Sexual Harassment Widespread Across the UK Music Industry

European Social Partners in the Live Performance Sector Celebrate 20 Years of European Social Dialogue