News & Stories for Musicians

Disability History Month: The Contribution of Lived Experience

MU Member Audrey Gray, Creative Projects Manager and CEO of Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) talks about her experience as a member of multiple EDI Networks and how lived experiences can contribute to much needed solutions.

Published: 01 December 2022

Musician protesters with Fix Streaming plackards

Competition and Markets Authority Says Low Pay From Music Streaming Not a Competition Issue

The Competition and Markets Authority has published its final report after campaigning by the Musicians’ Union, the Ivors Academy and Broken Record.

Published: 30 November 2022

School age kid learning guitar with private teacher

MU Education Section Reaches 10,000 Members

As of November, the number of members in the MU’s Education Section is now over 10,000 – approximately a one-third increase since 2020, demonstrating the importance of teaching and education to MU members.

Published: 24 November 2022

A small child is signing in BSL, with just their hands and arms in the focus of the camera.

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

UK Music has launched its Diversity Report 2022, including the findings of its Workforce Diversity Survey 2022 and an action plan for long-term change.

Published: 24 November 2022

french horn players during a classical concert music

Disability History Month: Being a Deaf Musician is not Easy

In our first special feature from Disabled History Month, Professional Musician and member of the MU Executive Committee and ED&I Committee, Nigel Braithwaite talks about his experiences of being a disabled musician.

Published: 21 November 2022

Celebration blur of different colours and gold.

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

The MU is proud to be an official partner organisation of Black Lives in Music, who are celebrating two incredible years of advocating for Black representation in the music industry.

Published: 18 November 2022

MU Meets with Arts Council England Following Arts Funding Cuts

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has met with Arts Council England (ACE) as the union campaigns to reverse damaging funding cuts to English National Opera and others.

Published: 11 November 2022

Quiet figure sits at the end of a dock, watching a sun rise over a body of water.

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 November 2022

Members of conference smile and clap, while one delegate stands and speaks from the floor.

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Trade unions are full of jargon. One of our favourites is the word ‘motion’. But, like most bits of jargon, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Published: 10 November 2022

Musician playing a flute in an orchestral section, only the hands of the musician are visible.

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

The Musicians’ Union joins politicians, academics and civil society organisations calling on the Prime Minister to introduce a universal basic income.

Published: 09 November 2022

Two people are talking using sign language sat on a sofa.

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

The TUC is launching brand new leadership schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers.

Published: 03 November 2022

Photo of DJ Paulette, smiling downwards in a t-shirt that reads

MU Congratulates DJ Paulette on DJ Mag Lifetime Achievement Win

DJ Paulette recently performed at the MU Members’ Conference 2022, closing day one with an exclusive set for delegates, and has now won a Lifetime Achievement award in DJ magazine’s top 100 DJs.

Published: 03 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

A woman looks eagerly into a laptop in a busy home office space

CULT Cymru Announces Line-up of November Courses For Members in Wales

CULT Cymru offers discounted courses to MU members living in Wales, they have just released dates and booking links for their November courses – from sign language to online self-promotion.

Published: 31 October 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holds a red sign reading

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

Musicians’ Union member Robert Scott moved a motion on touring in the EU at the TUC’s annual Congress.

Published: 31 October 2022

A drummer in a bright yellow jumper is playing on a kit in a practice room, looking to the side at a music stand.

TUC 2022 Supports Better Pay and Conditions for Instrumental and Vocal Teachers

People from across the trade union movement voiced their support for the MU’s music teacher members at Trades Union Congress 2022.

Published: 28 October 2022

Young woman playing and singing on grand piano alone in concert hall during daytime.

MU’s Response to ‘Misogyny in Music’ Inquiry Published

In July we submitted a response to the HoC Women and Equalities Committee 'Misogyny in Music' Inquiry. Our submission has now been accepted and published online, here we outline some key highlights.

Published: 25 October 2022

Veronika Klírová outside on grass in seated side bend yoga pose.

Musicians’ Yoga Essentials Course Launched For MU Members

MU members now have free access to the uniquely designed course tailored for musicians created by MU member and yoga teacher Veronika Klírová.

Published: 24 October 2022

Naomi Pohl speaking into a microphone next to George Peretz KC on a panel at Labour Conference.

MU General Secretary Joins Calls For Urgent General Election

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks about our presence at this year's party conferences and what’s going on in music education, touring in Europe and orchestras, theatre and arts funding.

Published: 20 October 2022

Findings Show Classical Music Industry at Risk of Losing Talent and Decreasing in Diversity

The MU was one of many organisations to help fund groundbreaking research into a report which finds that the Classical Music sector is failing its parent and carer workforce.

Published: 20 October 2022

Woman's hand holds megaphone with yellow background.

Raghad Haddad Wins MU-Sponsored Award at Youth Music Awards

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl presented the award, in the category of Inspirational Music Leader, at the Youth Music Awards in London on 19 October.

Published: 20 October 2022

Woman with guitar in case, over her shoulder, at the railway station.

Taking Action - Our Update on Brexit for Musicians

The MU has been closely involved in the compiling of two comprehensive reports outlining the difficulties musicians and the creative industries as a whole are having in the post Brexit age.

Published: 19 October 2022

Menopause word on wooden block. Flat lay view on light pink background.

World Menopause Day 2022: An Issue That Affects Us All

Today is World Menopause Day and to mark this, we’ve shared resources, information and what the Union is doing to raise awareness in our blog below.

Published: 18 October 2022

Big silver calculator, black pen and straw hat on a yellow background.

Music Teaching Holiday Pay Guidance Updated

The MU has updated its guidance page on holiday pay for music teachers, particularly when calculating this for atypical work and part-year workers.

Published: 14 October 2022

Close up of Saxophonist's hands holding instrument while playing jazz music on dark stage.

MU to Sponsor Presentation at The Ivors Composer Awards 2022

The MU will be sponsoring the ‘Ivor for Innovation Award’ for the first time in November.

Published: 14 October 2022

Banner for the MU Members' Conference 2022, picture of a young violinist performing in the background with a yellow banner reading

Meet the Members Leading Conversations at the MU Members’ Conference 2022

Our members are always at the heart of what we do, and in this feature we highlight some of those leading the conversation on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues and how they impact musicians.

Published: 06 October 2022

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Read our highlights from this Autumn’s Labour and Conservative Party Conferences.

Published: 06 October 2022

A man is sat in front of a music stand, making a gesture to an unseen student about the use of his throat.

Proudly Representing Musicians Who Teach This World Teachers’ Day

Wednesday 5 October 2022 is World Teachers’ Day, a significant day for the MU. We have over 7,800 in our education section, and represent even more musicians who teach – in schools, as private teachers, and in many other capacities.

Published: 05 October 2022

Portrait of man's head combined with soft focus landscape to represent mental health and clarity.

Musicians and Mental Health First Aid Training: Why do it?

World Mental Health Day takes place 10 October and to mark this, MU member Louise Braithwaite talks about her MU supported mental health first aid training and how we should all try listening for that little bit longer.

Published: 30 September 2022

Portrait of keynote speaker Kelli-Leigh with yellow graphic: Kelli-Leigh at MU Members' Conference 2022.

Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

The MU is proud to welcome Kelli-Leigh to our Members' Conference as a keynote speaker on day two to talk about how she fights for equality in the music industry.

Published: 29 September 2022

A rock artist with an electric guitar and long hair sings into a microphone on stage. The grunge singer performs at a concert in the spotlight.

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Two thousand artists and creative arts workers started to receive a basic income this September as part of a pilot scheme in Ireland.

Published: 26 September 2022

Red lit photo of a woman singer on stage at a small venue, looking out to the crowd

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

UK Music report This Is Music 2022 reveals the UK music industry’s contribution to the economy is going up, but there’s a long way to go to recovery.

Published: 23 September 2022

DJ Paulette wearing a T-shirt saying 'I am Black History'

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

DJ Paulette will be closing day one of the MU Members’ Conference 2022 in Leeds with an exclusive set for delegates.

Published: 23 September 2022

Young Black man in recording studio at mixing desk.

Revisit Some of the MU’s Most Interesting and Important EDI Stories

Ahead of Black History Month in October, we’ve put together a list of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) 'in case you missed it’ highlights from the past 12 months.

Published: 21 September 2022

Mayor Tracy Brabin smiling, with graphic: Mayor Tracy Brabin at MU Members' Conference 2022

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union is delighted to welcome West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin as a keynote speaker on day one of Members’ Conference.

Published: 20 September 2022

Out of focus picture of a busy UK high street with cars, taxis and pedestrians visible.

TUC launches £15 National Minimum Wage Campaign

Show your support for a £15 minimum wage with the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Published: 20 September 2022

Naomi Pohl with other General Secretaries on the front line of the We Demand Better march with banner.

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the union’s policy priorities and industrial strategy this autumn.

Published: 15 September 2022

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Musician and MU Executive Committee Vice Chair Andi Hopgood explores common mental health challenges facing musicians ahead of a Members’ Conference panel on how the music industry is supporting musicians to stay mentally healthy.

Published: 15 September 2022

TUC Holding Series of Town Hall Meetings on We Demand Better Campaign

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) are holding a series of meetings as part of their autumn of Action at Town Halls across Wales and England.

Published: 12 September 2022

Black and white image of young Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen’s Passing and Period of National Mourning

The MU is saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and joins the country in paying its respects.

Published: 09 September 2022

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Disability History Month: The Contribution of Lived Experience

Competition and Markets Authority Says Low Pay From Music Streaming Not a Competition Issue

MU Education Section Reaches 10,000 Members

UK Music Unveils 2022 Workforce Diversity Survey Results and Action Plan

Disability History Month: Being a Deaf Musician is not Easy

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

MU Meets with Arts Council England Following Arts Funding Cuts

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

MU Congratulates DJ Paulette on DJ Mag Lifetime Achievement Win

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

CULT Cymru Announces Line-up of November Courses For Members in Wales

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

TUC 2022 Supports Better Pay and Conditions for Instrumental and Vocal Teachers

MU’s Response to ‘Misogyny in Music’ Inquiry Published

Musicians’ Yoga Essentials Course Launched For MU Members

MU General Secretary Joins Calls For Urgent General Election

Findings Show Classical Music Industry at Risk of Losing Talent and Decreasing in Diversity

Raghad Haddad Wins MU-Sponsored Award at Youth Music Awards

Taking Action - Our Update on Brexit for Musicians

World Menopause Day 2022: An Issue That Affects Us All

Music Teaching Holiday Pay Guidance Updated

MU to Sponsor Presentation at The Ivors Composer Awards 2022

Meet the Members Leading Conversations at the MU Members’ Conference 2022

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Proudly Representing Musicians Who Teach This World Teachers’ Day

Musicians and Mental Health First Aid Training: Why do it?

Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

Revisit Some of the MU’s Most Interesting and Important EDI Stories

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

TUC launches £15 National Minimum Wage Campaign

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

TUC Holding Series of Town Hall Meetings on We Demand Better Campaign

Queen’s Passing and Period of National Mourning