News & Stories for Musicians

Group of four young people, smiling on a roof top while one plays acoustic guitar.

12 Recommendations to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Musicians

The Musicians' Census' LGBTQ+ Musicians Insight Report revealed multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more diverse and inclusive. Here we look at the recommendations we think can make that happen.

Published: 07 February 2024

Inclusion and discrimination concept. Lines of wooden figurines as a barrier in front of different coloured figurines.

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

New findings from the Musicians’ Census show that LGBTQ+ musicians are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and sexual harassment, particularly for trans musicians, having a more widespread impact on their careers and ability to work.

Published: 07 February 2024

Aerial view of Stormont Parliament buildings.

MU Calls for Newly Restored Assembly in Northern Ireland to Address Arts Funding Imbalance

As public funding for the arts in Northern Ireland remains low against the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland, MU Acting Regional Organiser Sam Dunkley has written to parties at Stormont urging them to consider the urgent need for investment.

Published: 06 February 2024

James Taylor: The Hammond Organ Player and Composer Carving a Creative Niche Over a Four Decade Career

From cool 60s film themes and gritty jazz funk grooves to innovative cross-genre collaborations – composer, band leader and revered Hammond organ player James Taylor is a tireless creative spirit.

Published: 05 February 2024

Empty classroom with piano and chalk blackboard.

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

We have written to the Department for Education for a second time, asking it to rethink its proposal to end essential top-up funding for teachers’ pensions in Music Hubs. Alongside this, we continue to highlight the significant overall funding shortfall facing music education.

Published: 02 February 2024

Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

A pair of headphones and mobile phone streaming music on a wooden table.

Music Streaming Transparency Code Announced by Government

The Musicians' Union is one of 12 signatories to the Code of Good Practice on Transparency in Music Streaming. 

Published: 31 January 2024

Woman smiling as she joins an online meeting from her tablet.

Members’ Voice: Why I’d Love to See the MU Education Committee Become Even More Diverse

Musician, activist, educator and MU Member Yvonne Wyroslawska writes about her experience as Vice Chair of the MU’s Education Section Committee, and why it’s important that our committees are representative of our members.

Published: 31 January 2024

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar alone in the dark.

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

The report, which was based on an inquiry into what misogynistic attitudes existed in the music industry and why, concluded that much work is still needed to tackle discrimination and the harassment and sexual abuse of women.

Published: 30 January 2024

An empty rehearsal room full of orchestral instruments and chairs.

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

The MU and Equity are postponing strike action to allow time for urgent talks on improved proposals from ENO management.

Published: 29 January 2024

A t-shirt saying #weareeno draped over instruments in a empty orchestra.

How to Support Musicians’ Union Members on Strike at English National Opera

Share your solidarity with musicians in the English National Opera orchestra and music staff going on strike.

Published: 26 January 2024

The London Coliseum Theater in St Martin Lane, London, the current home English National Opera.

Martyn Brabbins on English National Opera Plans to Fire and Re-Hire Musicians for Just Six Months a Year

A statement from former Music Director of English National Opera Martyn Brabbins on proposed cuts to the orchestra, music staff and chorus.

Published: 26 January 2024

Close up of the track listing of SGT. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles on a gold LP.

Industry Insights: How to Sequence a Music Album

Deciding which tracks should go where in the running order of an album can be pivotal. Two artists and one producer tell what works for them.

Published: 26 January 2024

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was the first Black musician to win BBC’s Young Musician award in 2016, and is currently facing racist abuse for speaking out about the ongoing inclusion of Rule Britannia in the BBC Proms.

Published: 25 January 2024

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Did you see the news? On 17 January, the Musicians’ Union announced the first strike by members for 44 years.

Published: 23 January 2024

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on O and P visas and the interview waiver programme for those working in the United States.

Published: 22 January 2024

Close up of an Orchestral Ensemble from behind.

Employment Tribunal Judgement Awards Nevis Ensemble Fellows £47,000 Compensation

MU members who were engaged by the Nevis Ensemble as Fellows have been awarded compensation by an Employment Tribunal after the organisation's collapse in January 2023.

Published: 19 January 2024

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike

Musicians’ Union members will be going on strike for the first time since July 1980.

Published: 17 January 2024

Diverse group of people smiling as they all look up to the camera.

Local Members’ Day Events Announced for MU Members in Wales and South West England

Here MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock outlines what members can expect from this year’s Local Members’ Day events, and provides some key dates so that attendees can plan ahead.

Published: 12 January 2024

A young musician with an acoustic guitar following the train tracks in Woodbridge, Suffolk

MU Concerned by Suffolk Council Arts Cuts

The £500,000 cut to arts funding in 2024/25 budget announced by Suffolk County Council.

Published: 10 January 2024

A marching military band on parade in full uniform.

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

The British Armed Forces represent one of the largest employers of UK musicians. Three experienced military band members share their advice on this rewarding but often-overlooked career path.

Published: 08 January 2024

Steve Pearce smiling holding up a red bass guitar.

It’s About Playing For the Song: A Look Into the Career of Session Bassist Steve Pearce

Find out how bassist, studio musician and MU member Steve Pearce balances his love of session recording with gigging, and why he continues to sustain a highly successful career, which already spans four decades.

Published: 05 January 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist on stage. He performs to the crowd against smoke and bright lights.

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

The campaign believes that art, and particularly rap music, should be protected as a fundamental form of freedom of expression, and should not be used to unfairly implicate individuals in criminal charges.

Published: 04 January 2024

the concept image of travelling to Canada

New Permit Rules for Travelling with Ivory in Canada

Canadian-issued import and export permits will now be required for travel in and out of Canada with ivory as of 8 January 2024.

Published: 02 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

For most freelance musicians, negotiating doesn’t come naturally. But with gig fees, contracts and more to consider, knowing how to do so is crucial to your success within the music industry.

Published: 22 December 2023

Crowd of wooden figures in a circle holding a sign with a red tick, representing a collective vote for yes.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at English National Opera

MU members in the English National Opera (ENO) orchestra and Music Staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in a ballot that closed on 21 December 2023.

Published: 21 December 2023

MU Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England Andy Warnock working on a laptop at this year's Wales Members' Day event.

Welsh Government Draft Budget Cuts Music, Arts and Union Learning Funds

The MU will be writing to Welsh Government and UK Ministers as music and arts face a 10% cut, and local culture funding is cut by a third in Wales’ draft budget.

Published: 21 December 2023

A miniature figurine of a porter with a full luggage cart, placed on the neck of an acoustic guitar. Instrument and baggage concept.

Information for Musicians Flying with Larger Instruments on British Airways

When travelling with British Airways, an additional seat for larger musical instruments cannot be booked online and the airline must be contacted directly, ideally at the time of the initial booking.

Published: 20 December 2023

Close up of bank notes from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Email Your MSP to Support Arts Funding in the Scottish Government Draft Budget

The proposed increase in culture and heritage funding is welcome, but falls far short of both what the music sector needs and what was promised.

Published: 20 December 2023

Vintage record player with a vinyl resting on top, spinning in action

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting has reported back that 2023 saw a record £1.57m being distributed to members, and thanks the R&B team for their unrelenting dedication to the task.

Published: 20 December 2023

Louise smiling holding the award with Regional Committee member Martha-Ann Brookes and Executive Committee member Nigel Braithwaite.

MU Congratulates Midlands Member Louise Braithwaite on TUC’s Campaigning Rep of the Year Award

Louise won the Campaigning Rep of the Year Award at the Annual Midlands TUC Awards earlier this month.

Published: 14 December 2023

Inside of the circular, Scottish Parliament interior debating chamber.

Members in Scotland: Write to Your MSP Now in Support of Arts Funding

Call on the Scottish Government to deliver the £100m arts and culture funding pledged by the First Minister earlier this year.

Published: 14 December 2023

Female teacher sat with a teenage student at school. She is learning to play the keyboard and is wearing headphones.

MU Welcomes New Lords Education Report

The report’s recommendations include ways to reverse the decline in arts subjects in schools for 11 to 16-year-olds.

Published: 13 December 2023

Naomi Pohl and Thangam Debbonaire at this year's Labour Party Conference.

MU Political Fund Ballot: Please Vote Yes

The MU is legally required to ballot its members every ten years on whether it should continue to have a political fund. Papers will be sent out this week so please look out for yours and return it as soon as you can.

Published: 13 December 2023

Aerial view of a diverse crowd of people against a white background, connected by lines, representing connection and networking concepts.

You Don’t Need to Navigate Your Career Alone: A Report on the Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM

MU Regional Officer Ruth Ballantyne reflects on the first ever Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM, looking back at the highlights, exploring both regional and national success, and how we can implement member feedback and ideas moving into 2024.

Published: 13 December 2023

Fair Play on Tour 2023: Celebrating a Decade of the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

Natalie Witts-Kilshaw, MU Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official, reflects on this year’s series of live themed events, which collectively marked a decade of the Fair Play Venue scheme. Find out what our members and fellow musicians were discussing on each leg of the tour.

Published: 13 December 2023

Red wooden doll figure surrounded in circle by other doll figures on a white background. Harassment and bully concept.

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Members are encouraged to engage with the free, online module which is aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those working in the creative industries.

Published: 07 December 2023

The sun shines on the outside of the Stormont building under a blue sky.

MU Attends All Party Group on Arts at Stormont

At the All Party Ground on Arts that was held at Stormont at the end of November, MU Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland Sam Dunkley heard reports on two strategies that will be out for consultation in the spring.

Published: 07 December 2023

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12 Recommendations to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Musicians

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

MU Calls for Newly Restored Assembly in Northern Ireland to Address Arts Funding Imbalance

James Taylor: The Hammond Organ Player and Composer Carving a Creative Niche Over a Four Decade Career

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

Music Streaming Transparency Code Announced by Government

Members’ Voice: Why I’d Love to See the MU Education Committee Become Even More Diverse

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

How to Support Musicians’ Union Members on Strike at English National Opera

Martyn Brabbins on English National Opera Plans to Fire and Re-Hire Musicians for Just Six Months a Year

Industry Insights: How to Sequence a Music Album

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

Employment Tribunal Judgement Awards Nevis Ensemble Fellows £47,000 Compensation

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike

Local Members’ Day Events Announced for MU Members in Wales and South West England

MU Concerned by Suffolk Council Arts Cuts

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

It’s About Playing For the Song: A Look Into the Career of Session Bassist Steve Pearce

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

New Permit Rules for Travelling with Ivory in Canada

2023 End of Year Round Up

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at English National Opera

Welsh Government Draft Budget Cuts Music, Arts and Union Learning Funds

Information for Musicians Flying with Larger Instruments on British Airways

Email Your MSP to Support Arts Funding in the Scottish Government Draft Budget

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

MU Congratulates Midlands Member Louise Braithwaite on TUC’s Campaigning Rep of the Year Award

Members in Scotland: Write to Your MSP Now in Support of Arts Funding

MU Welcomes New Lords Education Report

MU Political Fund Ballot: Please Vote Yes

You Don’t Need to Navigate Your Career Alone: A Report on the Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM

Fair Play on Tour 2023: Celebrating a Decade of the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Attends All Party Group on Arts at Stormont