News & Stories for Musicians

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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

Banner signs outside the London Coliseum Theatre advertising performances of the English National Opera (ENO)

MU in Urgent Talks Following Major Funding Cuts to English National Opera and Other Arts Organisations

The Musicians' Union (MU) has today heavily criticised the decision by Arts Council England (ACE) to make major cuts in public funding to English National Opera (ENO) and other arts organisations.

Published: 04 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

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

A view of Liverpool docks looking empty in the early morning

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

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

Black and white image of recording studio featuring microphone, guitars, amps, mixer and drumkit.

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

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

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

Black and white image of outstretched hand, representing no and harassment.

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

Electricity meter with one pound coins in front. Concept for energy supplier, high bills, price rise, cost of living, inflation and fuel poverty.

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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Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

MU in Urgent Talks Following Major Funding Cuts to English National Opera and Other Arts Organisations

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

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

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