News & Stories for Musicians

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

Young Black Woman wearing headphones and smiling at an open laptop.

MU Welcomes Launch of GENIE - A New Resource Collating Gender Equality Projects in Europe

GENIE (Gender Equality Networks in Europe) is a new database of gender equality networks, seeking to connect activists, networks and projects working with a shared mission towards gender equality in music.

Published: 02 April 2024

Empty illuminated stage with drumkit, guitar and microphones..

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

This April marks Musicians’ Mental Health Month and the MU has partnered with YCAT, BAPAM and Tonic Rider to focus on the important issue of performance anxiety, alongside the launch of new member resources.

Published: 02 April 2024

A group of protestors with their fists raised up in the air in protest.

MU Offers Support and Advice on Boycotting Events

The MU is here to offer guidance to any member wishing to boycott an event, as well as provide support to musicians who have been targeted due to their political activism.

Published: 28 March 2024

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

MU Member Jasdeep Singh Degun Makes History at Royal Philharmonic Society Awards

Jasdeep is the first sitar player to win a Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Award in its 35 year history.

Published: 27 March 2024

A man's hand placing three wooden blocks on a table. One has a picture of a woman, one has a picture of a man, and one has the symbol of an equals sign.

Musicians' Census Finds Over Half of Women in Music Have Experienced Gender Discrimination

The Women Musicians Insight Report finds that gender inequality is still a prominent, alarming issue in the music industry, with female musicians facing much higher levels of discrimination, harassment and career barriers.

Published: 27 March 2024

A condenser microphone positioned with a laptop as part of a home studio for music recording. There is a green plant in the background.

UK Music Launches Economic Survey for Music Creators

UK Music has launched its annual economic survey for music creators, to give the industry a better understanding of the economic landscape of the music industry.

Published: 26 March 2024

Young male student sat in a library with headphones on looking at a laptop screen.

Kent University Announces Closure of All Music Courses

The MU expresses solidarity to all staff and students affected by the closures.

Published: 26 March 2024

North bank of the River Wear in Sunderland, looking toward the town centre.

MU Welcomes Funding Deal for Sunderland’s Crown Works Studios

Sunderland looks set to become one of the largest filmmaking hubs in Europe, creating opportunities for musicians across the North East.

Published: 26 March 2024

Magnifying glass over a light bulb icon on a wooden block, with yellow background.

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

In this special feature, some of the key departments at the Musicians’ Union respond to Labour’s new report on supporting the creative industries, explaining how these plans may affect our members and their careers.

Published: 19 March 2024

Audience hands in the air in front of a stage, representing community and positive wellbeing.

Why Arts Funding is Essential

From boosting the economy to enriching the lives of marginalised communities across the UK, we explore how the arts lie at the very heart of our physical, social and cultural wellbeing.

Published: 19 March 2024

A group of adults with drum sticks and drum kits having a drum lesson.

Members’ Voice: My Journey as a Blind Drummer, Sound Engineer and Educator

MU member Steve Burge reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his career in the music industry, and his hopes for more inclusive music teaching and playing.

Published: 14 March 2024

Keir Starmer speaking at the Labour Creatives Conference against a red background.

Access to the Arts is the Only Way to Harness its Economic Potential Says Labour Leader Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer has set out Labour Party plans to improve access to the arts for all, and to unlock the huge potential of the UK's creative industries.

Published: 14 March 2024

People sitting at a conference with their hands raised to vote.

MU Members Move Motions for Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

MU members Hailey Willington and Sarah Williams represented the MU at the TUC Women’s Conference from 6-8 March, moving motions tackling unpaid caring work, the gender pay gap, and the gender pension gap.

Published: 14 March 2024

An almost silhouette of a women from behind in front of a stage in the spotlight.

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Man standing in front of whiteboard and next to a table in a meeting with employees.

Members' Voice: "I Became Much More Aware of the Full Length and Breadth of What the Union Was Doing"

Folk musician and MU member Martin Jeremiah shares his journey of getting involved with the Union’s political activity over the past 20 years, and recounts his first experiences of joining the Regional Committee (RC).

Published: 13 March 2024

Black and white image of a session musician in the studio, looking at a screen and mixing desk.

MU Responds to BPI’s Latest Offer for Session Musicians

The BPI’s latest offer for session musicians is not worth the paper it’s written on. In this blog, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear explains why and what the union is doing about it.

Published: 12 March 2024

Close up of two people sat with acoustic guitars representing music lessons.

MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has pledged to make the arts accessible to every child in Britain and to reverse a Conservative education policy that has decimated the uptake of arts subjects in state schools.

Published: 12 March 2024

Tribute to Suzanne Grant, 1957 - 2024

A passionate and charitable singer, whose last performance was a fundraiser for cancer research. A tribute from Suzanne’s daughter, Vanessa.

Published: 12 March 2024

The office front of a building with the name US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

The MU is disappointed to learn that US Visa fees are on the rise yet again. The final decision, made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras.

Published: 11 March 2024

Back view of conductor directing a symphony orchestra on stage.

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras

After sustained lobbying from the MU, UK Music and other unions, the Chancellor today announced a permanent increase in the rate of tax relief for orchestras and theatres.

Published: 06 March 2024

Vulva Voce standing in a dark room holding their instruments.

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

In this blog, all-female genre-defying string quartet Vulva Voce celebrate their recent involvement in a world record for the longest acoustic music live-streamed concert, and share the powerful reminder that music written and performed by women and non-binary people is abundant and limitless.

Published: 06 March 2024

Black and white portrait of Christopher Hyde-Smith, holding his flute.

Tribute to Christopher Hyde-Smith, 1935 - 2024

Distinguished flautist and MU member for 70 years, Christopher Hyde-Smith enjoyed a hugely successful and varied career as a soloist, orchestral musician and professor at the Royal College of Music.

Published: 05 March 2024

An Update on Local Authority Budget Cuts in the Midlands

We share a statement from the Midlands TUC Creative and Leisure Industries Committee on severe cultural budget cuts at Birmingham City Council, and a petition opposing 100% cuts to the cultural budget at Nottingham City Council.

Published: 26 February 2024

Silhouette of audience watching musicians on stage at a theatre.

MU Lobbies Department for Communities for Increased Arts Funding in Northern Ireland

We have written to the newly appointed minister for the Department for Communities to ask that he consider using some of the money for a restored Assembly to ensure that the arts and culture sector of Northern Ireland is supported to grow.

Published: 26 February 2024

Silhouette of rappers with microphone in hand on stage.

MU Responses to Kneecap Funding Withdrawal

The MU is deeply troubled by reports that rap group Kneecap have had their MEGS grant blocked by the UK Government. We have written to the Business and Trade Secretary regarding this intervention for the opportunity to discuss the matter further.

Published: 23 February 2024

Close up of someone holding a smart phone landscape in their hands, watching a streamed live music video through headphones.

Fix Streaming: Government Announces Equitable Remuneration Working Group Dominated by Labels

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl evaluates why the newly announced equitable remuneration working group is unbalanced, and how this directly impacts music creators and the fix streaming campaign.

Published: 22 February 2024

A hand reading music notation in a braille book filled with sheet music.

Members’ Voice: The Barriers to Music Education for Those With a Visual Impairment

Educator, singer-songwriter and MU member Alison Trelfa reflects on the barriers she has experienced working in music education, and offers her thoughts on how we can start to break them down.

Published: 22 February 2024

Filkin’s Drift and their manager walking along a grassy road carrying backpacks and instruments.

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Last year MU member Chris Roberts (aka Hafren) undertook a 870-mile walking tour across the Welsh coast with his folk duo Filkin’s Drift. Here he shares the honest, humorous and relatable tale of the 50 show journey, and contemplates the benefits of thinking innovatively when booking tours.

Published: 20 February 2024

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Music artists and producers affected by tinnitus share their stories. Learn more about what preventative steps can be taken and how other musicians manage this hearing condition.

Published: 20 February 2024

Outside of the London Coliseum Theater where ENO is currently based.

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

This means that musicians in both the orchestra and music staff have reached agreements with English National Opera, and planned strike action in this dispute is cancelled.

Published: 20 February 2024

Out of focus back of man standing in front of small meeting talking.

Members’ Voice: “You Can Help Shape the Profession of Music For Years to Come”

Professional musician and educator David Miller sits on the Wales and South West England Regional Committee. In this overview of his union activity, he explains what he’s been involved in and why he’s been a member for over 25 years.

Published: 19 February 2024

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

A joint update from the BBC and Musicians' Union on the future of the BBC Singers and orchestras.

Published: 15 February 2024

People with placards 'Fund the Arts', 'We are union strong', ;We are ENO'

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

The MU has reached an agreement with English National Opera for musicians in the orchestra, and an offer in principle for music staff.

Published: 15 February 2024

Out of focus shot of a man teaching a group how to play guitar.

The Damage Caused by a Decade of Arts Funding Cuts

The MU assesses the severe economic, social and cultural damage caused by a decade of Tory arts funding cuts.

Published: 12 February 2024

Volume dial against a glittery green background.

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Professional musicians are four times more likely to incur hearing damage in the workplace and one of the most distressing noise-induced conditions is hyperacusis. Here, two MU members speak of their experiences of coping with this condition.

Published: 12 February 2024

Diverse group of men and woman talking informally in a bright open space.

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

In this blog, musician, arts facilitator and MU member Giles Perring shares his thoughts on why Regional Committees (RC) can help shape the work of the Union, and gives us an insight into a typical Scotland and Northern Ireland meeting.

Published: 09 February 2024

Person holding a 'Keep Northern Ballet Live' sign after a rally in late 2023.

MU Rejects Use of Recorded Music to Replace Live Orchestra at Northern Ballet

Northern Ballet is replacing musicians in its orchestra with recorded music for some touring productions.

Published: 08 February 2024

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All News and Features

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

MU Welcomes Launch of GENIE - A New Resource Collating Gender Equality Projects in Europe

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

MU Offers Support and Advice on Boycotting Events

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

MU Member Jasdeep Singh Degun Makes History at Royal Philharmonic Society Awards

Musicians' Census Finds Over Half of Women in Music Have Experienced Gender Discrimination

UK Music Launches Economic Survey for Music Creators

Kent University Announces Closure of All Music Courses

MU Welcomes Funding Deal for Sunderland’s Crown Works Studios

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

Why Arts Funding is Essential

Members’ Voice: My Journey as a Blind Drummer, Sound Engineer and Educator

Access to the Arts is the Only Way to Harness its Economic Potential Says Labour Leader Keir Starmer

MU Members Move Motions for Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

Members' Voice: "I Became Much More Aware of the Full Length and Breadth of What the Union Was Doing"

MU Responds to BPI’s Latest Offer for Session Musicians

MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge

Tribute to Suzanne Grant, 1957 - 2024

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

Tribute to Christopher Hyde-Smith, 1935 - 2024

An Update on Local Authority Budget Cuts in the Midlands

MU Lobbies Department for Communities for Increased Arts Funding in Northern Ireland

MU Responses to Kneecap Funding Withdrawal

Fix Streaming: Government Announces Equitable Remuneration Working Group Dominated by Labels

Members’ Voice: The Barriers to Music Education for Those With a Visual Impairment

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

Members’ Voice: “You Can Help Shape the Profession of Music For Years to Come”

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

The Damage Caused by a Decade of Arts Funding Cuts

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

MU Rejects Use of Recorded Music to Replace Live Orchestra at Northern Ballet