News & Stories for Musicians

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General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

The MU Executive Committee has reluctantly voted to reject a motion from 20 members received on Tuesday 22 February requesting that the deadline for receipt of General Secretary election ballot papers be extended by a minimum of one week.

Published: 28 February 2022

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Discount on Flesh Queer Festival for MU members

MU members can receive a 10% discount on tickets for Flesh Festival, the UK’s first queer electronic music and camping festival.

Published: 25 February 2022

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

The Unsigned Guide have released a 36 page Essential Guide to Music Funding aimed at emerging and unsigned artists and bands.

Published: 25 February 2022

Four older children sat around a table with a blue drum kit in the background. One child has his hand raised and the female teacher is pointing to him in response.

Government Ignores Music and Arts in New HE Funding Announcement for England

Musicians may also be adversely affected by changes to student loan repayments, while the next generation could be penalised by proposals for minimum grades to access student loans.

Published: 25 February 2022

Man wearing blue face mask in leather jacket with short hair, looking out of a window waiting to get off a bus.

MU Expresses Concern at Impact Upon Musicians Following End of Covid-19 Restrictions

The MU, whilst welcoming in principle the scrapping of restrictions taking effect from today in England, has expressed serious concerns about how the end of free testing may affect its members.

Published: 24 February 2022

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Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Following a decision at the last MU delegate conference, parental grants for members are now offered per-child in the case of multiple births or adoptions.

Published: 24 February 2022

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FIM Speaks Out Against Egyptian Musicians’ Union Disregard of Fundamental Rights

The MU supports the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) in calling out the Egyptian Musicians’ Union’s systematic attack on the mahraganat music genre.

Published: 21 February 2022

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Feldenkrais: Working With, or Moving Past Fear of Pain

In this repost of her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter responds to a question raised in one of her classes about fear of movement due to pain.

Published: 18 February 2022

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March Against Racism – National Demonstration

On 19 and 20 March, World Against Racism will be marching in Glasgow, London and Cardiff.

Published: 16 February 2022

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MU Evolves its Copyright Registration Service

After member feedback and as part of our commitment to the climate, we’re no longer issuing CDs. Instead, we’re offering sound advice on how members can best protect themselves.

Published: 16 February 2022

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The Competition & Markets Authority Wants to Hear From You to Help Fix Streaming

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) is asking for comments on the scope of its market study into music and streaming services.

Published: 11 February 2022

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A Boost for Carry on Touring Campaign

The MU is delighted that Tim Brennan and MU member Ian Smith have been nominated for the UK Parliament petition campaign of the year award.

Published: 10 February 2022

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General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

The final stage of the process to elect the next MU General Secretary, the postal ballot, opens on Monday 14 February. Further information about the ballot and the process so far are provided below.

Published: 10 February 2022

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

Members are encouraged to attend the online forum on 16 February, to hear and interrogate the progress of the UK Music 10-Point Plan presented by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce leads.

Published: 09 February 2022

Photograph of a large group of people standing outside the houses of parliament, some appear to be singing and some are holding placards reading

Competition & Markets Authority Market Study Launched in a Win For Fix Streaming

The Competition & Markets Authority has launched its market study into music and streaming services, in a historic win for the Fix Streaming and Broken Record campaigns.

Published: 09 February 2022

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New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

The MU has updated its pages regarding best practice for an inclusive recruitment process for orchestras.

Published: 08 February 2022

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Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Morrish Solicitors are the new provider for our personal injury claim service and other legal service benefits.

Published: 07 February 2022

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MU Reacts to NFT Platform HitPiece

We are aware that many musicians have expressed alarm that works associated with them have been presented for auction as NFTs, seemingly without their knowledge by the platform HitPiece.

Published: 04 February 2022

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What is the Point of Feldenkrais?

Professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter cuts to the crux on the matter on Feldenkrais as an experiential learning method.

Published: 31 January 2022

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We Need More LGBTQ+ Representatives in Every Workplace as Well as The Music Industry

Singer-songwriter Ronnie-Martine talks about her experiences within the industry as a lesbian musician, and how her struggles have not only shaped her music, but also inspired others.

Published: 28 January 2022

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Sign the Petition to Stop the Busking Ban in Birmingham

MU asks musicians to sign the petition against new proposals in Birmingham that would ban busking in many of the prime pitches in the city.

Published: 26 January 2022

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MU National Organiser Chris Walters Talks to Music for Youth’s Remix Podcast

Listen now to the Spotify podcast where the MU's Chris Walters discusses studying music, the role music plays in mental health and more.

Published: 26 January 2022

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Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

We’re pleased to share that our friends at Music Support are currently offering our members the opportunity to attend their Addiction and Recovery Workshop for free.

Published: 25 January 2022

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POWER UP Announces Year 2 Participant Programme Deadline

The holistic POWER UP Participant Programme which includes grants of up to £15k, mentoring, partner, marketing and network support is open for applications until Thursday 17 February 2022.

Published: 25 January 2022

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PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

This aim of the survey is to investigate the impact of caring responsibilities on career progression in Classical Music as well as wider workforce issues including work-life balance and wellbeing.

Published: 20 January 2022

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Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

Music Support is a charity that provides help for musicians dealing with addiction and/or mental health issues. Please complete their survey by 1 February to help improve and develop its services.

Published: 20 January 2022

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

The two-year license fee freeze is likely to harm job opportunities for musicians as The BBC is the single biggest employer of MU members in the UK.

Published: 19 January 2022

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

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Theatre Workers Asked to Take Equity’s Fixing Accommodation Survey

MU members working on commercial tours are asked to fill out Equity’s survey, to help the union look at how problems with the accommodation system have worsened due to the pandemic.

Published: 04 January 2022

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Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

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Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

Due to the significant rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK, in-person Regional Nomination Meetings will now be held online instead.

Published: 23 December 2021

A drummer is playing on a kit in their home, a laptop computer set up near them is recording the performance.

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

The MU is calling on the Government to account for the urgent needs of its members in the coming weeks due to the impact of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 21 December 2021

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Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

As well as voting to donate to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action, the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

Published: 16 December 2021

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MU to Donate to Two Refugee Charities

As part of the MU's work to support Afghan refugees and musicians, the EC has voted to donate to two nominated charities.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Despite the recent reintroduction of mandatory face coverings, festive performances can still continue this year, thanks to the work of Busk in London.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Update to International Travel Restrictions

As of Tuesday 7 December, all passengers entering the UK must take a pre-departure test to travel.

Published: 09 December 2021

Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

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MU Welcomes New Funding Commitment for Music Education in Wales

£6.82 million has been pledged to cover musical instruments and resources in Wales, with additional funding and policy details to follow.

Published: 07 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

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General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

Discount on Flesh Queer Festival for MU members

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

Government Ignores Music and Arts in New HE Funding Announcement for England

MU Expresses Concern at Impact Upon Musicians Following End of Covid-19 Restrictions

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

FIM Speaks Out Against Egyptian Musicians’ Union Disregard of Fundamental Rights

Feldenkrais: Working With, or Moving Past Fear of Pain

March Against Racism – National Demonstration

MU Evolves its Copyright Registration Service

The Competition & Markets Authority Wants to Hear From You to Help Fix Streaming

A Boost for Carry on Touring Campaign

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

Competition & Markets Authority Market Study Launched in a Win For Fix Streaming

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

MU Reacts to NFT Platform HitPiece

What is the Point of Feldenkrais?

We Need More LGBTQ+ Representatives in Every Workplace as Well as The Music Industry

Sign the Petition to Stop the Busking Ban in Birmingham

MU National Organiser Chris Walters Talks to Music for Youth’s Remix Podcast

Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

POWER UP Announces Year 2 Participant Programme Deadline

PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Theatre Workers Asked to Take Equity’s Fixing Accommodation Survey

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

MU to Donate to Two Refugee Charities

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Update to International Travel Restrictions

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

MU Welcomes New Funding Commitment for Music Education in Wales

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps