News & Stories for Musicians

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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Meet the MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

Meet the Musicians’ Union at the Labour and Conservative party conferences to talk about the big challenges facing musicians – and invite your MP to do the same.

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

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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

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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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Reminder Information on MU Insurance Benefits

Important updates and reminders regarding the MU’s insurance schemes.

Published: 05 September 2022

A woman wearing headphones and making music using her computer at home.

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

The MU is one of many supporters of the new programme which offers an introduction to Ableton software. From beginner to career, it aims to help improve the percentages of female identifying producers and songwriters in the Music Industry.

Published: 02 September 2022

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MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

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New Resources Added to MU’s Online Bullying and Harassment Advice Page

We have updated our advice page to include information on stalking, staying safe online and new resources provided by The Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Published: 31 August 2022

Person teaching another to play acoustic guitar, close up of instrument on both of their knees.

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

It’s that time of year again, the start of a brand new school year. In preparation, we’ve put together a top ten resource checklist, reminding all of our music educators what the MU’s Education Department may be able to help you with.

Published: 31 August 2022

Musicians, Yoga and its Unexpected Benefit

Creator of the Musicians’ Yoga Essentials course and MU member Veronika Klírová shares her yoga journey and how its helped her career as a musician.

Published: 25 August 2022

A conductor raises a hand towards a choir stood on a stage, facing outwards they appear to be singing.

The Power Of Musical Healing

Music plays a vital role in wellbeing and there is a wide range of help out there for music teachers and musicians.

Published: 24 August 2022

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MU Joins Calls for Emergency Budget

The Union also supports Labour’s proposal to freeze energy bills, which are currently due to increase in October and again in January.

Published: 17 August 2022

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Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

Here MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl provides members with an in-depth analysis of the CMA’s report on music streaming, including top line statistics and where we should now focus our campaigning efforts moving forward.

Published: 15 August 2022

Young French woman with a cloth face mask photographed in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during the Coronavirus pandemic..

France Lifts All Covid Restrictions

This latest update received by the MU sets out the new Covid provisions in France.

Published: 11 August 2022

Female teacher is sitting with one of her students in a music lesson at school. He is learning to play the keyboard and is wearing headphones.

A National Music Service for England: Responses to the Proposal

One week on from The Fabian Society’s proposal for a new National Music Service, we look at press feedback and what key publications have to say.

Published: 11 August 2022

Hands touching sound mixing desk buttons.

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

The team has administered its biggest ever distribution this month and have already paid out over £730k this year so far.

Published: 11 August 2022

Wooden blocks making the shape of a house, featuring images for clothing, housing, food and medical items, representing the building blocks of essential daily life.

Cost Of Living Crisis: What The MU Is Doing

Along with working alongside the TUC to call for an immediate emergency budget, we have also launched a new advice and information hub for members.

Published: 09 August 2022

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Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

Tell the Competition and Markets Authority what you think about the decision not to go ahead with a full market investigation into music streaming.

Published: 08 August 2022

Music teacher points at a score as a child looks and plays on a trumpet

New Proposals for a National Music Service Released by the Fabian Society

The MU has worked with the Fabian Society, who have released the report today, recommending that Labour in Westminster creates a National Music Education Service for England.

Published: 04 August 2022

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The MU Deal for RCO Members

The organ is alive and well in the 2020s. And if you play it, MU membership is cheaper than ever.

Published: 03 August 2022

Portrait of composer Mark Gordon against plain background.

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts

Music Works host Katie Manasse spoke to composer Mark Gordon about the Composers Against Buyouts campaign.

Published: 01 August 2022

Shadow DCMS Minister Backs Musicians After Disappointing Competition and Markets Authority Result

Labour and Co-operative MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Lucy Powell voices her support for musicians.

Published: 28 July 2022

Gal-dem and Vice Join Forces to Publish ‘Open Secrets’ Series

Open Secrets is a collaboration between Gal-dem and VICE that explores abusive behaviour in the music industry – and how it has been left unchecked for too long.

Published: 28 July 2022

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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

Meet the MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

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

Reminder Information on MU Insurance Benefits

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

New Resources Added to MU’s Online Bullying and Harassment Advice Page

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

Musicians, Yoga and its Unexpected Benefit

The Power Of Musical Healing

MU Joins Calls for Emergency Budget

Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

France Lifts All Covid Restrictions

A National Music Service for England: Responses to the Proposal

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

Cost Of Living Crisis: What The MU Is Doing

Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

New Proposals for a National Music Service Released by the Fabian Society

The MU Deal for RCO Members

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts

Shadow DCMS Minister Backs Musicians After Disappointing Competition and Markets Authority Result

Gal-dem and Vice Join Forces to Publish ‘Open Secrets’ Series