News & Stories for Musicians

Petition to Stop the Busking Bans in Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are proposing to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order which means that buskers could be subjected to a fine of up to £1000.

Published: 17 May 2019

Photograph close up of Microphone on neutral background

Applications Encouraged to BBC Scotland Debate Night

BBC Scotland’s new discussion programme, hosted by Stephen Jardine, is looking for members to be part of the audience and put their questions to the people in power.

Published: 17 May 2019

Liver Building in Liverpool against blue sky

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

A new partnership between BAPAM and Liverpool Philharmonic is now providing free Performing Arts Medicine Clinics at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Published: 13 May 2019

Arts Council England Announces £1.5 Million Budget to Support Grassroots Live Music

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes Arts Council England’s (ACE) announcement of a new ring-fenced budget to support projects hosting and promoting live music in grassroots venues.

Published: 10 May 2019

Pledge Music to go into Administration

Music crowdfunding website Pledge Music, which registers over 45,000 musicians, has announced it will be going into administration

Published: 09 May 2019

Next Stage Survey Reveals 2 In 3 Musicians Have Compromised Health and Wellbeing to Perform Live

Attitude is Everything’s Next Stage survey, supported by the Musicians’ Union, reveals 2 in 3 musicians have had to compromise their health and wellbeing to perform live.

Published: 09 May 2019

Poster of different musicians playing under

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is supporting Make Music Day – an event which aims to turn the country into a stage and offer a full spectrum of performers the opportunity to display their musical skills.

Published: 08 May 2019

The MU at Birmingham Pride

The MU joined Birmingham Pride march on 25 May 2019.

Published: 30 April 2019

Portrait photograph of band members Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, with text

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

Scottish duo The Eves, Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie , talk through their reasons for joining the Musicians’ Union (MU) and why it’s benefited them.

Published: 30 April 2019

Photograph of different trade union banners being held aloft

May Day Marches in the North of England

Members are encouraged to join a May Day March, where trade unionists and the labour movement will come together to celebrate efforts to improve workers’ rights.

Published: 30 April 2019

Primary aged children take part in a classroom ukulele lesson.

Crowd Funding Appeal for Judicial Review of Music Tuition Fees in Scottish State Schools

A crowd funding appeal is underway to raise £15,000 to pay the legal fees for the necessary first steps in a potential judicial review of the lawfulness of fees for musical instrument tuition in Scotland's state schools.

Published: 25 April 2019

Banner at the People's Vote March reading

Sign the Petition For a People’s Vote

Campaign group Labour for a Public Vote is calling on everyone who supports a People’s Vote to sign their petition for a confirmatory vote on Brexit.

Published: 25 April 2019

UK Music Launches 2019 Survey for Music Creators

UK Music has launched its annual music industry survey, and the Musicians’ Union is encouraging members to take part.

Published: 25 April 2019

Lineup of percussive instruments for classroom use

Breaking the Class Ceiling in Music Education

MPs and Peers looked at access to music and the challenges emerging artists face in the second session of the ‘Breaking the Class Ceiling’ inquiry.

Published: 23 April 2019

New Performing Arts Medicine Clinic at the Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast

BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) are opening a new free clinic for performing arts professionals and students in Northern Ireland.

Published: 18 April 2019

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

The Musicians’ Union is delighted that the TUC Black Workers Conference voted to support music education in schools and end discrimination against drill artists.

Published: 17 April 2019

Tribute to Levine Andrade

Outstanding violist, violinist, conductor and founding member of the Arditti Quartet.

Published: 16 April 2019

May Day Marches Across Scotland and Northern Ireland

Members are encouraged to join a May Day March, where trade unionists and the labour movement will come together to celebrate efforts to improve workers’ rights.

Published: 16 April 2019

Concern About Recent Protests Over Schools Teaching About Same-Sex Relationships

The MU is concerned at the recent protests in Birmingham regarding schools teaching about same-sex relationships, LGBTQ+ rights and topics covered in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 April 2019

Help Musicians UK Opens Round Two of its 360-degree Fund for Music Creators Do It Differently

Musicians’ Union members may be interested in this pivotal fund for independent music creators, which offers a support package across creative, well-being and business.

Published: 12 April 2019

Brexit Extended for up to Six Months

Following talks between European Union leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May, Brexit has been extended for up to six months.

Published: 11 April 2019

Highlights From the TUC Young Workers Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) was delighted to take a delegation to the TUC Young Workers’ Conference 2019.

Published: 05 April 2019

Shaping the Future, Paving the Way: Manifesto For Change (Part 1)

A manifesto of change produced by participants of the MU Women in Music conference 2019.

Published: 05 April 2019

Children learning trumpet and clarinet in classroom setting

New Musicians' Union Research Reveals Perilous State of Music Education and Calls on Government to Let Every Child Learn Music

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has launched State of Play, a comprehensive report into the state of music education, following extensive research led by Dr Jonathan Savage (Manchester Metropolitan University) and David Barnard (MU Music Education Official).

Published: 02 April 2019

Empty classroom with chairs and music stands.

New Report Makes Urgent Recommendations for Future of Music Education

New Musicians’ Union (MU) research reveals the perilous state of music education in England, caused by chaotic education policies that have created a postcode lottery in provision.

Published: 02 April 2019

Naomi Pohl Recognised on the shesaid.so Alternative Power 100 Music List

We are delighted that Musicians’ Union (MU) Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl is recognised on the shesaid.so Alternative Power 100 Music List. This year’s theme is community, a value at the heart of the trade union movement.

Published: 02 April 2019

Brexit Deal Voted Down in Parliament for the Third Time

Theresa May’s Brexit deal has today been voted down by the House of Commons. The UK now has until 12 April 2019 to set out its next steps. Any delay beyond 12 April will be dependent on approval from the EU.

Published: 29 March 2019

MU/UK Theatre Rate increases from 1 April 2019

The following rate increases will apply from 1 April 2019 for musicians working under the Musicians’ Union’s (MU) agreement with UK Theatre.

Published: 29 March 2019

Musicians’ Union (MU) launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists

New Musicians’ Union Live Advice

The MU launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists.

Published: 28 March 2019

Release of New Report on Music Education in Scotland Highlights Concerns

The new research project pulls together findings and recommendations for music education in Scotland.

Published: 28 March 2019

Monthly Feldenkrais classes starting from May 2019

The Musicians’ Union (MU) will be holding a series of workshops exploring how your habits of movement can constrain your potential – both on and off the stage.

Published: 28 March 2019

Members’ Discount Available on Music Education Toolkit ‘Music Tutor’s Hero’

‘Music Tutor’s Hero’ aims to help self-employed music teachers deliver interactive lessons for pupils and parents whilst enhancing their teaching business.

Published: 28 March 2019

Three event participants sit under a slide reading

Home of Metal Symposium and Workshop: Call for Papers and Workshop Participants

Home of Metal is a celebration of the music that was born in Birmingham. It’s exhibitions and events seek to join the dots between music, social history, visual art and fan cultures to produce a new perspective on Heavy Metal.

Published: 28 March 2019

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Copyright Directive Success

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted that the European Parliament has passed the final Copyright Directive text.

Published: 26 March 2019

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Brexit Delay

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has welcomed the European Union’s (EU) offer to postpone Brexit beyond 29 March. We had real concerns that parliament would not come to an agreement in time to avoid a No Deal scenario.

Published: 21 March 2019

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

The MU and the ABO have created a joint Manifesto for British Orchestras and are collectively inviting orchestras to sign up.

Published: 21 March 2019

Report Released Recommending that Government Must Act Now to Protect Music

A new report from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee says the Government must act now to protect music. The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to see the inquiry take on board our concerns about working in the European Union (EU) post-Brexit.

Published: 20 March 2019

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Social Mobility

The Performers’ Alliance All Party Parliamentary Group is looking into social mobility in the creative sector, including music.

Published: 19 March 2019

Call for Members Working as Traditional Musicians in Scotland to Complete Survey

The Traditional Music Forum has launched a survey which aims to capture the economic realities for traditional and folk musicians in Scotland today.

Published: 18 March 2019

Musicians in the Midlands Encouraged to Take Part in Arts Council England Research Survey

Arts Council England (ACE) are running a survey to identify and assess the challenges, opportunities and funding needs within the Midlands’ music scene, enabling them to target future support effectively.

Published: 18 March 2019

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Petition to Stop the Busking Bans in Kensington and Chelsea

Applications Encouraged to BBC Scotland Debate Night

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

Arts Council England Announces £1.5 Million Budget to Support Grassroots Live Music

Pledge Music to go into Administration

Next Stage Survey Reveals 2 In 3 Musicians Have Compromised Health and Wellbeing to Perform Live

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

The MU at Birmingham Pride

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

May Day Marches in the North of England

Crowd Funding Appeal for Judicial Review of Music Tuition Fees in Scottish State Schools

Sign the Petition For a People’s Vote

UK Music Launches 2019 Survey for Music Creators

Breaking the Class Ceiling in Music Education

New Performing Arts Medicine Clinic at the Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

Tribute to Levine Andrade

May Day Marches Across Scotland and Northern Ireland

Concern About Recent Protests Over Schools Teaching About Same-Sex Relationships

Help Musicians UK Opens Round Two of its 360-degree Fund for Music Creators Do It Differently

Brexit Extended for up to Six Months

Highlights From the TUC Young Workers Conference

Shaping the Future, Paving the Way: Manifesto For Change (Part 1)

New Musicians' Union Research Reveals Perilous State of Music Education and Calls on Government to Let Every Child Learn Music

New Report Makes Urgent Recommendations for Future of Music Education

Naomi Pohl Recognised on the shesaid.so Alternative Power 100 Music List

Brexit Deal Voted Down in Parliament for the Third Time

MU/UK Theatre Rate increases from 1 April 2019

New Musicians’ Union Live Advice

Release of New Report on Music Education in Scotland Highlights Concerns

Monthly Feldenkrais classes starting from May 2019

Members’ Discount Available on Music Education Toolkit ‘Music Tutor’s Hero’

Home of Metal Symposium and Workshop: Call for Papers and Workshop Participants

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Copyright Directive Success

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Brexit Delay

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

Report Released Recommending that Government Must Act Now to Protect Music

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Social Mobility

Call for Members Working as Traditional Musicians in Scotland to Complete Survey

Musicians in the Midlands Encouraged to Take Part in Arts Council England Research Survey