News & Stories for Musicians

Britain Risks “Cultural Void” as Funding Cuts Threaten the Future of Orchestras

New research by the Musicians’ Union (MU) has found that 44% of the UK’s orchestral musicians say they don’t earn enough to live on, putting the future of the nation’s orchestras at risk.

Published: 02 May 2018

The Musician Behind the Moment

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is launching The Musician Behind the Moment, our new campaign to show the true value of the UK’s orchestral musicians.

Published: 02 May 2018

MU Highlights Black Music Programming at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) was delighted to attend the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Black Workers’ Conference

Published: 23 April 2018

Ivory Ban Will Grant Exemptions for Musical Instruments

Following lobbying from the music industry, including the Musicians' Union (MU), The UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) ivory ban will give some exemptions for musical instruments.

Published: 18 April 2018

Musicians’ Union Representative and Violinist Wins 2018 Salomon Prize

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra violinist, and Musicians’ Union representative David Rimbault received the prestigious Salomon Prize in recognition of his tireless commitment to the orchestra and its audiences.

Published: 17 April 2018

Parents Support Free Movement for Musicians

It's not just musicians who have been signing the MU petition calling on Government and Parliament to support free movement for musicians post-Brexit. Those around them are making themselves heard too.

Published: 12 April 2018

Brexit: 1 Year to Go

This Thursday is a year to the day since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, beginning the Brexit process.

Published: 26 March 2018

TUC Young Workers’ Conference Passes Motion on Sexual Harassment, Makes It Priority Campaign

MU member Amy Fitz Doyley moved the MU’s motion on sexual harassment, abuse, discrimination and exploitation with a powerful speech on the issue.

Published: 26 March 2018

MU and WGGB Launch The Musical Theatre Kit

Neil Crossley examines the difficulties often met in the creation of musicals, and how the Musical Theatre Kit serves to meet a real need.

Published: 26 March 2018

Thangam Debbonaire MP: It is vital Brexit does not constrain the reach of musicians

Thangam Debbonaire MP for Bristol West, discusses her successful call for Margot James MP – the Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport – to meet with Musicians’ Union representatives and discuss their concerns over Brexit.

Published: 23 March 2018

Minister for Digital & Creative Industries Agrees to Meet Musicians' Union to Discuss Free Movement

On Thursday 22 March, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries Margot James MP agreed to meet the Musicians' Union (MU) to discuss musicians' right to travel freely and easily in the European Union post-Brexit.

Published: 23 March 2018

Conservative MP Agrees to Raise Question in Parliament in Support of Musicians Working In The EU post-Brexit

In response to a tweet from the Musicians' Union (MU) highlighting the MU's pledge and petition, Conservative MP Nadine Dorries agreed to raise the issue of musicians' ability to travel freely and easily post-Brexit in Parliament.

Published: 23 March 2018

Plans Unveiled to Boost Music in the Liverpool City Region

UK Music – of which the Musicians’ Union (MU) is a member – and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, today unveiled plans to introduce a Music Board for the Liverpool City Region.

Published: 07 March 2018

International Women's Day 2018: MU Members Share Their Top Festival Moments

Thursday 8 March is International Women’s Day. To celebrate, we asked Musicians’ Union (MU) members about their favourite festival moments.

Published: 07 March 2018

MU Highlights Sexual Harassment and Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to be attending TUC Women’s Conference once again. The MU is taking two motions to TUC Women’s Conference focusing on festival line-ups, and sexual harassment in the music industry.

Published: 07 March 2018

Women's History Month 2018: Time's Up

No-one should experience or fear sexual harassment, abuse, bullying or discrimination at work. Time's up. The Musicians' Union (MU) set up safespace@theMU.org for everyone in the music industry to share their experiences in confidence. We will listen.

Published: 02 March 2018

Help keep the Stratford ArtsHouse open

It was announced on Thursday that the Stratford ArtsHouse – home to the Orchestra of the Swan – is due to close on 5 May. Act now to help secure the future of this essential community space.

Published: 26 February 2018

UK Live Music Census Shows Small Venues Are Good For Everyone

The Musicians’ Union (MU) was delighted to host the launch of the UK’s first Live Music Census report. It digs deep into the economic, social and cultural value of small venues, and the challenges facing both venues and the musicians who work in them.

Published: 23 February 2018

Symphony orchestra violinists performing on stage against dark background.

LGBT History Month: "It’s a Shame That None of the Glorious Romantic Scores We Play are About a Gay Couple"

Glen Sheldon reflects on his life as an orchestral player #LGBTHM2018, as this LGBT History Month, we asked MU members to tell us about their experiences working in the music industry.

Published: 20 February 2018

Hearing, Health and Safety at Work

As we await the judgment in a landmark case on hearing damage and health and safety law, Musicians’ Union (MU) Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl comments on the cause and extent of hearing problems affecting musicians.

Published: 19 February 2018

UK’s First Live Music Census Reveals Ongoing Threats to Small Venues

Small venues continue to face threats that could affect their long-term future, warns UK’s first Live Music Census.

Published: 16 February 2018

MU Celebrates Campaign Victory as Agent of Change to be Made Law in Scotland

The MU is celebrating the incorporation of the Agent of Change principle into Scottish Planning Policy.

Published: 16 February 2018

Making the Most of Your Fanbase - AmericanaFestUK Highlights

What do you know about your fans, and how can you use that data to develop that crucial artist/fan relationship? Highlights from AmericanaFestUK, supported by the Musicians’ Union (MU).

Published: 14 February 2018

Outside view of Queen's Theatre, West End theatre, located on Shaftesbury Avenue

LGBT History Month: "The West End is a Great Place to Work... All Kinds of Musicians Should Get the Chance to Experience It"

This LGBT History Month, we asked MU members to tell us about their experiences working in the music industry. Here, one musician shares their thoughts on life in London’s West End. #LGBTHM2018

Published: 12 February 2018

Musicians' Union Gives Evidence On Free Movement for Musicians Post-Brexit

Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Horace Trubridge was in Parliament on Wednesday 7 February to talk about free movement for musicians post-Brexit; why we need it, and what it might look like.

Published: 08 February 2018

Rev Sekou performing at Americana Fest UK

Wellbeing on Your Journey to 'Success' - AmericanaFestUK Highlights

How do you define success, and develop the emotional resilience necessary to sustain your music career? Highlights from AmericanaFestUK, supported by the Musicians’ Union (MU).

Published: 06 February 2018

The Artist & The Truth - Billy Bragg Delivers Keynote at AmericanaFestUK

Highlights from Billy Bragg's keynote address at this year’s AmericanaFestUK, run by the Americana Music Association UK and supported by the Musicians’ Union (MU)

Published: 02 February 2018

BBC survey points to bleak future for arts provision in schools in England

The Musicians’ Union endorses the findings of new BBC research, which reveals the devastating impact of cuts to arts subjects.

Published: 31 January 2018

Fair Play Venue Q&A: The Trades Club #IVW18

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is proud to support Independent Venue Week (IVW). To celebrate, we’re highlighting independent venues, on our Fair Play Venue list, across the UK. First up, The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. #IVW18

Published: 29 January 2018

Fair Play Venue Q&A: Sneaky Pete's #IVW18

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is proud to support Independent Venue Week (IVW). To celebrate, we’re highlighting independent venues, on our Fair Play Venue list, across the UK. Next up, we chat to Nick from Sneaky Pete's in Edinburgh #IVW18

Published: 29 January 2018

MU Update on British Airways Instrument Policy (January 2018)

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has been having fruitful discussions with British Airways, who are actively seeking workable solutions for guitars and larger instruments.

Published: 26 January 2018

Musicians’ Union Opposes Change to YouTube’s Partner Programme

The Musicians’ Union (MU) opposes recent changes to the terms of YouTube’s Partner Programme. The changes will affect who can monetise content on the platform, and may affect MU members looking to grow their channels.

Published: 23 January 2018

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Agent of Change Victory

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes Government’s announcement to back vital plans to save music venues by adopting agent of Change into the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Published: 18 January 2018

Agent of Change event Westminster 10 January 2018

Music legends and industry in fight to save venues

UK Music has brought together leading figures from the music industry to launch a parliamentary battle entitled ‘Agent of Change’ to save music venues from closure.

Published: 10 January 2018

Cardiff named as the UK's first 'music city'

Music has been placed at the heart of Cardiff’s future with the Welsh capital being officially declared a Music City - the first of its kind in the UK.

Published: 20 December 2017

Effective Negotiation Webinar Highlights

Highlights from the Musicians’ Union (MU) webinar on Effective Negotiation. Find out how to negotiate effectively and creatively so you get the recognition you deserve.

Published: 08 December 2017

Agent of Change Principle on the Agenda in the Scottish Parliament

A ministerial statement on Planning was made at Holyrood on the Tuesday 5 December by Lewis MacDonald MSP in regards to the implementation of the Agent of Change principle in Scotland.

Published: 06 December 2017

Did you sign a recording contract in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s or 1990s?

The MU is collating case studies of members who have recording agreements that date back to before the emergence of downloads and streaming as the predominant way in which consumers listen to recorded music.

Published: 05 December 2017

Is Brexit Affecting Your Work Already? We Want to Hear From You #WorkingInTheEU

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is fighting to protect free movement for musicians working in the European Union (EU) post-Brexit. We want to hear from you about how Brexit has affected your work plans for 2019 – touring, performing, teaching or studying in the European Union. #WorkingInTheEU

Published: 01 December 2017

Cross-Party Support Grows for Agent of Change Law to Protect Music Venues

Support at Westminster is mounting for a new law to protect music venues – something the Musicians’ Union (MU) has been lobbying for individually and as part of music industry umbrella group UK Music.

Published: 24 November 2017

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features

Britain Risks “Cultural Void” as Funding Cuts Threaten the Future of Orchestras

The Musician Behind the Moment

MU Highlights Black Music Programming at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

Ivory Ban Will Grant Exemptions for Musical Instruments

Musicians’ Union Representative and Violinist Wins 2018 Salomon Prize

Parents Support Free Movement for Musicians

Brexit: 1 Year to Go

TUC Young Workers’ Conference Passes Motion on Sexual Harassment, Makes It Priority Campaign

MU and WGGB Launch The Musical Theatre Kit

Thangam Debbonaire MP: It is vital Brexit does not constrain the reach of musicians

Minister for Digital & Creative Industries Agrees to Meet Musicians' Union to Discuss Free Movement

Conservative MP Agrees to Raise Question in Parliament in Support of Musicians Working In The EU post-Brexit

Plans Unveiled to Boost Music in the Liverpool City Region

International Women's Day 2018: MU Members Share Their Top Festival Moments

MU Highlights Sexual Harassment and Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

Women's History Month 2018: Time's Up

Help keep the Stratford ArtsHouse open

UK Live Music Census Shows Small Venues Are Good For Everyone

LGBT History Month: "It’s a Shame That None of the Glorious Romantic Scores We Play are About a Gay Couple"

Hearing, Health and Safety at Work

UK’s First Live Music Census Reveals Ongoing Threats to Small Venues

MU Celebrates Campaign Victory as Agent of Change to be Made Law in Scotland

Making the Most of Your Fanbase - AmericanaFestUK Highlights

LGBT History Month: "The West End is a Great Place to Work... All Kinds of Musicians Should Get the Chance to Experience It"

Musicians' Union Gives Evidence On Free Movement for Musicians Post-Brexit

Wellbeing on Your Journey to 'Success' - AmericanaFestUK Highlights

The Artist & The Truth - Billy Bragg Delivers Keynote at AmericanaFestUK

BBC survey points to bleak future for arts provision in schools in England

Fair Play Venue Q&A: The Trades Club #IVW18

Fair Play Venue Q&A: Sneaky Pete's #IVW18

MU Update on British Airways Instrument Policy (January 2018)

Musicians’ Union Opposes Change to YouTube’s Partner Programme

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Agent of Change Victory

Music legends and industry in fight to save venues

Cardiff named as the UK's first 'music city'

Effective Negotiation Webinar Highlights

Agent of Change Principle on the Agenda in the Scottish Parliament

Did you sign a recording contract in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s or 1990s?

Is Brexit Affecting Your Work Already? We Want to Hear From You #WorkingInTheEU

Cross-Party Support Grows for Agent of Change Law to Protect Music Venues