News & Stories for Musicians

Two female session musicians in the studio, one playing bass and the other singing into a microphone. The sound technician is sitting at the mixing desk, turned towards them.

Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

From recovering unpaid fees to distributing royalties, MU services helped secure £3.2 million for musicians in 2025. Your membership pays off.

Published: 29 May 2026

People at the protest holding a red banner saying

MU Stands with Staff and Students Fighting Nottingham University Cuts

MU officials joined staff and students at the University of Nottingham yesterday to protest proposed job and course cuts, including the suspension of music courses for new entrants, as concerns grow over the wider threat facing arts subjects in higher education.

Published: 07 May 2026

The three MU Midlands staff at last year's festival, stood in front of the Union's stand and yellow flags on a bright sunny day.

Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

The MU will once again be attending the annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath on 27 June, joining trade unionists, community groups and families for a day celebrating the history of women’s industrial action and its lasting legacy today.

Published: 05 May 2026

A statue of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Confirmed Closure of RSC Music Department Causes Deep Concern

The RSC has confirmed its decision to dissolve its music department, despite strong opposition from the MU and clear evidence of the vital role that live music plays in the Company’s productions.

Published: 01 April 2026

A person in a crowd holds up a handmade cardboard sign reading “Refugees Welcome” in large green letters with a small red heart. Other protest signs are visible blurred in the background.

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Join the MU at the Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March for a major national demonstration against the far right.

Published: 17 February 2026

View from the second floor of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with a period costume in the foreground.

MU Backs Petition to Stop Closure of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Music Department

The MU is supporting members who have raised concerns and is currently involved in consultation with the RSC.

Published: 12 December 2025

Boating Lake at Highfields Park - a public area in the grounds of the University of Nottingham.

MU Sends Open Letter to University of Nottingham on Music Course Cuts

Music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham while the university’s council decides whether to terminate the courses permanently. Read our open letter to the University's Vice Chancellor.

Published: 25 November 2025

A young man sat at home with a laptop on his knee, typing, while looking at a piece of paper.

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Explore the MU’s new guidance for freelancers on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, covering what it is, what you need to be aware of, and practical tips to get ready.

Published: 12 November 2025

Exterior shot of the research building at Nottingham University.

University of Nottingham to Suspend Music Courses

A consultation to close music at Nottingham is the latest in a string of proposed university music closures.

Published: 06 November 2025

Two young buskers, one singing and one playing guitar on a sunny street.

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Sign the petition to urge the council to reverse the ban on busking in Birmingham city centre.

Published: 28 August 2025

A graphic with yellow and white design elements and black text.

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 19 August 2025

Close up of person in jeans and boots, carrying their guitar case and amp over stone steps.

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

The MU will continue campaigning to overturn the ban as Birmingham becomes the first UK city to entirely outlaw all city-centre busking.

Published: 19 August 2025

Close up of legs running on a treadmill.

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

Following the success of our discounted hotel room benefit, we’re now offering MU members exclusive access to reduced-rate gym memberships with The Gym Group — one of the UK’s leading fitness providers.

Published: 01 August 2025

Close up exterior of the venue with steps to the entrance with a big sign saying 'Rock City - established in 1980'.

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

We’re asking MU members to support a petition highlighting the exploitation of workers at the world-famous venue Rock City in Nottingham.

Published: 18 June 2025

Members and visitors to last year's MU stall at the festival, holding instruments and banners.

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025

The MU returns to Derby Silk Mill Festival on Saturday 7 June. This landmark event celebrates the Midlands Labour movement – uniting people in honour of past struggles and present-day solidarity with marches, talks and activities for the whole family.

Published: 02 June 2025

Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Leon Slater, sat smiling in an armchair.

Tribute to Leon Slater

Leon Slater was a highly accomplished saxophonist who was devoted to his music. He was a member of the MU for over fifty years and had a life-long passion for jazz. This tribute has been provided by Leon’s wife and family.

Published: 24 April 2025

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

TUC Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have come together to sign a partnership deal with creative industries trade unions, securing fair pay and working conditions for creative workers employed through the combined authority.

Published: 10 April 2025

Close up of the exterior of the Birmingham Royal Ballet building with signage.

MU Deeply Saddened to Learn that Caroline Miller of Birmingham Royal Ballet has Passed Away

Caroline Miller OBE, CEO of Birmingham Royal Ballet, passed away on Sunday 15 December. The MU is deeply saddened to hear of the news, and our thoughts go to Caroline’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Published: 17 December 2024

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

We welcome the Labour Government's new Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that strengthen the collective voice of workers across the UK.

Published: 10 October 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at the Labour Unions rally alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Published: 25 September 2024

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Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

We are now looking for members who wish to stand for our Executive Committee (EC) starting in 2025. Find out what being on the EC involves and if you're eligible to stand.

Published: 27 August 2024

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 20 August 2024

Wooden figures in a circle to represent equality.

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

TUC Midlands has released a statement against the racist riots taking place across the UK.

Published: 08 August 2024

Musicians' Union staff and members holding Pride flags at a Pride march.

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

The Musicians' Union has reached 35,000 members this year, marking a milestone in its continued growth.

Published: 01 August 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

A protest in Birmingham against city council cuts, with protesters waving flags and holding banners.

Brum, Rise Up! Join the MU to Campaign Against Birmingham City Council Cuts

MU Midlands members are urged to join us outside Birmingham City Council House on Tuesday 18 June to demand a reversal of the cuts to the city's vital services, libraries and arts sector.

Published: 11 June 2024

The outside of the old Silk Mill in Derby.

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns to Celebrate Midlands Trade Union Movement

Taking place on Saturday 8 June in the heart of Derby, the annual Silk Mill Festival is an opportunity for the whole of the Midlands Labour and progressive movement to rally in a display of solidarity and confidence.

Published: 05 June 2024

Exterior of the Birmingham and Midland Institute building.

MU Midlands Members Urged to Attend Public Meeting to Fight Birmingham City Council Cuts

If you live or work in Birmingham as a musician, we urge you to join us on Saturday 27 April for Brum Rise Up to have your say in the campaign to resist the cultural cuts.

Published: 16 April 2024

An Update on Local Authority Budget Cuts in the Midlands

We share a statement from the Midlands TUC Creative and Leisure Industries Committee on severe cultural budget cuts at Birmingham City Council, and a petition opposing 100% cuts to the cultural budget at Nottingham City Council.

Published: 26 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

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

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

Chairs in a brightly lit but empty classroom

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

Working with Music Mark and the Independent Society of Musicians, we have written urgently to Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, asking for increased funding for music education.

Published: 06 December 2023

Person using a computer to create content from home with music software.

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

The Beijing Treaty will bring additional rights for audiovisual performances and is now set to become UK law, with the MU advising government that musicians would be best served by Equitable Remuneration.

Published: 23 November 2023

Brightly coloured purple and yellow megaphone facing outwards against a bright pink background.

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

The MU’s new Climate Emergency Action Group have now met twice, and are looking inwardly and outwardly at ways the Union, the wider music industry and the Government can address the climate emergency.

Published: 16 November 2023

Close up of a hand holding a Trans Pride flag during a walk or march.

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023

This year Trans Awareness Week takes place 13 to 19 November. Here we share some of the latest news and resources to help us all foster a more inclusive and supportive space for Trans and gender non-conforming people.

Published: 13 November 2023

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Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

MU Stands with Staff and Students Fighting Nottingham University Cuts

Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

Confirmed Closure of RSC Music Department Causes Deep Concern

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

MU Backs Petition to Stop Closure of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Music Department

MU Sends Open Letter to University of Nottingham on Music Course Cuts

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

University of Nottingham to Suspend Music Courses

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

Tribute to Leon Slater

MU Signs Agreement with West Midlands Combined Authority to Support Creative Workers

MU Deeply Saddened to Learn that Caroline Miller of Birmingham Royal Ballet has Passed Away

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Brum, Rise Up! Join the MU to Campaign Against Birmingham City Council Cuts

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns to Celebrate Midlands Trade Union Movement

MU Midlands Members Urged to Attend Public Meeting to Fight Birmingham City Council Cuts

An Update on Local Authority Budget Cuts in the Midlands

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

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

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

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

MU Celebrates Trans Awareness Week 2023